Career Day assists transitioning service members

Published Sept. 12, 2014
By Veronica Sandate Craker
Northwest Guardian

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- America's Heroes 2014 Career Day attracted hundreds of applicants to the Tacoma Convention Center Sept. 5.

The biannual event seeks to connect American businesses with military job seekers. Some of the businesses represented included Microsoft, Amazon, Puget Sound Energy and Alaska Airlines, Inc.

"We have 30 different employers (represented), but one good thing to note is from those 30 different employers we have about 135 representatives from those employers so we get a large population of employers and recruiters," Andrea Nelson, program manager, said.

There were an estimated 200 job seekers registered, but Nelson said she was expecting that many walk-ins if not more on the day of the event. In addition to a job fair the program offered job seekers a chance to meet one-on-one with career coaches. The coaches took a look at applicants resumes to help them polish it and worked with them on the best way to sell themselves to potential employers. Additional workshops included a presentation on LinkedIn, the social media platform designed to assist in professional networking and information on current openings at Boeing, including how to navigate the company's online application system.

"Even if you've been job searching for a while, maybe you're a Vietnam vet whose come back or a military spouse and you're in need of work -- we try to hone your skills and build your network along with having actual recruiters who can actually get your application in," Nelson said.

Chad Rosenberg recently transitioned out of the Navy and while he said he's already had a few good job interviews he wanted to keep his options open in case those leads fell through.

"A lot of it's a waiting game," Rosenberg said. "I'm learning that I need to keep the search going. Even though you did have that good interview you've still got to keep your eyes on something down the line that may open up."

Rosenberg is originally from San Antonio, Texas, but said he wanted to stay in the Pacific Northwest. To help himself become more attractive to potential employers he's done a lot of research on how to brand himself.

"Networking is key," Rosenberg said. "Getting your name out there and letting people know 'hey I'm transitioning this year' so that may click in someone's head if they know of a possible job."

Prior to the event job seekers got a chance to hear from Mick James of Starbucks. James gave a 30-minute presentation on "mastering the tools of your trade" and the job market. He pointed out that there is a difference between applying for a job and looking for a job.

"Let's make sure we are very clear on job application techniques which are a necessary evil to get through the HR system, but don't confuse job application with job search," James said. "Searching for a job we are actively interviewing the companies for the job we have an interest in finding out if the environment is a match."

James also talked about how applicants can interact with employers and how to present their skills.

The next Hiring America's Heroes Career Day will take place in the spring of 2015.