Successful Career Change Stories: A Creative’s Journey to Federal Contract Work

by Contact 1 Inc on December 17, 2024 in Case Study

Making a career pivot takes courage, especially when your experience lies in a completely different industry. For Gary Martin, a former radio copywriter, the idea of transitioning into a contractor role supporting a federal agency seemed daunting at first.

However, finding the right opportunity isn’t always about starting from scratch. For Gary—and many other Contact 1 candidates—it just took partnering with a recruiter who could see how his creative background and transferable skills could open doors to exciting new possibilities.

Read on as we share Gary’s experience, the support he received from Contact 1, and how he ultimately secured his ideal role with the United States Postal Services (USPS).

What was your background before working with Contact 1?

I had a background in writing copy for radio and did some marketing with them. It was creative work, but I was looking for something that could provide more stability while still using my skills. I wasn’t really sure what that might look like, but I knew I wanted to explore new opportunities.

How did you connect with Contact 1?

Isabel, Director of Staffing & Recruiting at Contact 1, was a friend of a friend. I reached out to her and just wondered if Contact 1 had anything that even remotely fit my background. I wasn’t sure how my experience would translate, but I wanted to explore new opportunities.

What made Contact 1 stand out in their approach?

I had never worked with recruiters before, but I had heard some negative stories about other places and how they do business. My experience was nothing like that with Contact 1.

Isabel was very helpful from the start. She gave me a few hours of her time before she even lined anything up, and it made all the difference. I think she was able to get a feel for what kind of positions would work for me.

The personal attention didn’t stop with Isabel either. From top to bottom, from Nazuki, the Operations Director who handles payroll, to everyone else on the team, they’re all so helpful. It was such an easy transition.

How did Contact 1 help you find the right position?

Isabel really hooked me up with the USPS position. While I initially thought it would be more focused on writing, it turned out to be a great blend of customer service and creative work. There’s a lot of freedom that we have in writing and talking about the brand, in social posts and other content. So, it was a nice bridge from what I was doing with copywriting into something a little more stable.

What kind of support did Contact 1 provide during the transition?

If I ever have any issues or questions, the help is almost instant. I don’t sit there and wait for answers for a full workday. Contact 1 has been fantastic since I’ve started my new role. Super, super attentive and always willing to help.

They checked in regularly during my first month to make sure I was settling in well, and they helped me with everything from 401(k) questions to figuring out time-tracking procedures. The support has been incredible.

What advice would you give to other job seekers?

Find yourself a recruiter or a company that is really willing to look over your resume. Find a company that truly cares. Even if they’re a small team…give them a chance. They just might put you in a spot to be successful.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Care

At Contact 1, we pride ourselves on creating meaningful connections that lead to successful placements. Gary’s experience exemplifies our commitment to understanding each candidate’s unique background and potential, even when their path might not be immediately obvious.

“If you’re going to go through a recruiting service, make sure that they have your interests at heart, that they’re careful and thoughtful,” Gary reflects. “That is what’s going to lead to your ultimate success or failure in a position…Find yourself a thoughtful, attentive, and careful recruiter who will set you up for success.”