FORT BENNING, Ga. - Transitioning Soldiers, veterans, retirees, family members and other post personnel are encouraged to participate in the upcoming CivilanJobs.com career expo. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25 at the Benning Conference Center, 7010 Morrison Ave.
Job seekers can begin the process toward potential employment by uploading a resume and completing pre-registration at CivilanJobs.com today.
Last year, the job fair featured nearly 40 employers, CivilianJobs.com senior career expo coordinator Vicki Washington said. A few may even be prepared to hire that day.
"These companies totally get what service members have to offer," she said. "They are looking to make placements all across the U.S. and overseas."
Washington said the expo is a great opportunity for networking and an introduction to the civilian job search, which many Soldiers have never experienced.
"It's a little bit different," she said. "They've not had to compete for a new job as they move from location to location. Now they're suddenly put in a position where they have to present themselves."
Fort Benning Employment Readiness Program manager Mark Mills said job fairs are a good opportunity for Soldiers who are thinking about leaving the military in the next few years.
"This may be a good time to talk to employers about what they are looking for in the civilian world," he said.
Mills said some military jobs easily transfer to the civilian job market like medical and clerical; however, some Soldiers will have to play up related skills like the ability to train others or attention to detail.
CivilianJobs.com lists opportunities in administration, logistics, customer service, aviation, management, sales, medical, driving and engineering. Job seekers should bring at least 20 copies of their resume for recruiters and expect to be referred to employer Web sites for follow-up, Washington said.
Although walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration allows job seekers to receive a list of employers who match their background and location preference. Washington said the list may be short or long, based on experience, but all are still encouraged to visit as many tables as possible.
Veterans without a military ID must pre-register by March 11 to be listed on the post access roster for facility entrance and employer matching.
Mills said dressing appropriately scores automatic points.
"About 70 percent of people that go to job fairs aren't dressed right," he said. "That is huge because employers should be able to focus on your qualifications (instead of your presentation)."
ACUs are acceptable, but all others should opt for business attire.
"You should treat this like a real opportunity," Washington said. "You don't know who you'll meet or what opportunity you'll have to impress."
Call 678-819-4170 or visit www.CivilianJobs.com for more information and to pre-register.
What to expect:
-Sign in begins at 9 a.m.
-Everyone will receive a packet of employer names, vacancies, floor plan and interview guide.
-Floor opens at 10 a.m., to include more than 30 employer tables.
Career Expo Tips
Aca,!Ac Be "the early bird" and plan for your transition a year ahead.
Aca,!Ac Explore all your options
Aca,!Ac "Civilianize" your resume and experience
Aca,!Ac Sell yourself
Aca,!Ac Show examples of your work
Aca,!Ac Be professional on social networking sites
Aca,!Ac Don't settle
Source: militarytocivilian.com
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