JBLM Job Fair Showcases State Employment Opportunities

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

As part of a group of about 30 job hunters, she went to a hiring fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State career chances 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 offer, simply to ensure I’m as prepared as possible,” she stated.

The focus of the job fair on state employment, instead of employment in numerous markets, made it different than others on the installation. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and the TAP, it started with a panel of veterans from state firms, who shared their experiences and responded to concerns. Following the panel, recruiters from state companies were readily available to address employing concerns, stated Frank Handoe, deputy shift services manager for the TAP.

Informational tables represented organizations 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 Health Services, Community Services Division; and Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

A quarterly occasion, the task fair is “a low-stress, low-pressure opportunity to learn what sort of opportunities exist here outdoors your back entrance,” said Gentz, transition services manager 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 prepare for them, “gown for success,” bring your resume and practice your elevator pitch, Gentz stated.

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

One of the job fair’s objectives was to help people find out about career opportunities and how their skills 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 discover they’re “not ready to make that jump yet,” or they have seen the offered chances and choose to continue serving, Gentz said.

“We see that generally every year,” he stated. “We desire them to make an informed decision about their career.”

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

“Everybody’s going to get out of the Army one day,” he said, “but while you remain in, are you doing everything you can to prepare to get out?”

Job fairs also exist to help individuals with networking, seeing what people in the outside world are searching for – including certifications, accreditations and education – and learning more about their working with practices, Handoe stated.

“You ought to be doing prep work now for what it is you desire to do in the future down the road,” he stated.

That preparation work consists of preparing 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 described that participants should identify the companies they wish to consult with and research them ahead of time, to enable for informed discussions with employers.

Nolan enjoyed the Jan. 30 job reasonable and spoke to some employers. A senior infotech expert with the 16th Combat Aviation Unit, she has actually found she wants to serve those who serve in her upcoming civilian function.