Chris C.
The Value of Virtual Connections - A Client's COVID-19 perspective
Transitioning out of the US Army after 22 years is never easy. The shift to a civilian career requires patience, planning, and often a whole new set of skills. But just to add to the stress, retired LTC Chris and his wife Nancy, also decided that it was the perfect time to relocate their family. They picked up and moved their three daughters for the twelfth and hopefully final time to Huntsville, AL. They have always enjoyed living in the South and Huntsville has a lot to offer, including a variety of potential jobs. By April 2020, their plan was on track, they had settled into their new home and employment opportunities were looking good… when COVID-19 hit, and business as we knew it, halted.
Chris found himself quarantined in the middle of a new city, not knowing anyone, and having no connections. Scheduled job fairs were cancelled, and organizers shifted to virtual job fairs. Chris said that “Employers seemed to be hesitant to hire during this period and the interview process was no longer a handshake and face-to-face meeting, but a virtual online interview.” Chris quickly realized that his approach to the job search had to shift. He knew that his only option was to make connections via social media outlets and turned to Still Serving Veterans (SSV) for advice.
“SSV helped to improve my LinkedIn account and made me more aware of the power of this social media outlet.”
SSV partnered Chris with Ben McQuerry, a Navy Veteran and Manager of the Huntsville Veteran Career & Transition Service Team. Ben helped Chris revise his resume to look more professional and accurately capture his skills, training, and accomplishments. SSV also helped to improve Chris’ LinkedIn account and made him aware of the networking power of this social media outlet.
Another challenge of living in a new city was learning about all the companies that were out there in the defense contractor world. Chris did extensive research on companies that he thought would be a good fit for his logistics experience. Preparation is key. Ben connected Chris with individuals here in Huntsville who could circulate his resume. He also provided great career advice along the way and pointers on virtual interviews.
“Virtual interviews provide the unique opportunity to bring your notes to the meeting. It’s an “open book” interview! ”
One tip Ben offered was to see the positive side of a virtual interview. Yes, they can seem awkward and cold, but you have the unique opportunity to bring your notes to the meeting. It’s an “open book” interview! Research the company, position, and interviewer prior to the interview, write down any questions you would like to ask and keep those notes handy (and out of the camera’s view!).
Ben’s advice helped Chris perform very well in two virtual interviews with Venturi which ultimately led to an offer that he accepted. Still Serving Veterans would like to welcome the Chapman family to Huntsville and wish Chris much success with his new position as a Logistics Analyst at Venturi.
“SSV assisted me, a veteran, in finding a good job post retirement. It is my duty now to reciprocate that good deed and help another military veteran find meaningful employment. - Christopher Chapman”
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