The Hunter - January 2021

Friday, January 1, 2021

How to Leverage LinkedIn in Your Job Search

With over 500 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is the most powerful social network for building your personal brand, growing your network, and finding your next career. In fact, a study found that 122 million people received an interview through LinkedIn, with 35.5 million having been hired by a person they connected with on the site. 

As a military job seeker, you might be new to LinkedIn, or maybe you need some insight on how to make the most of this social platform. Our podcast episode, Leveraging LinkedIn in Your Job Search, discusses the importance of LinkedIn and how to leverage the platform to find your next job opportunity, including how to let Recruiters know you are available, the top five tips for getting noticed, and what to avoid when using LinkedIn.

LinkedIn has a feature now to let Recruiters know you are actively looking for employment. To activate this feature, navigate to the Dashboard section on your profile, and under Career Interests, click the radio button “Let Recruiters know you're open.” You can even choose the types of opportunities that you'd like to be connected with. For active duty military members transitioning to a civilian career, this is a great tool that allows your profile to be higher on a search list, tells any companies that you are open to networking and interviewing, and is very critical in engaging with Recruiters.

The podcast also outlined the five tips for getting noticed on LinkedIn, including first having an engaging headline. A headline that highlights what matters to you, what you are looking for in a career, what you are passionate about, and emphasizes your transferable skills from the military will grab the attention of Recruiters and make them want to contact you.

The episode also advised on the importance of indicating that you are actively seeking employment and transitioning from active duty, whether through the Career Interests feature on the Dashboard, or through your headline. If you are comfortable doing so, you can also provide your contact information, which will allow a Recruiter to connect with you faster.

Make sure that all content is well-written, use spell check to avoid errors, and have a professional photo. LinkedIn is a professional platform, and should be treated as such.

Lastly, the episode discussed the best practices to avoid when using LinkedIn, including posting any political content, volunteering personal information such as relationship status, children, etc., using military jargon, or even posting a photo of yourself in uniform. By posting a photo of yourself in civilian clothes, this will show companies that you are ready to enter the civilian world.

Be mindful of tailoring your profile to be specific to only one field, unless it is something that you are certain that you want to do. Most transitioning military members don't know where they fit into the private sector, or which roles would make a good match. It's important to try to explore as many options as possible. The beauty of having military experience is the ability to adapt and switch roles easily, and you acquire so many skills in the military that can transfer into a variety of roles.

The podcast ended with a reminder to keep LinkedIn professional, be respectful of other users and their opinions, and be open to connecting with Recruiters. They are there to help you find an opportunity that will bring you closer to your career.

Listen to the full podcast here, and follow Orion to stay connected to job opportunities, insights, and advice for transitioning service men and women.

First Coast Guard Veteran Joins the Forces of JDog

JDog welcomes its first U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, Ryan Donnell, as a new owner of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling in The Woodlands, TX. As a franchise system engrained in Military values, the business owners of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning now represent all five Military branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The Veteran and Military family members within the JDog franchise system act as a support system for each other while growing their business. From all walks of Military life, they were once brothers and sisters in arms and now are brothers and sisters in the journey of JDog entrepreneurship.

As one of the newest additions to the JDog family, Donnell brings 22 years of Military experience and a passion for helping his fellow Veterans and serving the community to his new venture. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling The Woodlands will service their local communities the Military way - with Respect, Integrity and Trust and continue JDog’s mission to decrease the Veteran unemployment rate to under 1%.

JDog Brands offers 2 franchise systems for our nation’s heroes; JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning. These opportunities are exclusive for Veterans and Military family members offering:

     -   Low Start Up Cost
     -   Proven Business Models
     -   Unlimited Demand
     -   Highly Profitable
     -   Simple to Operate
     -   Multiple Revenue Streams
     -   Hire Your Fellow Veterans

JDog Brands has franchises in over 250 locations in 36 states offering countless opportunities for business ownership and employment opportunities to Veterans and Military families nationwide. Learn more about what’s available in your area.

Financial Planning During Your Military Transition

When you are transitioning from the military, it is important to come up with a plan for your finances. When you’re financially ready to transition, you’ll have more freedom to explore different employment choices and won’t feel pressured to take the first job that you are offered. You’ll be able to delve into what matters to you - type of position, location, company culture, etc. instead of just a salary. 

There are certain steps you can take now to ensure that you will be financially ready when it is time to transition, including setting aside some savings, understanding how far your civilian paycheck will go, and understanding other VA benefits that can help make your transition go smoothly.

Whether you are transitioning in a year or you are a few months out, it’s not too late to start saving for the transition period. While you may find a new career fairly quickly, it could also take awhile, so it’s important to be prepared for the time that you are in between careers. In addition, you may have additional expenses, like moving, that can be costly. Start saving now to offset any expenses, so you can focus on finding the right job for you without the added stress.

In addition, take the time to understand what a civilian paycheck entails. As a military service member you had access to special benefits and tax breaks such as Thrift Savings Plans, inexpensive Life Insurance and BAH. When leaving the military, you forfeit some of those financial benefits you've grown accustomed to. Remember that much of your paycheck will go towards taxes, so be sure to understand how much your “take home pay” will be. Set up a budget to determine how much housing, groceries, utility bills, etc. will be and spend within those parameters.

There are many programs in place to help veterans get started in the civilian world. Take advantage of the benefits offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs for everything from tuition assistance, career counseling, and home buying. Orion has partnered with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage to offer an exclusive VA loan benefit with rebates, cost saving details, VA loan resources, FAQs, and more. 

Orion has a variety of resources to help you financially plan for your military transition, including our podcast featuring James Rossi, a Navy Veteran and Financial Advisor with WestPac Wealth Partners. We encourage you to listen to the episode as James walks through some important financial advice for veterans, and helps break down the differences in the military vs. civilian financial benefits.

VA Refinance Loan FAQ with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage

 

Orion has partnered with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage to provide exclusive VA home loan benefits to our veteran job seekers and alumni. Through this partnership you will receive the same loan rate and better fees than Mutual of Omaha Mortgage employees receive, as well as no lender fees and generous rebates.

If you are a homeowner currently utilizing a VA loan, Mutual Of Omaha Mortgage has answered some of the frequently asked questions about VA refinance loans.

VA REFINANCE LOAN FAQ

What is a VA streamline refinance?
The VA streamline refinance loan is also known as the VA IRRRL. The VA streamline refinance is often a simple loan process because the borrowers are refinancing from one VA mortgage loan to another VA loan. This loan is often also referred to as VA-to-VA Loan. A VA streamline refinance is not available to homeowners who do not currently have a VA mortgage loan. The VA streamline refinance loan does not require that the borrowers occupy the home which is currently financed with a VA mortgage product.

What is a VA IRRRL?
The VA IRRRL loan is also known as the VA refinance or the VA streamline refinance. The acronym IRRL stands for interest rate refinance reduction loan. The VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance is a special type of refinance loan made available by the VA Loan Guaranty program. The VA IRRRL loan is a fixed-rate refinance loan program. This loan is ideal for homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan who are looking to lower their monthly interest rate.

Can you refinance a VA loan?
Yes, if you are currently a homeowner whose property is financed via a VA mortgage loan you can apply for a conventional, FHA or VA refinance. Depending on the rate and terms a borrower is seeking, they have the option to review any type of refinance loan to replace their current VA mortgage loan.

How soon can you refinance a VA loan?
Depending on the level of risk associated with a borrower, most lenders would typically require the homeowner have their current VA mortgage loan for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying for a refinance. Payment history is one of the most crucial factors in determining a borrower's risk level for a VA refinance.

Can I refinance my mortgage with a VA loan?
Yes, if you are actively serving military, honorable discharge, veteran or the surviving spouse of any of the previous who is currently the borrower of a VA home loan you may refinance your property with a VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan. The VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan is only available to homeowners who currently have a VA mortgage loan. VA refinance loan products are not available to civilians or the general public.

Can I refinance a conventional loan to a VA loan?
Yes, a borrower who is eligible for VA benefits can refinance from a conventional loan to a VA loan. Although this is not typical, there is no restriction that prevents this. To be eligible for a VA loan a borrower must be actively serving in the U.S. military, have received an honorable discharge, be a veteran or the surviving spouse. If a borrower who currently has a conventional loan opts to refinance with a VA loan the loan process could take longer than average because different documentation will need to be reviewed that was not previously received and underwritten by a VA approved lender.

When to refinance a VA loan?
The decision to refinance a home should not be taken lightly. It is important for a homeowner to evaluate and determine their financial goals. If a homeowner is seeking the opportunity to lower their monthly interest rate or transition from an adjustable rate mortgage loan to a fixed rate program, then a refinance could be a great opportunity. Speaking with an experienced loan originator can help a borrower review their income, assets, and debt to determine if a refinance is the right decision.

How long does it take to refinance a VA loan?
If a VA borrower uses the VA IRRRL loan or VA streamline refinance, the entire process can be completed in 30 to 45 days. Although the VA streamline refinance or VA IRRRL loan does not require income verification, in order for the VA refinance process to move forward, a borrower must have the following qualifications:

 - VA Loan eligibility of the borrower must have been used on the property intended for refinance
 - Most recent two years of W-2 statements to establish income
 - Ability to document current or previous occupancy of the property
 - Confirmation of currency on mortgage payments or no more than one late payment in the last 12 months

Visit us online to learn more about Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, and apply to get a personal loan offer from their knowledgeable team.

Exclusive Opportunities Through Orion

 

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:

133. Become a Business Owner with a Veteran-Owned Franchise

132. Land Your Dream Job With a FREE Professional Video from Mission Hire Me

131. Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Purpose with USAF Veteran and President/CEO

130. Closing the Skills Gap, with Army Veteran and Founder of STRAC Institute

129. Where is Yours Made?" Ft. Army Veteran and CEO

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!

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Upcoming Hiring Conferences

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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 and Cincinnati, OH 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. 

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

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

Did you know that Orion candidates earned $7,500 in referral bonuses through the third quarter of 2020?

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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Praxair

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.