How Senior Military Leaders Win Interviews in the Civilian Market
Hey everyone!
Yes, I’m taking another week off to focus on book stuff. Lol. Stay tuned for next Thursday!
In the meantime, check out our latest conversation with Mike Wallace of Blue Water Advisors on our main sponsor, US VetWealth, on our YouTube Channel: Military Retirement Blueprint!
Senior military leaders are often told they’re “highly employable.”
But when it comes to civilian interviews, most are underprepared for how early the evaluation starts—and how differently success is measured.
In this episode, Mike Wallace from Blue Water Advisors shares the interview strategies he’s used to help over 500 senior leaders successfully transition into defense contracting and corporate roles.
We discuss:
When the interview actually begins
The real anatomy of civilian interviews
Common interview types and what they’re testing
How and when to prepare
How to structure answers using STAR and Past–Present–Future
Why clarity, brevity, and relevance matter more than detail
Tools you can use to practice and improve immediately
If you’re within a few years of retirement—or already in the interview cycle—this episode will help you approach interviews with confidence, structure, and intent.
About Military Retirement Blueprint
After decades of service, transitioning from active duty isn’t just about finding your next job—it’s about defining success on your own terms. If you’re a senior military leader preparing for retirement, you already know that your path looks different from the standard advice out there.
You’ve spent your career in a structured environment with a clear progression. Now, you’re stepping into an “at-will” job market where personal branding, networking, and a strong digital presence can matter more than rank. Even if you’ve avoided social media in the past—out of caution or simply not seeing the need—you’re realizing that it plays a key role in post-military career success.
At Military Retirement Blueprint, we provide real talk about post-military career progression. We focus on the decisions that matter most for senior leaders navigating the transition, including:
Tactical topics like career strategy, interviews, compensation, and financial planning
Mindset shifts like redefining success, navigating uncertainty, and avoiding common transition traps
Join Mike Wallace and Scott Tucker—experts who have guided over a thousand retiring senior leaders—as they share what actually works in today’s civilian job market. From practical strategies to candid conversations, this podcast is designed to help you navigate your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose.