Your Transition Timeline

One of the first questions to cross a transitioning veteran's mind is when is the best time to begin their career search. In most cases, the right answer is approximately 18 months from the date you plan to begin your next career. Based on that timeline, you can use the following checklist as a guide to ensure you are doing everything possible to prepare for your transition. 18 – 7 months prior to your separation date Attend a base visit presentation and/or schedule a base visit interview. Conduct an initial phone screen with an Orion Candidate Recruiter to determine initial interests and establish general target locations. Your recruiter will send you an initial preparation packet. Establish your timeline. Let your recruiter know your planned Earliest Start Date. Begin your professional reading in target areas using our suggested reading list. Subscribe to The Hunter, Orion’s monthly e-newsletter for military job seekers. You will stay up-to-date on industry trends, articles of interest and Orion hiring events and featured job opportunities. It’s a great way to get a jump start on your civilian career.  Follow Orion on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates on our hiring conferences, base visits, and career opportunities. Visit Orion’s Transition Corner and read about the transition experiences of Orion Alumni, see our advice for every step of the hiring process, and download our e-book, Career Transition Guide for Military Job Seekers. During this time, we will be in contact with you every couple of months to check in, and determine your progress.

6 – 4 months prior to your separation date Attend a base visit presentation and/or schedule a base visit interview. Contact your Orion Candidate Recruiter about your preferences. Make sure you clearly communicate the industries that you are looking for, your salary range, and geographic preferences. Keep in mind that the more flexible you are, the more opportunities we can show you. Complete your resume using one of our two resume formats. Continue professional readings. Complete interview preparation as assigned by your Orion Candidate Recruiter. Your Orion Candidate Recruiter will recommend a hiring conference for you based on your projected timeline and geographic preferences.

4 months prior to your separation date Finalize plans to attend a regional hiring conference as recommended by your Orion Candidate Recruiter. Continue professional readings. Conduct a mock interview with your Orion Candidate Recruiter. Ensure resume is completed in accordance with Orion resume standards.  Send a final draft to your Orion Candidate Recruiter for review. Call your Orion Candidate Recruiter to finalize your transition timeline.

3 months out - separation  Attend a hiring conference, mini-conference®, or be submitted to an opportunity via direct placement. Your Orion Candidate Recruiter will contact you as opportunities arise. Please stay in regular contact with your Recruiter throughout the hiring process.

Transition Date  Begin your civilian career! Your Orion Recruiter will be in frequent contact with you as you start your new position and beyond. Join Orion’s Alumni Club to keep in touch with Orion and your fellow Alumni.