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 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. 

Greg Rivera: Tremendous work ethic and integrity. These characteristics can’t be taught at this stage of the game of life – you either have them or you don’t. They’re paramount to your success both in life and your career at Booz Allen.

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. 

Greg Rivera: Leadership, work ethic, and discipline.

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. 

Greg Rivera: Learn as much as you can about an industry and companies within that industry. It’s also extremely helpful to understand and be able to analyze industry trends.

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.    

Greg Rivera: Shorter is better, so keep your resume to 2 pages, maximum.  

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.    

Greg Rivera: Shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. Also, prepare a 90-second “elevator speech” to help recruiters understand your experience and interests.

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.    

Greg Rivera: The people! At the end of the day, we don’t make a product. Our people are ultimately our product and I feel that we do a fantastic job of taking care of our people.