As Veterans Day arrives, it’s a perfect time to honor those who have served and continue to make a difference in civilian life. One such individual is Tim den Hoed, the Omaha-based founder of Major Talent. Fueled by his own experiences in the Air Force, Tim has dedicated himself to helping veterans and military spouses transition into meaningful careers. His company, Major Talent, is bridging the gap between military skills and civilian jobs, transforming lives in the process.
From Air Force Service to Entrepreneurship
The inspiration behind Major Talent came from Tim’s personal struggles transitioning to civilian life. After a 20-year career, of which six years was as an Air Force recruiter, Tim found himself applying for over 100 jobs, constantly tweaking his resume. “Employers didn’t understand the value of my military experience,” Tim explains. “It was frustrating to see skills overlooked simply due to terminology.”
Determined to change that, Tim created Major Talent, a platform designed to translate military experience into industry-recognized skills. The goal was clear: to simplify the job search process for veterans and military spouses while educating employers on the unique strengths that veterans bring to the table.
A Platform Tailored for Veterans’ Success
Major Talent goes beyond traditional job boards. At its core is proprietary software that translates military ranks, duty titles, and job codes into skills-based profiles, making it easier for civilian employers to understand a veteran’s qualifications. This skills-matching approach not only clarifies veterans’ strengths but also connects them with companies committed to hiring them.
“We only partner with employers who are intentional about hiring veterans,” Tim explains. “Our platform allows veterans to build skills-based resumes, map their career paths, and even message employers directly.” This proactive approach ensures that veterans don’t just apply to jobs—they connect directly with decision-makers at companies who value their skills.
Impact in Action
The power of Major Talent is best illustrated through real-life stories. Tim recalls working with a recently retired aircraft mechanic who was struggling to find a civilian role. By translating his military experience into a skills-based profile, Tim matched him with a Field Service Engineer position. “The company and candidate would never have connected based on job titles alone,” Tim notes. “Today, he’s one of their top employees.”
In another instance, Tim helped a company find a service manager by identifying an Air Force loadmaster who excelled in scheduling, safety, and communication. “The company loved veterans but wouldn’t have considered him based on his title,” Tim shares. “Once we showcased his skills, they realized he was the perfect fit.”
Supporting Military Spouses: Broadening the Mission
Tim’s commitment doesn’t stop with veterans. Military spouses often face unique challenges due to frequent relocations. Major Talent addresses this by connecting them with flexible, remote job opportunities. “Military spouses bring incredible resilience and problem-solving skills,” Tim says. “We’re here to help them find careers that fit their lifestyle.”
Building Strong Partnerships with Veteran-Friendly Employers
One of the factors that sets Major Talent apart is its network of preferred partners, including Werner Enterprises, Valmont Industries, and Claas. These respected organizations understand the value of hiring veterans and are committed to intentionally recruiting them. “By partnering with companies who value veterans, we ensure our candidates are recognized for their unique strengths,” Tim explains.
Educating Employers and Overcoming Misconceptions
Veterans face persistent stereotypes in the job market. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, veteran unemployment rates are consistently higher than the national average, partly due to misconceptions. “There’s this belief that veterans are rigid or struggle with ambiguity,” Tim says. “In reality, they’re incredibly adaptable and resourceful.”
To break down these barriers, Major Talent works closely with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring veterans. Tim recalls a success story where a former aircraft mechanic secured a position as a Field Service Engineer. “Once the job titles were removed, and we compared skills required for the job and skills experience by the candidate” Tim shares. “It was an easy decision and he became one of their top hires.” By demystifying military job descriptions, Tim is helping companies unlock a pool of talented, disciplined candidates.
Impact on the Omaha Community
Major Talent is not just transforming lives—it’s also making a positive impact on Omaha’s business community. Tim collaborates with organizations like the SBA and VBOC to raise awareness and create opportunities for veterans. “We’re focused on building partnerships that support veterans and strengthen our local economy,” he notes.
We’re focused on building partnerships that support veterans and strengthen our local economy. ~ Tim den Hoed
In honor of Veterans Day, Tim and his team are taking time to reflect with their families. “We want to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their loved ones,” Tim says. However, the company’s commitment to service doesn’t end there. Plans for next year include new initiatives aimed at expanding resources for veteran job seekers.
New Tools and Innovations
As Major Talent continues to grow, Tim is focused on enhancing the platform with new features, such as an interview simulation tool to help veterans prepare for job interviews. “Our mission is to give veterans the tools they need to succeed,” Tim emphasizes. “Every successful placement is a testament to their hard work and resilience.”
Join the Mission
For Tim den Hoed, Major Talent is more than a business—it’s a mission to honor and support those who have served. If you’re a veteran, military spouse, or employer interested in making meaningful connections, visit majortalent.com to explore opportunities today.
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