HERE'S HOW TO PREPARE FOR NETWORKING AT A VETERAN JOB FAIR
Life after the military is a chapter that is often accompanied by a lot of uncertainty and stress. Acclimating to the civilian world and trying to find your niche can be difficult to say the least. Finding work after retiring from the military is especially daunting for many Veterans out there. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of Vets have trouble finding what’s right for them. Luckily, that’s where a Veteran job fair comes in. Join us as we give you all the information you need to know in order to get started.
What Are Veteran Job Fairs?
Job fairs are events held by the employers of various organizations that are seeking individuals who are interested in joining their company. These events offer attendants the chance to network with multiple different employers all at a singular time, making it accessible for people who need as many leads as possible. Veteran job fairs are no different from civilian ones. These types of job fairs are, as you guessed it, catered exclusively to Veterans who are looking for work post-military retirement. Vets who attend a Veteran job fair can expect to be surrounded by like-minded men and women who understand what it’s like to be a Veteran in search of work in a world that is largely foreign to them. Employers at Veteran job fairs acknowledge this difficulty, and many of them have made an effort to make the process as seamless as possible for prospective employees.
How Do I Find a Veteran Job Fair?
There are a few different ways to find Veteran job fairs to attend. The first and most accessible option is to simply google “Veteran job fair near me.” This is a tried and true method for finding really anything within your community. If there are any hiring events relating to Veterans happening in or around your area, you should see results for them, which you can then proceed accordingly. Another option if you are looking for some more specific parameters is to search online for Veteran job fairs. This is similar to option one, but the search results are not limited to just your current location. With this method, you can search all across the U.S. for job fairs that pertain to what you are looking for as a Veteran. Sites like Recruit Military are designed to help Veterans all across America to find the work that’s right for them. Additionally, many of these career fair websites also host job fairs virtually, which helps those who are disabled, or simply are not interested in traveling/relocating, find career options. Here are some Veteran job fair websites to help you get started with your search:
- Recruit Military
- DAV: Disabled American Veteran
- MilitaryX
- Veteran Recruiting
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Of course this is not all there is out there, but these Veteran job fair websites are sure to help you find what you’re looking for, whether it’s in person or online. Another helpful resource is to Google “Veterans Affairs job fair.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is one of your top resources as a Veteran, and their website has a plethora of events that take place all throughout the year, with many of them being career fairs (both online and in person.)
5 Tips for Networking That Actually Work
For military members, networking can be somewhat of a foreign concept, as positions and work has likely been assigned to you for years. Once it becomes time to enter the civilian workforce, finding a job can prove difficult if you don't have an excellent network helping you secure that next opportunity. But, why does one need to network? Does it really play a significant role in securing that dream job? Well, yes. Networking allows you to explore job opportunities and allows you to get a sense of the company culture before accepting the job. Additionally, it gives you a leg up on the competition, especially for jobs where simply submitting a resume is not sufficient. Below, we're breaking down 5 networking tips that will help Veterans land that next job.
1. Use Military Networks.
You served your country, and during that time you probably made several strong connections. These connections can come in hand when the times comes for you to look for a job after service. Using your military network, you can gain valuable advice, can obtain job leads, and more so can gain valuable emotion support as you transition into the civilian work world. When searching for a job, consider reaching out to those you served with or worked under.
2. Effectively Translate Your Military Experience.
Learning how to effectively communicate the value that your military experience has to offer a future employer is extremely important. Therefore, consider highlighting your military leadership experiences, team mindset, and your problem-solving skills. It is also a good idea to share any certifications or credentials that you obtained while serving, as these can give you a leg up.
3. Have a Strong Online Presence.
Nowadays, a strong online presence is everything. Therefore, consider creating or updating your LinkedIn profile or joining other professional networking sites. Be sure to highlight your military-specific skills, background, achievements, etc. Consider posting regularly and expanding your network by connecting with those in the industry you would like to work in.
4. Find a Mentor.
Finding a job is all about who you know. Thus, a mentor can be extremely useful. Consider finding someone that has similar experiences, interests, or passions as you. Additionally, try networking and talking with those who have transitioned out of the military and successfully transitioned into a civilian career. They can give you tips and pointers about how to navigate the job market.
5. Attend Veteran-Specific Networking Events.
Probably one of the most important pieces of advice in this list to to attend Veteran-specific job fairs, workshops, events, etc. A Veteran job fair will often have employers who are actively recruiting Veterans. Thus, they understand the value, talent, and unique skills that you bring to the table.
Advance Your Career and Visit a Veterans Job Fair
Finding work can be a challenge for anyone, civilian and Veteran alike. Veterans especially may find it difficult to make the transition after leaving the service. This makes career websites and job fairs, specifically related to employment opportunities after service, all the more helpful. With all the different options at their disposal, Veterans have it easier than ever when it comes to finding the job they’re looking for. Disabled Veterans also have a lot of flexibility. This is thanks to the advent of remote work skyrocketing in relevancy in the recent years. Here’s to you embarking on your next chapter in life. Happy job hunting! Read next:
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