Are you a VETERAN searching for a Job? Are you a spouse of a Veteran, or family of a Veteran, or Friend of a Veteran?
This Job Fair is for YOU!
Schedule of Events:
April 5 • 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Mock Interviews
April 6 • 1 – 4:00 p.m. — Veterans Job Fair — Show up in your casual business interview attire with resume in hand and meet the employers ready to hire you.
Some of the Businesses and Veteran Services to meet job seekers include:
Sponsors: Veterans Memorial Hall • Workforce Santa Cruz County • Times Publishing Group • Good Times • California Employment Development Department • Veterans Services
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Job Fairs
What To Do Before, During and After
Before
Prepare a packet that includes a resume and short bio. Summarize highlights of your military service—in civilian terms. Include a photograph.
Look professional and not overly casual. Avoid wearing jeans, T-shirts or military fatigues.
Read up on participating companies so you can speak intelligently about how your skills align with their missions. Some industries — like transportation — have aging workforces and are looking for workers.
During
Keep an open mind. Recruiters say job hunters’ biggest mistake is walking past their table. You may assume you don’t have skills for an electric utility, but there may be a department that directly correlates to what you’ve been doing in the military.
Remember this is still a job interview. You may not be in a traditional setting, but you are being evaluated. Conduct yourself as you would in an interview.
Take notes. You’ll be meeting so many people that you may forget important conversations. Write down specific details about each recruiter.
After
Reconnect with recruiters. Get your notebook out so you can remember specific details from the job fair. They’ll be impressed at your level of recall, attention to detail and interest in them. Thank them for the time they took to attend the job fair and ask for next steps in the interview process.
Polishing Your Resume
Here are some tips on highlighting your skills and qualities, and a few other pointers about presenting your professional history.
- Include only what will earn you a seat at the interview table. Use judgment to mention only what directly applies to your dream job.
- Ask others to read it. Military jargon and acronyms will make civilians’ eyes glaze over. Ask civilian friends and family members to read your resume. If they don’t understand something, change it.
- If you work in a field where it’s necessary to show the employer a portfolio of your work, make those materials as understandable as possible.
- Include relevant training and accomplishments. Show the recruiter how their company can leverage your skills. Then explain what you want to do with your career. It’s not just about degrees anymore; employers want people with strong soft skills like ethics, self-discipline, a personable communications approach, leadership ability and a can-do attitude.
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Networking For Veterans
Get the Word Out
Be sure to tell your friends, your family, even your mail carrier that you’re searching. Be specific with what you’re looking for and chase every lead. If you’re in the Reserve or National Guard, tell your chain of command and find your state’s employment assistance office.
If you’re coming off active duty, be a regular at your post’s Transition Assistance office.
Update your profile and connect with friends and co-workers. Join veterans groups and don’t be afraid to post messages with questions. Scout potential employers. Veterans love helping other veterans.
Bring Something to the Table
The best networkers aren’t just takers — they’re givers too. Find ways to help others, volunteer using whatever you have to offer. The more you give, the more likely you are to receive. Get out there and do things. Coach a soccer team. Volunteer at a nonprofit. Not only will this keep you sane during your search, but every time you get out and meet people, you’ll be expanding your network.
Follow Up
From the business card you got at a military job fair to the name you got from that friend of a friend, the key to successful networking is hard work. That means in-person visits when possible, phone calls as a backup, and emails only when necessary.