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 shift at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 job candidates, she went to a working with fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State profession chances at JBLM’s Hawk Career Center.

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

The focus of the job fair on state work, rather than employment in various markets, made it various than others on the setup. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and the TAP, it started with a panel of veterans from state agencies, who shared their experiences and addressed concerns. Following the panel, recruiters from state companies were readily available to answer hiring concerns, stated Frank Handoe, deputy transition services manager for the TAP.

Informational tables represented organizations including VERG, WorkSource and employment 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 event, the job fair is “a low-stress, low-pressure chance to discover what sort of opportunities exist here outside your back door,” said Christopher Gentz, transition services supervisor employment for the Directorate of Human Resources.

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

To get ready 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 aiming to do,” Handoe stated, discussing that the ability is taught as part of the TAP.

One of the task fair’s goals was to help individuals discover profession opportunities and how their abilities align with them, employment Gentz stated.

Education is a key benefit of going to a task fair, as about 40% of those who begin with the TAP learn they’re “not all set to make that dive yet,” or they have seen the readily available and decide to continue serving, Gentz stated.

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

Part of the education piece is learning more about finances, including credit reports, budget plans and “constructing a savings so you have something to deal with when it’s time to get out,” Handoe said.

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

Job fairs also exist to assist individuals with networking, seeing what individuals in the outdoors world are searching for – consisting of certifications, accreditations and education – and learning more about their working with practices, Handoe stated.

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

That preparation work includes getting ready for task fairs.

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

He explained that guests should identify the business they wish to consult with and research study them ahead of time, to permit informed discussions with recruiters.

Nolan took pleasure in the Jan. 30 job fair and consulted with some employers. A senior info technology expert with the 16th Combat Aviation Unit, she has found she wishes to serve those who serve in her upcoming civilian role.