JBLM Job Fair Showcases State Employment Opportunities

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Staff Sergeant Danika Nolan’s military exit date is a couple of weeks away, and she’s getting ready for the transition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 job applicants, [empty] she went to an employing fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State profession opportunities at JBLM’s Hawk Career Center.

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

The focus of the job fair on state employment, rather than employment in different industries, 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 answered questions. Following the panel, recruiters from state companies were readily available to address hiring questions, stated Frank Handoe, deputy transition services manager for horizonsmaroc.com the TAP.

Informational tables represented companies including 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 task fair is “a low-stress, low-pressure opportunity to learn what kind of opportunities exist here outdoors your back entrance,” said Christopher Gentz, transition services supervisor for the Directorate of Human Resources.

Additional job fairs like the Jan. 30 event will be held May 8, [empty] July 10 and Sept. 11.

To get ready for them, “gown for success,” bring your resume and practice your elevator hireblitz.com pitch, Gentz stated.

An elevator pitch is a “quick introduction of yourself, who you are and what you’re looking to do,” Handoe said, pointing out that the ability is taught as part of the TAP.

One of the task fair’s goals was to assist individuals discover career chances and how their skills align with them, Gentz said.

Education is an essential benefit of going to a job reasonable, as about 40% of those who start with the TAP discover they’re “not all set to make that dive yet,” or they have seen the offered opportunities and 24-Hour Loan decide to continue serving, Gentz said.

“We see that generally every year,” he stated. “We want them to make an educated choice about their profession.”

Part of the education piece is learning more about financial resources, consisting of credit reports, budgets and “building a savings so you have something to deal with when it’s time to go out,” Handoe stated.

“Everybody’s going to get out of the Army sooner or later,” he said, “but while you’re in, are you doing everything you can to prepare to go out?”

Job fairs likewise exist to assist people with networking, seeing what individuals in the outdoors world are searching for – consisting of certifications, accreditations and 24-Hour Loan education – and finding out about their hiring practices, Handoe said.

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

That prep work includes getting ready for job fairs.

“You require to enter into a working with reasonable with a plan of what you’re going to do and not simply meander around,” Handoe said.

He discussed that guests need to determine the they wish to talk to and research study them ahead of time, to permit for educated discussions with recruiters.

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