Job Search Advice – Tips for Working a Veteran Hiring Event

Job seekers who attend a RecruitMilitary Veteran Opportunity Expo or any other military-to-civilian job fair, career fair, hiring event, etc., can improve their chances of finding a great job lead via the following tips:

###Dress for the part
If you are on active duty or you are attending the event on a reserve or National Guard drill day, wearing your uniform to the event is great. In all other cases, you should wear the same civilian outfit that you would wear at a one-on-one interview at an employer’s place of business. And that should be a business suit or, at the very least, a business casual outfit.

###Stay enthusiastic
If a recruiter asks you to email your resume to his/her company. The recruiter will not be brushing you off. In fact, being asked for the email may be a good sign. Many companies require their recruiters to gather resumes by email: (1) to obtain HR information as required by law and (2) so they can direct desirable job seekers to different departments in their companies. Asking for a resume to be emailed also acts as a test of a job seeker’s interest in the specific opportunity. So tell the recruiter that you will comply – then do it.

###Try to get to all of the booths
Even those that may not seem as if they have any opportunity for you. An employer’s name or its primary industry does not necessarily indicate what openings the company is trying to fill. For example, a drugstore chain may be recruiting for positions in transportation/distribution or accounting.

Even if you are not going to the event to discuss continuing your education, talk with the recruiters at the booths for educational institutions. Today’s institutions deliver learning opportunities in many ways other than traditional, full-time, daytime classes on a campus. A few minutes of conversation may lead to an unexpected continuing-education opportunity that is right for you.

###The three E’s
Be energetic, enthusiastic, and engaged at all times. Recruiters talk with job seekers all day. Job seekers who stand out are not only qualified, but also have a high likability factor.

###Memorize your story
Before you go to employers’ booths, create some talking points. Put together a 30-to-60-second story about yourself that includes some of your successes and areas of interest. Be ready to discuss how your military experience relates to the civilian workplace. You should also prepare yourself for a long, detailed interview – employers have hired people on the spot at our events.

For more great tips, login or create an account on www.recruitmilitary.com, and visit the “Resources” tab.