They’ll help you transition into your next opportunity
Our dedicated military recruiting team helps transitioning military members find a new home at Booz Allen. Read their tips for military and veteran job seekers in the Q&A below.
Meet the Team
George Bernloehr
Role: Military Recruiting Lead
Years at Booz Allen: 5 years
Military affiliation: Navy
Victoria Pich
Role: Military Recruiter
Years at Booz Allen: 10 years
Military affiliation: Military Spouse
Rex Maghan
Role: Military Recruiter
Years at Booz Allen: 8.5 years
Military affiliation: Army
Q&A Insights
George Bernloehr: The best and the brightest, regardless of branch and rank. I ask myself “Does the candidate have drive, passion, and a willingness to learn and grow? Do they show the potential to make a positive contribution to the outstanding team at Booz Allen?”
Victoria Pich: Besides specific functional or technical expertise, we’re looking for solid communication skills, leadership, adaptability to change, and ability to work in a matrixed environment under minimal supervision.
Q: When you think of top performers at Booz Allen who have served in the military, what characteristics really stand out?
George Bernloehr: Leadership, learning agility, drive, a continuation of wanting to make a contribution to something bigger than themselves, and teamwork.
Rex Maghan: Teamwork, performance under pressure, being able to quickly prioritize and solve issues, and being goal oriented. Most importantly, they have lived the core values of their service branch.
Victoria Pich: Strong work ethic, passion to continue the mission, collaboration, knowledge transfer, the ability to take on new challenges, and strong interpersonal communications skills.
George Bernloehr: Seek mentorship from within the company. Even after you’ve become an expert, keep on learning and seek opportunities to mentor others and help them grow.
Rex Maghan: Connect with other veterans in the firm, learn from their experiences, and apply what has made them successful. Your discipline, structure, aptitude, and drive will serve you well, but there is a learning curve, so be patient and ask a lot of questions.
Victoria Pich: Network, network, network! Continue to leverage all of your existing relationships and continue to build new ones. It’s people who will help you determine the next steps in your career.
George Bernloehr: Do the job during the interview. In other words, demonstrate you can do the job and that you have a high level of interest in the company and the potential career they are offering.
Rex Maghan: I suggest researching the position in great detail. Be able to explain in 2 minutes or less how your recent experiences fit the position requirements.
George Bernloehr: Most hiring managers prefer a reverse chronological resume that is concise. Great resumes list quantifiable, measurable bullets that show the impact the individual made in the role they held.
Rex Maghan: Transitioning military candidates have held long and illustrious careers with accomplishments in many different disciplines. Typically, your most recent skill sets are most relevant and should be accentuated on the resume.
Victoria Pich: Translate your resume from military to civilian terminology and do not use abbreviations. Ensure any active clearance is stated. Share your total years of military experience––even if it’s not relevant to the specific role you’re applying for––to illustrate your timeline in the military and your career path. Lastly, keep your resume length to three pages maximum.
Q: Do you have any advice for transitioning military members when attending a career fair or job networking event?
Rex Maghan: Review the companies that are attending and research those that interest you. Try to understand their business and open position requirements as they relate to your qualifications. Be prepared to discuss positions that interest you and how your most recent experience aligns with the basic qualifications for that role.
Victoria Pich: Have your 20-second elevator pitch ready for when you arrive at a career fair. Let the recruiter know what type of position you’re looking for, locations of interest, and any clearance you may have. Come prepared with knowledge about the company and what roles you are interested in. The more information you have, the easier the conversation will be. And don’t forget to ask about next steps.
Rex Maghan: The culture is much like the military. Booz Allen is goal oriented. I feel supported by my leadership and even though we are a large company, it’s very much an entrepreneurial environment. This company fosters growth and inspires me to do my best.
Victoria Pich: I love talking with transitioning military members and veterans about the next step in their career, which can be scary after many years in the military. I help them identify opportunities and field questions about transitioning, resume writing, interview skills, and more. I love that I can help in some small way and give back to those who have put their lives on the lines for our freedom and safety. Secondly, I love the people here—amazing, talented, smart, and collaborative workers—there’s no other place like it!
