Territory Sales Manager
West
US Army, O-3
When I made the decision to change careers in November of 2009, to say that I was concerned about the job market is a bit of an understatement. I left the Army with the rank of Captain more than eight years before, and my experience at the University of Tampa was a distant memory. I got married almost exactly a year ago, and I was now looking to sell my business (a catering service), and seek out a job that would provide some stability, so my wife and I could start a family. We all know what the economy looks like, and I knew I might need some help.
I went about making my transition in a very organized, systematic fashion. I decided that I would look for a career in the medical device or pharmaceutical sales industry, as that seemed like the best fit for me. I spent tireless hours honing my resume to a razor's edge, filtering through company information, and developing a detailed contact matrix for all the companies I was interested in. I included in this matrix no less than eight recruiters to help me along (never can be too sure, right?), one of which was Orion International.
In retrospect, it felt like I was fighting a battle on two fronts: On one, I was beginning to get a feel for how difficult it was going to be for me to find the right job. Of the 23 companies that I contacted directly, I heard back from just two, only to learn that one position "might" become available in February or March and the other would require relocation. Of the eight recruiters, I had sporadic communication (at best) with two, no response at all from three, one required "exclusivity," and another wouldn't work with me because I wasn't transitioning out of the military.
On the other front, there was Orion. Less than 48 hours after I submitted my online application for Orion, I got a call from Michelle Martin. In that and subsequent conversations, she took the time to ask the questions that would help determine a real "fit", not just a job. I also spoke with JP Sniffen a few times before the hiring conference in January. The most memorable conversation was the one in which I learned that no pharmaceutical or medical device companies were coming. I was crushed, to be honest, until JP peaked my interest by saying, "I do have someone you might want to look at, though. Aardvark Tactical." "Tactical? Tell me more!" He had my attention.
This company was looking for a Territory Sales Manager to represent tactical equipment to law enforcement agencies in my area. I wondered if I was being “punked”. The opportunity sounded too good to be true. I was an MP, and I have my B.S. in Criminology, so it sounded like I might already have some really good training to help me along.
JP put me on an interview preparation conference call a few days before the hiring conference. Not only did we discuss the conference itself and general interviewing tactics and techniques, but also specific interview strategies by career type. To take it a step further, JP called me again before the conference to give me specific intel about the interviewer I would be meeting.
The conference was executed precisely as promised, and the interview went exactly as I expected. All the information I had was on point, and I knew the job was a fit. Thereafter, I had two more interviews with the company, which went just as before. I was very prepared and well-informed (knowing is half the battle, right?), and in an interview, that goes a long way.
From first contact on, I had the support I needed. My experience with Michelle, JP, and Orion has truly been a pleasure. Their dedication and commitment to their word could only remind me of working with my fellow Soldiers, which is the highest compliment that can be paid. I started my dream job on 01 March 2010. I love what I do, and it shows in the quality of my work. I Iove the job; I love the people; and I couldn't ask for more.
