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 preparing for the transition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 task hunters, she participated in an employing fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State career opportunities at JBLM’s Hawk Career Center.

“I just try to benefit from all the resources and services that the (Transition Assistance Program) Center needs to provide, simply to make sure I’m as prepared as possible,” she said.

The focus of the job fair on state work, employment rather than employment in different industries, made it various than others on the setup. 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 addressed questions. Following the panel, recruiters from state companies were available to address hiring questions, stated Frank Handoe, deputy transition services supervisor 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 employment Health Services, Community Services Division; and Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

A quarterly occasion, the job fair is “a low-stress, low-pressure chance to learn what type of chances exist here outside your back door,” said Christopher Gentz, employment shift services manager for the Directorate of .

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

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

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

Among the job fair’s goals was to help people learn more about profession chances and how their abilities line up with them, Gentz stated.

Education is a crucial benefit of participating in a job fair, as about 40% of those who begin with the TAP learn they’re “not ready to make that jump yet,” or they have actually seen the offered chances and choose to continue serving, Gentz stated.

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

Part of the education piece is finding out about financial resources, employment including credit reports, employment budget plans and “building a nest egg so you have something to work with when it’s time to get out,” Handoe stated.

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

Job fairs likewise exist to assist people with networking, seeing what individuals in the outside world are trying to find – including certifications, accreditations and education – and learning about their employing practices, Handoe said.

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

That prep work includes preparing for job fairs.

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

He described that guests should identify the companies they desire to speak to and research them ahead of time, employment to permit informed discussions with recruiters.

Nolan enjoyed the Jan. 30 job fair and employment consulted with some employers. A senior infotech specialist with the 16th Combat Aviation Unit, she has actually found she wishes to serve those who serve in her approaching civilian function.