Networking, to include establishing relationships with talent acquisition professionals and recruiters, remains essential to finding the right employment fit and ultimately a successful transition – a message highlighted by a transition expert in a recent podcast from ClearanceJobs.

I was fortunate to speak with talent acquisition professional Katie Keller for an episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, which was recorded during a MOAA virtual hiring event last year. Keller, who will take part in MOAA’s June 5 Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event (register here), has worked with DoD for more than 10 years supporting multiple contractors with recruitment strategy and staffing augmentation.

Her advice for job-seekers hoping for a successful hiring event, having met literally thousands of candidates over the years? Be “clear, concise, and direct” in your conversation with recruiters, she said, by stating specifically the type of position you are looking for and in what geographic location.

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Keller shared a personal success story from a recent MOAA hiring event where she made a direct connection to an employer for a candidate. The applicant subsequently qualified for the position, nailed the interview process, was transparent on the salary they needed for the location, and ultimately landed the position with the company. They went from the initial interaction to starting in their new position in 60 days.

When asked how candidates can be prepared, Keller advised them to “make the job as easy as possible on the recruiter by reading up on the company, knowing the position requirements, understanding what they do and who are their customers.”

Other advice offered during the interview for those engaging with recruiters and seeking employment opportunities:

• Be polite.
• Stay humble.
• Articulate your value.
• Provide contact information.
• Follow up.

Keller also encouraged candidates to establish a peer network of those who have transitioned successfully, and maybe not so successfully, “to help articulate where you have been, where you currently are, and where you want to be in your work life.”

“You need to put in the work for this job search,” Keller said to close the podcast. “If you are a motivated candidate and looking for a role, keep networking, join groups, and make meaningful connections.” 

Interested in hearing more and meeting Keller? Take part in MOAA’s free virtual networking, career, and hiring event on June 5, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern. Register today!