The Hunter - September 2019

Orion has recently partnered with TEKsystems, an industry leader in Technology and Talent Services, to provide rewarding careers for IT Professionals in its key Technical Performance Areas:

- Applications Services
- Cyber Security
- Cloud Services & Network Support
- IT Support, Outsourcing and Deployment

TEKsystems has a team of 80,000 and works with 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500 companies across North America, Europe and Asia. TEKsystems invests in nurturing and developing a new generation of leaders for whom diversity is a core strength and asset, and helps like-minded organizations do the same.

Military Friendly

TEKsystems has helped thousands of servicemen and women—more than 15,000 since 2013—with their career aspirations in a wide variety of fields, including the leadership of its own company. With a broad range of career development, training and transition programs, the company provides the flexibility and support you need for a successful career.

TEKsystems firmly believes that companies should take extra steps to help veterans transition to rewarding careers and to accommodate active reservists. The company understands the exceptional grit, discipline and work ethic the military instills can help organizations achieve great things.

The company’s commitment to veterans includes veterans recruiting programs, Guard- and reserve-friendly policies, partnerships with the Pat Tillman Foundation, VetsinTech, and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. In addition to its partnerships, TEKsystems has earned numerous awards including:

Visit us online to learn more and apply for an IT career with TEKsystems.

Veteran Spotlight: Mark Dewitz

After an almost 24-year career in the Air Force, Mark Dewitz decided to retire and pursue a career in the civilian world. Like most veterans, Mark had really enjoyed his time in the military and was worried he would not find a career as rewarding as the one he experienced in the Air Force.

Mark connected with an Orion Recruiter and attended a recent Orion Hiring Conference in Atlanta. Mark joined the podcast to discuss his military career and transition as well as his experience working with Orion, including the benefits of attending an Orion Hiring Conference, his career with Alcon, and advice for transitioning service members.

“I was a Production Superintendent in the Air Force before I retired,” Mark said. “In this career in the military, I’ve worked on multiple airframes and traveled all over the world, including 26 different countries. The Air Force was a great experience for myself and my family.”

After Mark did not make selection, he knew the time had come to move on in his career. “I was looking for a position that I could use the experience I gained in the military in electronics and avionics, but I had no idea what to expect with the military transition,” Mark added.

“I was working with some other military recruiting firms, but they kept presenting me with positions in places that I didn’t want to live and sending very impersonal emails, so when an Orion Talent recruiter reached out on LinkedIn, I decided to give them a shot,” Mark explained. Mark was impressed with the level of communication that he received with Orion throughout the process. “I get a text message or a phone call at least twice a week and an email once a week. For me, this shows that Orion cares about their candidates,” Mark said.

Mark attended an Orion Hiring Conference in Atlanta, where he had six interviews. “I was very nervous to do that many interviews in one day, until I realized that the hiring managers at the conference were there because they wanted to hire someone with my experience and background in the military,” Mark stated.

The first day of an Orion Hiring Conference is dedicated to interview preparation, briefings on the interviewing companies and positions, and opportunities for military job seekers to network with the companies and fellow job seekers. “The information that Orion provided during the hiring conference, from the company briefs to the interview preparation, was very informative,” Mark said. “They provided a ton of information on things that I never learned in my TAP class, from how to close an interview, how to research a company, resume help, and more.”

Overall, Mark recalls that the hiring conference experience was a lot easier than trying to find a career on his own. “The hiring conference was a fun experience, and took a lot of stress off the job search process,” he said. “Orion made my life a lot easier!”

Mark received multiple job offers from the event, and accepted a position with Alcon as an Electromechanic with the intention of promoting to Supervisor fairly quickly. “What interested me the most about Alcon was that during the interview, the hiring manager challenged me right away by asking me to identify and diagnose a problem with examples,” Mark explained. “I wanted to work in a position that would challenge me and that I would be able to learn more and grow.”

Mark also had some advice from transitioning military members, encouraging them to speak with a recruiting firm to help find a civilian career. “Orion was the one that worked best for me,” he said. “They understood what I was going through because they are former military as well.”

“Orion has been a godsend for myself and my family. They helped me not to give up and gave me the satisfaction of looking for a new career,” Mark stated. “I was a priority for them, and not just a number. Orion will help you from step one, and even after you receive a job.”

If you are transitioning soon and looking for a civilian career, join Mark and the thousands of others like him who have found rewarding careers through Orion Talent. Begin your career search with Orion and register today.

Careers for Veterans with Amazon Logistics

Orion has recently partnered with Amazon to spread the word about exciting opportunities for those who are looking for entrepreneurial careers in New York City. Amazon's Delivery Service Partner program provides an opportunity for strong leaders who are passionate about developing a hardworking team to start their own business. Joining a robust community of small businesses, you will help deliver thousands of packages to customers every day. Amazon is seeking Delivery Service Partners who are dedicated to providing a great customer experience in the Bronx and Woodside, NY.

As a Delivery Service Partner, you'll be fully responsible for hiring and developing a team of high-performing drivers. Access to Amazon's exclusive discounts on a suite of assets and services keeps owner startup costs low. As part of the Delivery Service Partner community, you'll operate your own delivery business with 20 to 40 vans and 40 to 100 employees, working alongside other owners in your area. Amazon will help you set up and get ready to operate out of a local Amazon delivery station, and you'll provide consistent coaching and support for your team, ensuring packages are delivered to customers seven days/week, 365 days/year.

Amazon is offering Open Houses to learn more about the Delivery Service Partner program throughout the month of August.

Visit us online to learn more and request more information about starting your own business as an Amazon Delivery Service Partner.

Job Interview DON’TS: What NOT to do During a Job Interview

Staffing Industry Analysts recently shared an article highlighting what HR professionals and Hiring Managers have experienced during interviews. From candidates eating food to showing up in bunny slippers, these interview “don’ts” take the cake!

The staffing company Express Employment Professionals surveyed over 300 business leaders and over 200 job seekers about the most egregious and inappropriate actions they have seen during a job interview. The results are surprising:

85% report a job candidate “showing up late.”
83% report a job candidate with “inappropriate clothing.”
49% report a job candidate with “inappropriate language.”
48% report a job candidate “eating or chewing gum.”
39% report a job candidate “responding to text messages.”
37% report a job candidate “answering a phone call.”
31% report a job candidate “bringing a child into the interview.”
31% report a job candidate “bringing a friend into the interview.”
26% report a job candidate “bringing a parent into the interview.”
24% report a job candidate being “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol.

Job candidates also reported unprofessional behavior on the other side of the table - 63% reported an interviewer showing up late, 58% experienced unprepared interviewers, and 51% reported an interviewer answering a phone call.

Most transitioning military have never had to interview for a position. In the military, natural career progression and a demonstrated record of performance have dictated the particular jobs you have secured.

An interview is your chance as a job seeker to show why your military experience and your demonstrated track record of performance are a strong fit for the organization. You must be able to relate your background and strengths to an interviewer in order to get the job.

"At every stage of the interview, keep your energy and positivity up. Be excited about the role, and stay on your game," Orion Talent Recruiter Chris Hurst advised in a recent podcast regarding the interview process. “Always assume business attire for first and any follow-up interviews, never be late, and communicate well with all parties involved in the process.”

Orion Talent offers a variety of interview preparation help through our Military Transition Resources page, including interview basics, common mistakes, sample interview questions, and more. In addition, our podcast, From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, has over 15 episodes dedicated to interview preparation, including Everything You Need to Know About the Interview Process, and Frequently Asked Interview Questions.

Careers for Veterans with Siemens

Over the last 20 years, nearly 1,500 Veterans have found rewarding careers at Siemens through Orion Talent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Research & Development, IT, Sales & Marketing, and Operations roles. Through its business units which span many functional areas and vertical industries, Siemens is committed to creating innovations and technologies that contribute to and advance society’s success.

Siemens’ solutions have reduced congestion in cities by 20% by using intelligent real-time traffic data; and helped NASA develop the Curiosity rover and land it safely on Mars. The student version of the software deployed by NASA also recently helped a high school senior develop a prosthetic foot for a wounded veteran.

Orion recently hosted a live #OrionChat on our Twitter with Siemens about careers for veterans with Siemens. Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA and Brian Henry, Senior Vice President of Operations at Orion Talent, joined the chat to discuss opportunities for veterans at Siemens, the benefits of working at Siemens, how a military background can translate into a career with Siemens, and more. “Veterans are natural leaders who can manage difficult assignments. They come to us with strong technical skills and experience using sophisticated technology,” said Barbara during the chat.

“We have a responsibility to help veterans live the American dream they bravely defended by entering the civilian workforce,” Barbara tweeted. “It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s good for our core business, as it addresses our talent needs.” Read the full #OrionChat here.

Jeremy Ball, Navy veteran and Senior Product Engineer for Siemens, recently joined Orion’s “From the Battlefield to the Boardroom” podcast to discuss his military background, what attracted him to Siemens, and what makes him excited about a career at Siemens.

“I’ve always felt a call to serve and help people, and Siemens has made an impact in the diagnostics healthcare world through its healthcare segment,” Jeremy stated during the podcast. “The business model has recently shifted, and there is a lot more accountability placed on the employees, so you feel that you have more of an impact.”

Jeremy also expressed his excitement for working at Siemens, stating that there is a lot of opportunity to advance and change career paths, if he desired. “They (Siemens) have facilities all over the world in a variety of industries, including industry, energy, and healthcare, so there is a lot of growth potential,” he explained. “You can expand into a field that makes the most sense for you and find your niche.”

“The best thing about working at Siemens is that they see me as an employee who can benefit the company as a whole, instead of fitting me into one specific role. They are committed to their employees, and are very military friendly.”

Listen to the full podcast:

As Orion’s partnership with Siemens continues to grow and expand, we are seeking outstanding Military Technicians and Officers to join the Siemens team. Visit us online to learn more and apply for a career with Siemens.

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

Orion Talent is gearing up for another exciting season of Distinguished Candidate Conferences. With DCCs scheduled all across the country, there will be 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 2018, nearly 130 Military Officers found their civilian careers through our Distinguished Candidate Conference, with companies including Corning, Honeywell, Ingersoll Rand, Siemens, and many others. See below for our upcoming DCC schedule:

September 9 - 10, 2019 - Philadelphia, PA Request an Application
October 7 - 8, 2019 - San Diego, CA Request an Application
October 28 - 29, 2019 - Atlanta, GA Request an Application

Orion only holds a few DCCs each year, so opportunities to attend are limited. If you would like to be considered for one of these special hiring events, please contact us via the links above.

Keep Your Resume Up to Date in our Database

If you haven't already, be sure to upload your updated resume in our database. Our search engine will pull key information from your resume that recruiters are searching for current job opportunities. By keeping an updated resume on file in our database, you will increase the chance of us making a great match as new career opportunities are presented.

You can upload your resume by logging in to your account and selecting "My Resume," entering in your information, and uploading your document. Forgot your password? Click on the forgot password link and enter your email address.

You can register on our site here. Creating an account gives you access to apply for jobs in which you are interested, and allows our recruiters to identify you as a potential match for positions they are are seeking to fill.

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

Video Series: Minute with Mike

Check out our weekly video series, Minute with Mike! Every Tuesday, 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 to see this week's, 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:

96. Marine Corps Veteran Excels in a Career with Sears Home Services

95. Recruiting Manager Shares Tips for Navigating Online Networking

94. Former Navy Nuke Turned Recruiter Shares his Military Transition Story

93. Combined Arms: Uniting Veterans After the Uniform

92. How to Decide if a Job is a Good Fit Before Accepting an Offer

If you are ready to enter the interview process, listen to these episodes!

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

Philadelphia, PA (Military Technicians) September 8-9 - Please contact Annette Stephens, 757-998-8524, for more information.

Philadelphia, PA (Distinguished Candidate Conference) September 9-10 - Please contact Chris Hurst, 757-998-8520, for more information.

Midwest

Chicago, IL September 15 - 16 - please contact Dan Young, 513-644-3355, for more information.

South Central

Dallas, TX September 8 - 9 - Officers please contact Bob Berkholz, 737-209-3362, for more information; Enlisted candidates please contact Doug Bell, 737-209-3361, for more information.

Southeast

Columbia, SC September 15 - 16 - Contact Alyssa Muscarello, 984-208-3987, for more information.

Western

San Diego, CA August 25 - 26 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.

Seattle, WA September 12 - 13 - Contact Jay Koranda, 858-267-4233, for more information.

Virtual Hiring Event

Southeast and South Central U.S. (Navy Nuclear & Top-Tier Military Technicians) September 25 - 27 - Contact Chris Hurst, 757-998-8524, 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 Cary, NC; San Diego, CA; and Virginia Beach, VA 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.

Watch the video below from Dave Lehmkuhl, our Raleigh Regional Sales Manager, for more info about this position:

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 our Senior Vice President of Operations, Brian Henry.

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.

South Central

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

Fort Hood - September 25

Southeast

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

MCAS New River - August 22
JB Charleston - August 22
MCAS New River - September 12
MCAS Beaufort - September 13
Jacksonville - September 18
JB Charleston - September 26
MCAS Cherry Point - September 27

Midwest

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

Great Lakes GPS - August 22
Fort Campbell - September 18-19
Fort Knox - September 25

West

For all base visits in the West, contact Jay Koranda for more information.

NS San Diego - September 3

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

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $9,300 in referral bonuses in the first quarter 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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Preferred Sands

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Aereon

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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.