Share

cover art for #114) Managing Career Change from the Military | Don't Undersell Yourself | Steven Arango

Career Warrior Podcast

#114) Managing Career Change from the Military | Don't Undersell Yourself | Steven Arango

Ep. 114

Today, we’re going to talk about career transition. I know that many of those listening on the show...perhaps the majority...are going through a serious transition or will sometime in the next 5 years. Especially if you transition from the military, this can be especially difficult if you don’t have the right game plan or materials in place. 


My next guest, Steven Arango, is a true Career Warrior. Steven is an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, a lawyer, and a dedicated public servant. He’s a Federal Law Clerk for U.S District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. and he previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives. He’s an excellent communicator, having written several articles on foreign policy and international affairs for the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other publications. Most importantly, he’s a public servant who loves to mentor others. As a mentor for Service to School, Steven helps transitioning veterans with their applications, resume, cover letters, and personal statements.


You’ll especially want to listen if you’ve been in the military or are currently in the military. Even if you’re a non-military career changer, I’m sure that this episode will have some key takeaways for managing that transition effectively.



Here's what we cover:

  • It’s a great thing to be a part of our armed forces. Why should I be confident in applying for jobs? What are some of those skills I can apply to the real world?
  • What are some common struggles for those who are applying for jobs outside the military? 
  • Let’s walk these veterans or future veterans through some steps they can take to prepare themselves to apply for jobs. What’s step 1? 
  • What’s the biggest mistake that transitioning veterans make when applying for jobs?
  • If you could tattoo one encouraging message for every single veteran or future veteran dealing with job search difficulties, what would that message be?


Resources mentioned in the show:

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 317. #317) Sam Owens: How to NOT Hate Your Next Job Interview

    45:41
    Interviews. Whether you can't stand them or actually enjoy them, being good at interviews is still a crucial skill to have if you want to snag “the good jobs”.If you think you rock at interviewing, hold on a moment. Do yourself a favor and take a step back. In a survey encompassing over 2,000 responses from our own clients at Let’s Eat, Grandma, the vast majority gave themselves either a 4 or a perfect 5 out of 5 for their interviewing skills. It seems many are a bit too confident when it comes to interviews. After all, if everyone views themselves as above average, we'd end up with a lopsided bell curve. The reality is that most folks are just average at interviewing. However, for you, the career warriors gunning for the top positions, I’m calling you to be above average. So, consider this episode a moment to humble yourself and be receptive to picking up a thing or two about those interviews you may or may not hate.Today I brought on the charismatic and witty Sam Owens. Sam Owens is the founder of Sam’s Career Talk where he provides career coaching services and helps people land their dream jobs and thrive in them. He is the author of I HATE JOB INTERVIEWS, an exciting book that will be released by HarperCollins in June of 2024. He is also a chief marketing officer who has worked for three multi-billion dollar companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and now runs marketing for Freezing Point, the makers of Frazil.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Sam’s Career TalkConnect with Sam on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 316. #316) Pros & Cons of Applying Now [Holidays 2023]

    10:25
    Should you apply during the holidays this year? In this episode, we dive into the current job landscape, examining the unexpected trends and indicators that influence your job search decisions. Stay tuned for intriguing information that sheds light on the shifting employment scenario and the impact it may have on your pursuit of career opportunities.The holiday season is a pivotal time in the job market. As we explore the pros and cons of applying during this period, we'll reveal the potential benefits and drawbacks. While the cons might involve time away from family and a potentially slower response rate, the pros are equally compelling—such as the opportunity to secure new employment before the year ends and the chance to stand out among a smaller pool of applicants.Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaUse my LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 315. #315) How to Include the Right Resume Keywords | PLUS Job Seeker News

    14:28
    In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that's a constant challenge for job seekers: how to include the right keywords in your resume. It's a crucial step in the job application process, and doing it right can be the key to landing your dream job.Host Chris Villanueva, Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma, discusses common pitfalls, like using the wrong keywords in the wrong places, and how to avoid them. Many job seekers often go too broad and shallow with their keyword choices, missing the opportunity to show their hardcore relevance to potential employers. Are you ready to make your resume stand out as the perfect fit for the job?Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaUse my LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 314. #314) The 5-D Framework for Career Change | Clara Chorley

    34:40
    Today’s episode is for the brave professional who wants to make a change in their career path. For this release, I brought on an old friend of mine and a fabulous partner of Let’s Eat, Grandma: Clara Chorley.First, we talk about the Default Way -- how most people find themselves in a career change. The frustration. The panic. The "infinity loop" that most of us feel trapped in. So what is the antidote? In this episode, we unpack the 5-D framework, which helps free us from this trap and puts us on a healthy and inspiring path toward reaching the next best job for us.Clara Chorley believes that brave decisions are the pathway to the lives we want to live and the professional success we dream of.Since 2009, Clara has been a highly impactful career strategist, thought partner, and trauma-informed personal coach. She helps leaders in the business world untether from habits and environments that are wearing them out, and take back control of their careers (and health).Clara’s unique international background spans five continents and 48 countries. She has supported professionals from a multitude of industries, in humanitarian, start-up, and Fortune 100 organizations. Clara is a TEDx presenter, author of TURN: 4 Steps to Clarity in your Career, and creator of the 5D Framework for navigating career change.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Clarity UnlimitedConnect with Clara on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 313. #313) Still Struggling to Get Hired? Listen to This | With Reno Perry

    30:35
    We’ll cover how to use LinkedIn effectively, what AI is doing for job seekers today, and how to leverage contract work in your job search.Today, I brought on Reno Perry, Founder at Wiseful. With over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn, you may have already seen Reno’s inspirational writing for job seekers, or you may have even used his famous Layoff List, which has connected thousands of people impacted by layoffs. Here’s some of Reno’s background as told by himself:A first-generation college student born into a working-class family outside of Chicago, I know all too well the challenges of finding a job and navigating a professional career. I had no connections, no wealth, or "that one family friend" that could get me a job.Since then, I've sold millions of dollars in SaaS products, advised executives from start-ups to large enterprises, led teams, and worked at some cool companies like LinkedIn, Fortune 500 Stanley Black & Decker, and the #1 mobile-coaching platform, BetterUp. Now, I'm on a mission to help others realize their potential and democratize access to the best companies & jobs. I've been fortunate to help thousands of professionals land a job they love…but there's still much work to do.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out WisefulConnect with Reno on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 312. #312) Brave Choices, New Destinations: The Power of Career Change | Clara Chorley

    28:21
    Today’s episode is for the brave professional who wants to make a change in their career path. For this release, I brought on an old friend of mine and a fabulous partner of Let’s Eat, Grandma: Clara Chorley.Clara Chorley believes that brave decisions are the pathway to the lives we want to live and the professional success we dream of.Since 2009, Clara has been a highly impactful career strategist, thought partner, and trauma-informed personal coach. She helps leaders in the business world untether from habits and environments that are wearing them out, and take back control of their careers (and health).Clara’s unique international background spans five continents and 48 countries. She has supported professionals from a multitude of industries, in humanitarian, start-up, and Fortune 100 organizations. Clara is a TEDx presenter, author of TURN: 4 Steps to Clarity in your Career, and creator of the 5D Framework for navigating career change.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Clarity UnlimitedConnect with Clara on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 311. 311) FAQ Mailbag: Age Discrimination, Career Breaks, Cover Letters, and More

    15:43
    We’re answering questions directly from you, our dear listener! Join us as we tackle age discrimination with strategies and addressing bias head-on. Should you use hyperlinks in cover letters? And we’ll touch upon LinkedIn recommendations. Delve into the pros and cons of adding a "Career Break" section on your LinkedIn profile. Tune in for expert insights and practical advice to navigate your career journey effectively!Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaUse my LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 310. Is Employee Engagement Declining? | Quiet Quitting & Moving Toward a More Satisfying Career | Sonja Price

    16:34
    We'll discuss the impact of quiet quitting on your overall well-being and career growth.If you're ready to break free from the shackles of silent discontentment and take the first steps toward a brighter future, tune in to this episode. Don't settle for an unfulfilling career - it's time to embrace change and discover the joy of meaningful work.Today, I brought on Sonja “Dynamo” Price. With over 15 years of experience in Career and Leadership consulting, Sonja has worked with a wide range of clients including Amazon, Facebook, Google, HBO, and numerous other organizations.Sonja has a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organizational Development and is a Certified Career and Executive Coach.She trained with Al Gore to become a Climate Reality Leader and is actively engaged with the Seattle Board of Conscious Capitalism.She is passionate about empowering professionals to accelerate their career success, become financially free, and make a positive impact around the world. In her downtime, she enjoys skiing, playing piano, and geeking out over strategy board games.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Dynamo CareersTake the Quiz: Does Your Work Work for You?Connect with Sonja on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn
  • 309. #309) The Best Person Doesn't Always Get the Job | Maya Grossman

    07:55
    In today's episode, titled "The Best Person Doesn't Always Get the Job," we have some completely unreleased content revolving around the hiring process. We went a little deeper into one of the uncomfortable truths -- this is perhaps the one that was most uncomfortable for me: the best person doesn't always get the job. The person delivering this key message is a marketing executive with a wealth of experience, having successfully launched products and driven growth for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft and Google, as well as fast-growing startups. Her name is Maya Grossman, and she's the author of the groundbreaking book, "Invaluable: Master the Skills You Need to Skyrocket Your Career." Maya brings over fifteen years of industry expertise to our discussion, and she has some hidden, unreleased content from a past conversation that she is generously sharing exclusively on our show.In this concise but powerful response, Maya reflects honestly on the hiring process, revealing why certain individuals, despite their exceptional qualifications, may not always land the job they deserve. She will unravel hidden factors and shed light on the strategies and mindset needed to navigate this intricate landscape successfully.Join us as we uncover the truths behind the hiring process, challenge conventional wisdom, and gain invaluable insights from Maya Grossman, a true expert in her field.Without further ado, let's dive right in and learn why the best person doesn't always get the job.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaConnect with us, Schedule a call hereConnect with Maya on LinkedInCheck out Maya's WebsiteGet promoted fast and often, Get this course nowFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn