Wednesday, 29 January 2025 Issue#016

The first month of 2025 is nearly in the books. This is when you start hearing -"I can't believe it's (enter current month) already, where has time gone? -" for the next 11 months.

We have a lot to discuss this week. You'll see an example of how a seemingly simple event can nearly overwhelm someones transition, discover that words matter...especially in a White House memo, and take a peek into where the most active housing markets are for 2025.

As the Black Eyed Peas would say; "Let's Get it Started"

The 15-minute Initial Call

By now, we all know that leaving the military is complicated. Between the endless out-processing tasks and the looming question of “What’s next?” it’s no wonder that even supposedly small things can feel overwhelming.

I was recently chatting with a transitioning vet in my company’s Military Fellowship program when he hit me with this question:

For those who’ve been through the hiring process a few times, this is familiar territory—no big deal. But for many transitioning service members, this might be the first time in their entire life they’ve encountered something like this.

What’s the Point of This Call?

Companies use this initial call—usually with a recruiter or HR rep—to start narrowing down the mountain of applications they receive. This step helps them:

• Verify your contact information
• Validate your resume and cover letter
• Gauge your responsiveness and communication skills

You’ll be asked a few basic questions about your experience, qualifications, and education. While it’s not a formal interview with the hiring manager, your responses still matter. You should be able to easily discuss the items on your resume, answer concisely, and sound professional.

At some point, the recruiter may provide a brief description of the role and possibly a salary range. This helps them avoid candidates dropping out later in the hiring process and gives you a chance to bow out early if the job or pay isn’t what you expected.

Some companies stop here and move straight to scheduling a first-round interview if you’re still interested. Others might ask a few high-level questions to see how well you articulate your skills and experience.

How to Prepare

While this all seems pretty straightforward, it would behoove (I had to work that in) you to prep a little beforehand. Here’s how:

• Find a quiet, private place with a strong phone signal (ask me how I learned that lesson).
• Review your resume, cover letter, and anything else you submitted.
• Spend some time learning about the company and think of ways your skills align with the role.

After you’ve done a few of these, you’ll develop a prep routine, gain confidence, and wonder why this ever seemed stressful. The key is to be prepared and professional—but don’t overthink it. It’s just a conversation, and you’ve had plenty of those before.

Federal Funding Confusion

Okay, most of you know I don't get into political discussions here. This newsletter is neutral by design to stay focused on our mission to help military members transition to civilian life. From time to time there will be topics that skirt that line a bit but are pertinent to current and future Veterans.

What Happened?

For those of you that haven't seen, President Trump's administration issued a memo Monday night that pauses/freezes Federal funding for grants and loans. The memo was circulated by the Office of Management & Budget to all Federal agencies and was to take effect Tuesday, 27 January by 5pm. A Federal judge has temporarily blocked that memo from taking effect to allow time to hear arguments from those effected.

The original memo did not include a lot of detail, so as you could imagine there are lots of rumors and misinformation floating around out there, especially on social media. This included a lot of confusion, concern, and questions around Veteran benefits and health care programs.

In response, the VA issued the following statement:

While the details and whether or not the pause/freeze ever takes effect will play out over the next few weeks, the VA is not impacted by this memo. We'll continue to monitor this and if anything changes it will be here. If you have strong feelings about this on either side I urge you to contact your elected officials and let them know your concerns, support, or issues. While there may be a lot of heated rhetoric around this topic, it doesn't mean we can't have constructive discourse.

Navigating the Housing Market: Top Markets for 2025

Understanding the housing market landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about where to settle post-service. Recent analyses highlight significant trends in the U.S. housing market for 2025, particularly favoring regions in the South and West.

Top Housing Markets in 2025

According to Realtor.com’s 2025 National Housing Forecast, cities such as Colorado Springs, Miami, and Orlando are projected to experience substantial growth in home sales, with increases ranging from 13.5% to 27.1%. These areas are characterized by abundant housing inventory, often due to new construction, and relatively lower living costs. Factors like flexible work arrangements and government-backed mortgage options, such as VA loans, make these markets particularly attractive to Veterans. (nypost.com)

Affordability and Opportunities

The forecast suggests that the housing market should become more affordable in certain U.S. cities. A gradual drop in mortgage rates and an increase in housing inventory, particularly in metros in the South and West, are anticipated. These areas have seen significant new construction, providing more options for buyers and potentially reducing home prices due to decreased competition. Lower living costs in these regions are also attracting more buyers, making them appealing destinations for Veterans seeking affordable housing options. (investopedia.com)

Strategic Considerations for Veterans

For Veterans planning their post-military careers, these trends offer valuable insights:

• Employment Opportunities: Many of the top housing markets are in regions with growing economies and job markets, which can provide healthy employment opportunities in various sectors.
• Community and Support: These areas are near military instillations which can make access post-career support easier.
• Cost of Living: Lower living costs in these regions can make your income go further, allowing for a higher quality of life.
• Housing Affordability: Increased housing inventory and new construction can lead to more affordable housing options.

For many exiting the military, finding a place to call home is at the top of their to-do list. Understanding and following housing market trends provides a solid foundation before the house hunting begins.

Upcoming Job Fairs & Events

​Hiring our Heroes Virtual Career Summit - 29 Jan

​Intro to SBA's Certifications - 30 Jan

​Exploring Careers in Healthcare - 4 Feb

​Virtual Hiring Fair: Healthcare - 5 Feb

​Job Fair Search Tool​

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