Veterans don't lose jobs because of experience—they lose them in the interview. Here's how to change that.
Landing a civilian job takes more than a great résumé. It takes confidence, preparation, and knowing how to communicate your military experience in a way hiring managers understand.
In this episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant welcome Pat Hubbell, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Candorful, to unpack one of the biggest challenges veterans face during transition: interviewing. Pat explains why veterans are often fully qualified for civilian careers but struggle to sell themselves in interviews, and how realistic mock interviews with experienced hiring managers can dramatically improve confidence, performance, and hiring outcomes.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
• Learn why practicing three or more mock interviews can dramatically improve your confidence before the real interview.
• Understand why veterans are prepared for civilian jobs—but often not prepared for civilian interviews—and how to bridge that gap.
• Discover why networking leads to nearly 80% of job opportunities and hear practical advice on building relationships that open doors.
• Hear how Candorful connects veterans and military spouses with volunteer hiring managers from companies like Amazon, Oracle, Dell, Verizon, and PwC for real-world interview coaching.
• Gain insight into what hiring managers should focus on when interviewing veterans—including why character matters more than assumptions or first impressions.
About Pat Hubbell
Pat Hubbell is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Candorful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses succeed in civilian careers through personalized interview coaching. With more than four decades of experience in engineering, management consulting, higher education, and career development, she has helped thousands navigate career transitions. Pat also serves on the FourBlock Foundation Board, expanding opportunities for veterans across the country.
Featured Quote
"Veterans are prepared for civilian jobs. They're just not prepared for civilian interviews."
If this episode helped you...
Please follow VET S.O.S. and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Open the Apple Podcasts app, search VET S.O.S., scroll to the Ratings & Reviews section, and tap "Write a Review." It only takes about 30 seconds, and it helps another veteran discover the resources and support they need during transition.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
01:29 – Meet Pat Hubbell & the Mission Behind Candorful
07:57 – Why Mock Interviews Work
12:23 – Building Confidence Through Practice
20:32 – FourBlock Partnership & Future Growth
21:42 – Why Networking Beats Online Applications
25:40 – Advice for Hiring Managers
30:09 – How to Get Started with Candorful
32:08 – Closing & Resources
Explore the VET S.O.S. Network
▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
Connect with VET S.O.S.
Website: https://vetsospodcast.com
Substack: https://substack.com/@vetsos
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast
X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranPodcast #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP #VeteranTransition #MilitaryCareers #CareerDevelopment
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
