ARLINGTON, Va. (May 9, 2013) - - Army Community Service (ACS), Virginia Employment Commission and the Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP) joined forces to provide a job fair for veterans, service members, military spouses and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Members of the DOD and military service and their family members are faced with the daunting task of finding new jobs to prepare themselves for life after their service or while living in the area. A job fair gives them the opportunity to practice their interview skills and provides a variety of organizations to include federal contractors, federal and local government agencies and private sector employment.
"Due to the large amount of Soldiers getting out of the military we expect a large turn out today," said Judy Joyner, employment readiness program manager of ACS. "This is the closest job fair for those in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Pentagon."
Those attending a job fair should come prepared and with a plan. Some of the things that they should bring to with them are copies of their resume, a 30-second sales pitch, information about the organizations that will be attending and energy. First impressions are important so bring a smile, a strong handshake and a positive attitude.
"I have been to several job fairs and each one is a different experience," said Sergeant Max Nellis of the 289th Military Police Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). "Most soldiers seem to enlist between 18 and 22 with very little job hunting or interview experience, then once the soldier leaves the Army they have no idea how to get a job in the civilian market. The ACAP DOL Workshop and these Job Fairs help soldiers to get ready to join the civilian workforce and to learn how to do it. I'm glad the Army has made it mandatory training."
Job fairs have the potential to turn into mini job interviews with the company recruiters. Attendees should dress appropriate and avoid extremely casual clothing. The best time to get to a job fair is shortly after it begins to give attendees an ample amount of time to talk with as many recruiters as possible.
"This is my first job fair and I hope that the companies are looking to hire veterans with my skill sets," said Specialist Tametris Walker, Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). "I feel confident that I will find a job for when I get out of the military; however, I am just not sure when it will happen" Walker continued after meeting with some of the company recruiters.
Job fairs provide a better sense of the attendee's career options. They should ensure to get business cards from the recruiters that they meet. After attending the job fair veterans, service members, military spouses and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees should feel confident about the opportunities that are available after their service is complete or while their spouse is stationed in the area.
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