JBLM Job Fair Showcases State Employment Opportunities

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Staff Sergeant Danika Nolan’s military exit date is a few weeks away, and she’s preparing for the shift at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 task hunters, she attended a hiring reasonable Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State career opportunities at JBLM’s Hawk Career Center.

“I simply attempt to benefit from all the resources and services that the (Transition Assistance Program) Center needs to offer, just to make certain I’m as prepared as possible,” she stated.

The focus of the job fair on state employment, instead of work in numerous markets, made it various than others on the installation. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and the TAP, it began with a panel of veterans from state agencies, who shared their experiences and employment answered concerns. Following the panel, recruiters from state agencies were offered to answer working with questions, said Frank Handoe, employment deputy shift services manager for the TAP.

Informational tables represented companies consisting of VERG, WorkSource and Washington State’s Department of Veterans Affairs and VA Apprenticeship Program; Department of Children, Youth and Families; Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division; and Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

A quarterly event, the job fair is “a low-stress, low-pressure opportunity to learn what type of chances exist here outdoors your back entrance,” said Christopher Gentz, transition services supervisor for the Directorate of Human Resources.

Additional like the Jan. 30 occasion will be held May 8, July 10 and Sept. 11.

To prepare for them, “dress for success,” bring your resume and practice your elevator pitch, Gentz said.

An elevator pitch is a “quick introduction of yourself, who you are and what you’re wanting to do,” Handoe stated, discussing that the skill is taught as part of the TAP.

One of the task fair’s objectives was to assist individuals find out about profession chances and how their abilities line up with them, Gentz said.

Education is a key advantage of going to a task reasonable, as about 40% of those who start with the TAP discover they’re “not ready to make that dive yet,” or they have actually seen the offered opportunities and decide to continue serving, Gentz stated.

“We see that generally every year,” he said. “We want them to make an informed decision about their career.”

Part of the education piece is learning more about finances, consisting of credit reports, budget plans and “developing a nest egg so you have something to deal with when it’s time to get out,” Handoe stated.

“Everybody’s going to get out of the Army sooner or later,” he stated, “but while you remain in, are you doing whatever you can to prepare to get out?”

Job fairs also exist to help individuals with networking, seeing what people in the outside world are looking for – including certifications, accreditations and education – and discovering their hiring practices, Handoe stated.

“You need to be doing prep work now for what it is you wish to do later down the road,” he said.

That preparation work includes preparing for job fairs.

“You require to enter into an employing fair with a plan of what you’re going to do and not simply meander around,” Handoe stated.

He described that attendees should determine the business they desire to talk with and research them ahead of time, to allow for employment educated discussions with employers.

Nolan delighted in the Jan. 30 job fair and talked to some recruiters. A senior details innovation professional with the 16th Combat Aviation Unit, she has discovered she wishes to serve those who serve in her approaching civilian role.