Tips from Our Military Recruiting Team

Victoria Pich: Besides specific functional or technical expertise, we’re looking for solid communication skills, leadership, adaptability to change, and the ability to work in a matrixed environment under minimal supervision.

Debbie Cote: We’re looking for candidates with strong work ethics and integrity. We want people who not only have knowledge but are also a fit for Booz Allen’s culture. 

George Bernloehr: We’re looking for applicants who have similar values as Booz Allen, coupled with high learning agility. These values and the ability to learn fast and make a positive impact are key to a successful career at Booz Allen.

Megan Spillars: Our clients’ missions require specific technical skills or certifications, but we also look for candidates who exemplify the firm’s values including ingenuity, integrity, and leadership.

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.

Debbie Cote: Honesty and integrity, determination, dedication, self-motivation, and being a team player. 

George Bernloehr: Leadership, collaboration, team focus, learning agility, dedication, mission-first outlook, and work ethic.

Megan Spillars: Strong communication skills, professionalism, technical expertise, and willingness to learn and grow.

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.

Debbie Cote: Keep expectations realistic, attend networking events, and obtain certifications for the path that you want to pursue. 

George Bernloehr: Take the time to learn about industries in which you’re interested. Work to grow your network and develop professionally so that you can chart the career path you want.

Megan Spillars: Consider pursuing the skills, expertise, and certifications that are needed by the firm that also support your interests. Network as much as possible and make sure your values are in line with the organization's values. 

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.

Debbie Cote: Don’t try too hard to civilianize your resume; companies who hire veterans often speak your language. During interviews, keep your answers concise. This is one of the most important pieces of feedback when candidates don’t get selected for a position.    

George Bernloehr: “Easy-to-read resumes get read.” This guidance has held true for the 20+ years I’ve served in talent acquisition. Share your entire military experience but work to keep things concise. Use quantifiable and measurable bullets to highlight your accomplishments and impact in the jobs you’ve had.

Megan Spillars: Clearly note your clearance level, any certifications, and technical skills. Be concise and use quantitative metrics to show the impact you’ve made in previous roles. 

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.

Debbie Cote: Come prepared with knowledge about the company you’re interested in, as well as its culture, to make sure you would be a strong fit. Be able to discuss what type of positions you’re interested in and how your previous experience will align with that role. Make sure you have an updated resume with you to share with the team. Be able to discuss location preferences and have a list of questions that you would like answered, too.    

George Bernloehr: Be prepared with a quick “elevator speech” so that you can help recruiters understand your experience and interests. Make the most of your time at the event and engage every participating company attending—make no assumptions about what jobs may be available. Explore, engage, and learn.

Megan Spillars: Research the organization and identify specific roles that interest you before the event. Be able to translate the work that you did in the military to the job you’re applying for. 

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 line for the nation's freedom and safety. Secondly, I love the people here—amazing, talented, smart, and collaborative workers. There’s no other place like it!

Debbie Cote: The people—it’s great to come to work every day surrounded by world-class superstars.    

George Bernloehr: Without a doubt, it’s the people. We genuinely enjoy working together on missions that help make the country—and the world—better. 

Megan Spillars: It’s gratifying to work for a company that’s well respected by both our clients and employees. We have the stability and reputation that comes with a 100+-year-old firm, but we’re constantly innovating and adapting to the latest technologies. It’s exciting to be a part of that.