The Hunter - March 2020

At Orion Talent, we strive to provide our candidates with the latest in research, advice, and insight, to help you make the transition into the civilian workforce as smoothly as possible. With this in mind, we are consistently publishing new resources covering everything from your specific background, hiring events, and more. We invite you to peruse these new resource pages and get an in-depth look at how we match your skills and career goals with opportunities within America’s finest companies.

Veteran Hiring Conferences

An Orion Talent Hiring Conference is your chance to interview with hiring managers for positions that are a match with your background, skills, and preferences. Orion holds approximately 75 hiring conferences each year in cities throughout the nation, and each Regional Hiring Conference will feature positions throughout that area of the country. LEARN MORE→

National Distinguished Candidate Conferences

Orion Talent hosts a number of Distinguished Candidate Conferences each year across the country for candidates whose education, background, and military career distinguish them from their peers. Distinguished candidates include graduates of Military Service Academies or Top College and Universities, those with an advanced education, and those that have consistently ranked above their peers in Officer Evaluations. LEARN MORE →

Company Exclusive Hiring Events

Every company has different hiring needs, and Orion Talent is here to meet those needs. For many companies, this solution is a Company Exclusive Hiring Event. And like the hiring companies, the candidates invited to these customized solutions enjoy one-stop events allowing them to complete all phases of the hiring process in a single day. These Company Exclusive Hiring Events bring candidates to the doorstep of companies hiring for multiple positions and ready to make an offer. LEARN MORE →

Meet a Recruiter - Career Transition Planning and Base Visits

No matter how far out you are from your transition, meeting with an Orion Recruiter in your location is the very best way to get a jump start on your career search. Orion Recruiters travel to posts and bases throughout the country to meet with you to discuss your goals and preferences and to present a realistic picture of what to expect in your search. LEARN MORE →

Data Center Industry Careers through Orion Talent

The Data Center industry presents an exciting and challenging opportunity for the right candidate. Military Officers and Enlisted Technicians possess unmatched training in electronic, mechanical, and electrical systems as well as proven leadership skills, making them an ideal fit for a career in the Data Center industry. Military veterans are well-versed in adhering to the strict operating procedures and protocols that are critical to the success of Data Centers and Mission Critical Facilities. More than 1,200 veterans have been hired into various roles across Data Centers and Mission Critical Facilities through Orion. LEARN MORE →

Careers for Junior Military Officers

Are you a First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Captain or Lieutenant preparing for your transition from Active Duty? Discover Orion Talent, the nation's most trusted career partner to Junior Military Officers making the transition into Corporate America. Orion will help you with your transition into the civilian workforce by matching your skills and career goals with opportunities within America's finest companies. LEARN MORE →

Air Force Academy Graduates

We are proud of the high caliber opportunities we have available for graduates of our nation's Service Academy graduates. US Air Force Academy graduates have many traits that are sought out in the civilian workforce due to their unmatched experience and leadership skills. LEARN MORE →

Post-Military Careers for Transitioning and Former Enlisted Technicians

Transitioning and former enlisted military technicians have turned to Orion Talent for help in their civilian job search for nearly three decades. Over the years we have worked with Navy Nuclear Trained Technicians (Nuke ETs, Nuke EMs, Nuke MMs), as well as those with Electronics, Electrical, and Mechanical backgrounds from all branches of service (Army, Navy, USMC, Air Force, and Coast Guard). LEARN MORE →

Careers for USMC Technicians

Over the last 28 years, Orion has found civilian careers for more than 4,000 Marine Corps Technicians. We are particularly proud of the high caliber opportunities we have available for our nation's Enlisted USMC personnel. Here, you will find everything you need to know about careers for USMC Technicians, including testimonials from your fellow veterans, recent placements, and much more. LEARN MORE →

Careers for Navy Electricians

We find civilian careers for Navy Electricians as well as veteran Electricians who have already transitioned but are seeking a career change. Over the last 28 years, we have found civilian careers for more than 2,500 Navy Electricians. Here, you will find everything you need to know about careers for Navy Technicians, including testimonials from your fellow veterans, recent placements, and much more. LEARN MORE →

Careers for Navy Electronics Technicians

If you are a transitioning Navy Electronics Technician or a veteran Electronics Technician who has already transitioned and is seeking a career change, this page is for you! We have found civilian careers for more than 6,000 Navy Electronics Technicians since the start of our company. This page provides information on how to get started working with Orion, recent careers for Navy Electronics Technicians through Orion, and testimonials. LEARN MORE →

Careers for Navy Machinist's Mates

We are particularly proud of the high caliber opportunities we have available for our nation’s Enlisted Navy personnel, specifically our Navy Machinist’s Mates. On this page you will find a podcast and blog post featuring a former Navy Nuclear Machinist Mate who found a career through Orion, recent careers for Navy Machinist’s Mates, testimonials, and how to get started working with Orion to find your next career. LEARN MORE →

Careers for Navy Nuclear Technicians

Over the last 28 years, Orion has found civilian careers for more than 6,000 Navy Technicians, with nearly 20% of hires having a Nuclear background. This page offers resources on how to get started working with Orion, testimonials, recent careers for Navy Nukes, and podcasts featuring former Navy Nukes who share their military transition stories. LEARN MORE →

We hope you find these new resources insightful as you navigate through your military to civilian transition. Please visit us online to learn more and get started working with Orion today.

Careers for Marine Corps Technicians

Over the last 29 years, Orion has matched over 45,000 Veterans with rewarding careers, including more than 4,000 Marine Corps Technicians, and we are particularly proud of the high caliber opportunities we have available for our nation’s Enlisted USMC personnel.

Whether you have two years or two weeks before you leave active military service, there are many steps you can take prior to your separation date that will position you for success as you transition into the civilian workforce. We invite you to use our career resources and tips for USMC Technicians to help navigate the change. No matter where you are in the transition and who you need to consider, we have resources that can help you plan and manage the changes ahead.

At Orion we know that the technical knowledge and intangible skills you gained in the military have employers competing for your expertise. With high salaries and strong opportunities throughout all parts of the U.S., now is the time for you to work with Orion to lead you into a position that will be the best match with your background, preferences and skill set.

Here are just a few recent careers Marine Corps Technicians have found through Orion:

Listen to our podcast featuring Brooke Langlie, a Marine Corps Technician veteran who is now a Service Technician with Sears Home Services. In this podcast, Brooke discusses her military transition and civilian career.

Be sure to check out the testimonials from your fellow Marines who have found success utilizing Orion during their post-military career search. Ready to start a new career? Visit us online to learn more about Free Career Services for Marine Corps Technicians.

Veterans Credit Leadership Skills to Successful Careers

It’s no surprise to veterans that they possess leadership skills, mostly learned from their time in the military. A recent study by the Center for Creative Leadership revealed that Army leaders showed a greater proficiency of core leadership qualities than their civilian industry leader counterparts.

While this study highlighted just Army leaders, veterans from all branches of the military have the same leadership qualities and skills, giving them a clear advantage in the civilian workplace.

The Chicago Tribune recently profiled a few seasoned veterans who attribute their success in their current roles to the leadership qualities they gained while serving in the military.

David Dirks served 23 years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Command Master Chief. He currently works as a Senior Operations Manager for a food manufacturer. David credits his leadership success in his civilian career to being a leader in the military. “Being a leader in the military is going to train you for leadership in civilian life, due to the stress,” David stated. “Being able to make quick decisions is invaluable...you can be built to be a leader, but it must be taught and focused upon at an early age.”

Paul A. Dillon is another such veteran who values the leadership skills he learned in the military. A First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, Paul now heads is own company, Dillon Consulting Services, LLC. Paul recalls that the greatest leadership skills taught by the military are reflected in its superiors. “An officer has to convince people under his or her command that they have their best interests in mind, while they are accomplishing the mission,” he said. “An officer doesn’t eat until all his or her troops have eaten. An officer is the last to sleep, and walks the perimeter of the camp to ensure their troops are safe and sound. An officer doesn’t change into a pair of dry socks until he or she is satisfied their troops are dry and warm. Otherwise, the troops aren’t going to follow you to places they wouldn’t go by themselves.”

More and more companies are recognizing the special traits that military veterans bring to the workplace. The veteran unemployment rate has decreased over the last decade down to 3.3 percent. This is the 15th consecutive month when the veteran unemployment rate was lower than the non-veteran unemployment rate, according to the Department of Labor.

Older veterans in particular are in high demand, having experienced moving through the ranks of the branches and having matured in the process. “They will have more seasoning, but higher leadership positions aren’t as available as junior positions (in the civilian world). However, one advantage that these senior officers have is they will often go with defense contractors, or into government roles,” Mike Starich, CEO of Orion Talent, explained.

Along with leadership qualities, veterans also have acquired soft skills, those intangible characteristics that cannot be taught, but are instead built upon while in the service. These include persuasive skills that make many veteran leaders good salespeople, and organizational skills honed in military roles requiring the tackling of multiple tasks simultaneously, Starich says.

While more and more companies recognize the value of hiring veterans, now is a great time for veterans to pursue a new career. “In general, there’s just an overall movement to hire veterans,” Starich added. Get started working with Orion today to help find your new career. Learn more about Orion’s services, and register to get started.

Military Officers Connect with Civilian Careers at Orion’s Distinguished Candidate Conferences

Orion Talent hosts a number of Distinguished Candidate Conferences each year across the country, featuring Engineering, Sales, Project Management, Leadership Development, and Operations Management positions available nationwide.

Distinguished candidates include graduates of Military Service Academies or Top Universities, those with an advanced education, and those that have consistently ranked above their peers in Officer Evaluations.

Our DCCs offer a unique format, designed to maximize our candidates’ chances of receiving a job offer, consisting of interview preparation, briefings by the interviewing companies, and a President's Reception to network with hiring managers and other candidates, culminating in interviews the next day.

You can view a complete guide to our DCCs in this video featuring Orion Regional Recruiting Manager Mike Wood:

The feedback from candidates attending our DCCs is consistent every year, with veterans saying it is by far the best way to find their next career.

In 2019, nearly 200 Military Officers found their civilian careers through our Distinguished Candidate Conferences, with companies including Corning, Honeywell, Ingersoll Rand, Siemens, and many others. See below for our upcoming DCC schedule:

February 24 - 25, 2020 - Philadelphia, PA

March 9 - 10, 2020 - San Diego, CA

April 6 - 7, 2020 - Atlanta, GA

Orion only holds a few DCCs each year, so opportunities to attend are limited. If you would like to be considered for one of our special special hiring events, please complete a form above or contact Chris Hurst at churst@oriontalent.com.

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

Video Series: Minute with Mike

Check out our weekly video series, Minute with Mike! Every Wednesday, Recruiting Manager Mike Wood offers a brief review of the current job opportunities nationwide, along with advice for your job search. Watch the video below, and keep an eye out on social media for the weekly editions!

According to Your Peers

Career Success with Orion

Podcast Series for Job Seekers

Have you tuned in to From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, our podcast series dedicated to supporting military job seekers? We have a variety of episodes covering everything from the civilian transition process to valuable insights and guidance from other Veterans and business leaders.

We've recently added new podcasts, including:

113. Financially Preparing for Your Transition, Ft. Ryan Guina (The Military Wallet)

112. Beyond the Uniform's Justin Nassiri: Part 2

111. Beyond the Uniform's Justin Nassiri: Part 1

110. JDog Franchise Owners Share Valuable Insight for Prospective Franchisees

108. Resources for Veterans and Employers through PsychArmor

If you are ready to enter the interview process, visit our Interview Essentials page to sharpen your interview skills!

Visit us online to listen to all the episodes, and explore our new podcast categories on each stage of the transition process. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast platform or RSS feed, to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.

We'd love to feature your questions in our upcoming episodes. If you have any questions you'd like to hear us answer, click below to email us!

Upcoming Hiring Conferences

If you will be separating from the military and preparing to begin your civilian career within the next 90 days, be sure to attend one of our hiring conferences. After a full day of preparation, you'll interview with hiring managers for only those positions that are a match with your needs and preferences.

Northeast

Norfolk, VA (Military Technicians) March 22 - 23 - please contact Amy West, 757-998-8520, for more information.

Providence, RI March 29 - 30 - Officers please contact Chris Hurst, 757-998-8524, for more information; Enlisted candidates please contact Amy West, 757-998-8520, for more information.

Midwest

Detroit, MI March 1 - 2 - please contact Dan Young, 513-644-3355, for more information.

South Central

Houston, TX March 1 - 2 - please contact Matt White, 737-209-3377, for more information.

Southeast

Columbia, SC March 9 - 10 - Officers please contact Mike Wood, 984-208-3986, for more information; Enlisted candidates please contact Sarah Rodd, 984-208-3976, for more information.

Western

San Diego, CA (Military Technicians) March 8 - 9 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.

San Diego, CA (Distinguished Candidate Conference) March 9 - 10 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.

Seattle, WA March 26 - 27 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.

Join the Orion Team

Account Executive Careers with Orion

Orion Talent is currently seeking transitioning or former military officers with a strong record of achievement to join our Sales Team as an Account Executive. We are hiring for our San Diego, CA; Austin, TX; and Raleigh, NC offices.

As an Account Executive, you will be responsible for identifying and working closely with America's leading companies in order for them to hire transitioning military veterans and develop smarter hiring programs. Average total first year income for Account Executives is $80K+, with a goal of $100K+ in your second year and beyond.

To qualify, you should have military experience, a Bachelors degree, and a desire to succeed in sales. You do not need prior sales experience, as we will provide you the training, tools and resources needed to succeed.

Visit our Account Executive Careers with Orion Talent page to learn more about working at Orion, including a video, podcast, and webinar on our Account Executive positions.

Once you are ready to apply, the next step is to complete an online sales assessment.

If you're looking for a quick way to introduce yourself, please send an email that includes your resume to Isabel Jessee.

Career Transition Planning and Base Visits

When our Recruiters visit a location near you, it's a chance to get a jump start on your career search, regardless of your ETS date. Our Recruiters will discuss your goals and preferences with you and present a realistic picture of what to expect in your search. You'll get resume advice, interview preparation tips, and much more! Please send an email to the Regional Recruiter listed for the base visit in which you are interested.

Southeast

For all base visits in the Southeast, contact Mike Wood for more information.

MCAS Cherry Point - March 13

Midwest

For all base visits in the Midwest, contact Dan Young for more information.

Fort Campbell - March 17-18

South Central

For all base visits in the South Central U.S., contact Bob Berkholz for more information.

Fort Polk/Fort Carson (Virtual) - February 26
Fort Sill (Virtual) - March 12
Fort Hood - March 19
Fort Bliss (Virtual) - March 25

Earn $100 for Every Referral that Finds their Career through Orion

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $22,500 in referral bonuses in the first three quarters of 2019?

For every job seeker you refer to us who is subsequently hired through Orion, you'll receive a $100 gift card to a retailer of your choice after they reach 90 days on the new job!

It's simple - just click here to refer a friend. 30 seconds of your time could be $100 in your pocket!

Companies Recently Hiring

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KLA

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Kawasaki Rail Car

AC/DC Synergy Group

Lineage Logistics Holdings

Mid-Atlantic Crane and Equipment Company

DTE Energy Company

Akrion

HSB

Calpine Corporation

Connect with Orion Online

Follow us to keep up-to-date on all things Orion, including hiring events, base visits, webinars, and news pertinent to veterans through our social media listed below.