New Podcast: The 'Forever GI Bill' - What It Means for You

Check out our new podcast covering the Forever GI Bill and the many changes in store for Veterans and their families. Happy listening, and don't forget to subscribe so you'll never miss an episode!

Hiring Conference Spotlight: Virginia Beach with Orion's Andy Pero

Interviewing at an Orion Hiring Conference is your best chance to interview with several companies in the span of a few days, complete with intensive interview preparation and education on the companies and available positions. Most of our job seekers find their civilian career with companies they have interviewed with at Hiring Conferences. 

Watch this brief video featuring Andy Pero, a Partner here at Orion Talent, to learn more. Enjoy! 


Learn more about attending an Orion Hiring Conference here.

4 Tips for Working with a Military Recruiting Firm

Making the transition from military to civilian life is an exciting time in the life of a veteran. Location, career, and compensation are among the many things that will be changing. This opportunity to start a new chapter also presents many challenges, perhaps the most overwhelming of which is finding and securing a satisfying civilian job.

As you begin to plan for your civilian career search and military transition, it is critical that you make your career search a priority. With this in mind, we’ve assembled four important tips to keep in mind:

1. As you begin to plan for your civilian career search and military transition, it is critical that you make your career search a priority.

2. Set aside time to attend scheduled interviewing workshops, as well as one-on-one interviews by phone or during base visits. Orion will always let you know in advance when we will be at your base.

3. Keep your file current at all times. Be proactive and provide updates to your transition plan (timeline, preferences, etc.) or any changes to your resume. Ensure that all pertinent phone numbers (work, home and cell) are current.

4. Make yourself accessible. As you approach your transition time, opportunities may come open with little notice. It is important for your recruiter to be able to contact you quickly.

Please feel free to call your Orion Candidate Recruiter with any questions or concerns. We look forward to helping you find your next career!

How to Ace Your Virtual Interview

Getting ready for an Orion virtual interview through HireVue? Virtual interviews are an effective and efficient way to interview without needing to travel. And as more and more companies turn toward this technology, it's important to become comfortable in front of the camera.  

Click here to watch a video on how to properly set up your technology, so that you can easily and successfully complete a virtual interview. You will also find some additional tips for conducting great virtual interviews on any platform you are using.

Good luck! 

What the "Forever GI Bill" Means for Veterans and Current Service Members

A couple weeks ago, From the Battlefield covered the new GI Bill as it passed through Congress and was awaiting the President. Last week, President Trump put pen to paper making the “Forever GI Bill” official. Formally known as the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, the new bill makes many changes.

Although the new bill decreases the housing allowance, there are several areas of expansion. Included in these are removing the 15-year time limit, expanding eligibility for Yellow Ribbon programs, the introduction of a scholarship for veterans seeking a STEM degree, and changing the way the VA calculates eligibility using time in service.

“Our student veterans are some of the very best of this country,” said Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, in a statement, “and I’m proud we can support them with this new law.”

The “Forever GI Bill” will affect veterans differently, based on when they were discharged. According to Military.com, veterans discharged before January 1, 2013, will see no changes, still have 15 years to use the GI Bill and their housing allowance will remain unchanged. If discharged after January 1, 2013, veterans now have forever to use their GI Bill benefits. Their housing allowance will also remain at the higher rate.

Service members currently serving on active duty that have not yet used the GI Bill and who will be discharged on or after January 1, 2018, have forever to use their GI Bill, but their housing allowance will be at the lower rate, unless they start using the GI Bill before the end of 2017.

Click here to read an article from Army Times that goes into depth on all the changes in the bill.

Why Military Technicians are a Great Fit for the New “Data Economy”

The Economist recently published an article, “The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data.” In recent history, oil was the depleting resource. Now, similar concerns are coming to light by the giant companies that deal with digital data and artificial intelligence, especially when considering major players including Google, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft.

The Data Centers which house these companies’ assets require a highly specialized team adept at working in a high-stakes environment to keep their operations secure and running 24/7. Transitioning military technicians are extremely well suited for careers as Data Center Technicians, a mission-critical role within Data Centers.

Data Center Technician Careers

If you are a military professional with a background in electronics or electrical systems, or nuclear training, a career as a Data Center Technician may be a great option to consider.

As a Data Center Technician, you will work on hardware components for networks, improve physical security through projects and maintenance, and perform work on power sources, heating and cooling controls, analyzing processes, troubleshooting, and much more.

If you’d like to learn more, please register with us online today and talk with a recruiter about our current career opportunities as a Data Center Technician!

Drop In for an Orion Base Visit

Did you know that you can meet an Orion recruiter right on base? 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, and even to some overseas installations.

Throughout the years, Orion Recruiters have realized that we can best represent you to client companies after meeting in-person, learning about you and your goals for the future, and giving you the opportunity to learn about us. We will evaluate your marketability, assist you in outlining career options, and provide invaluable information to plan the path to your civilian career.

Check out our August schedule below, and visit our website to learn more about attending:

August 10, 2017

-Fort Hood, TX

August 11, 2017

-SUBASE Groton

August 17, 2017

-Fort Bliss - Virtual Base Visit

-Kings Bay

August 23, 2017

-Fort Bragg

-New River

August 24, 2017

-Ft. Carson - Virtual Base Visit

-Camp Lejeune

August 25, 2017

-Ft. Carson - Virtual Base Visit

-SUBASE Groton

August 27, 2017

-Camp Lejeune

August 31, 2017

-Norfolk

If you're not able to meet with us in person, sign up for one of our virtual base visits, being held at Ft. Carson or Ft. Bliss. 

Just a half hour of your time with one of our Recruiters will set you up for success in your civilian career search. We look forward to meeting you!