The RecruitMilitary Blog

Job Fair for Military Veterans in Houston, TX on April 4, 2013 – Proudly Sponsored by Chevron

Liz Wheeler — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:49:21 +0000

FREE job fair for veterans of the U.S. Military and their spouses. Proudly sponsored by Chevron.

RecruitMilitary is proud to present a Veteran Job Fair (career fair for military veterans) in Houston, TX this week.

This event will be held at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 11am-3pm. Click here for directions. Bring copies of your resume, and be prepared – you may be interviewed on the spot!

For veterans, this job fair is a great opportunity to network with other job-seeking veterans, meet with veteran-friendly companies and organizations looking to hire former military, and find job opportunities.

For companies, this is a chance to show your dedication and commitment to our nation’s finest – the men and women who have served our country in arms, and are now ready and qualified to enter the civilian workforce.

Do you qualify to attend RecruitMilitary’s Expo? Check out our blog post to read our definition of a veteran!

Is your resume civilian ready? Check out Resume Best Practices to ensure you are making the most out of your qualifications.

This event is proudly sponsored by Chevron. Check out opportunities with Chevron.

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments. We’re always glad to hear what you think, and happy to help in any way we can. You can reach us through our Facebook page, Twitter account, or via email at support@recruitmilitary.com.

Where Do Candidates Live?

Lisa Dunster — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:59:58 +0000

One of the things we are proudest of is that we have candidates from all across the United States. Our database is national and so no matter where the need, there are transitioning service members at the ready. Our candidates include men and women who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, veterans who already have civilian work experience, members of the National Guard and reserves, and military spouses and other family members.

If you check out this link you will be able to see the map and breakdown of regional populations of registered job candidates https://staff.recruitmilitary.com/uploads/file_upload/asset/122/Online_Job_Board_Regional_Map_12-13-12.pdf .
This map and chart can also help your recruiters who are looking to fill multiple positions in a region and/or positions in multiple offices or plants in a region. Those recruiters can use the data to determine which states to specify in searching our database.

We have assigned states to regions based on our knowledge of the affinity that candidates have for certain regions and their willingness to relocate out of their regions. Affinity, we believe, has much to do with differences in culture, regional occupations and industries, and even climate and topography. A willingness to relocate has to do with affinity and, of course, the distance one would have to move.

As you can see, candidates are available in every region. So, if you thought you had to look far, the answer is simply no. There are quality candidates in your backyard and next door who are ready to give you their absolute best.

As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments. We’re always glad to hear what you think, and happy to help in any way we can. You can comment to this blog, reach us through our Facebook page, Twitter account, or via email at support@recruitmilitary.com.

Join Us

Lisa Dunster — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:17:08 +0000

I will be providing posts each week designed to address the needs of job seekers (posts on Monday and Wednesday) as well as organizations and businesses (posts on Tuesday and Thursday). You are invited to the discussion.

If you read something that sparks further thought, please share it with us. I look forward to engaging with you and learning from your experiences as well. Also, if there is a topic you would like to see us address please let us know. We want to help provide the information that you need.

Goal Setting For Your Future – Part I

Lisa Dunster — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:16:13 +0000

So, you are at a crossroad in life. You may be transitioning from military to civilian life, be ready to shift into a career more suited for your experience, or ready to make the leap from post-secondary education into the workforce. Regardless, there are several things that you will want to think about before you just jump into your job search.

Brian Tracy says, “Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor.” I happen to agree with this statement. Goals help you not only set a plan but measure your plan. So, as you are looking at this crossroad, there are several things to consider:

What type of work do I see myself doing?
What qualifications or experience do I have in relation to this type of work?
What might I need to do to better prepare for work in this area?
How will my work in this field impact those around me (spouse, children, and friends)? Hours? Shifts?
If I take a position in this field, what do I see myself doing in 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years?
If I want to advance in this field, what else will be required of me as time moves forward? Will I need further education? Will I need to relocate?
When it comes to my work life, what are my must haves? What are my deal breakers? I suggest that you make a two column chart so that you can see these. Label one side “Must Haves” and the other “Deal Breakers.”
How do I feel about relocation? Make sure that you think about this question both for the immediate future as well as distant future. Will you be required to leave the area where you are well established and have strong relationships?
What about your commute? How long do you want to spend traveling to and from work? What is the maximum you are willing to travel?
What about traveling for work? What percentage of your work are you willing to spend traveling?
What values are important to you?
Is there a time table driving my choice?

As you can see this is not a simple process. In order to do this right you should take some time to think, reflect, and write down your answers. Why write them down? Because that action helps you not only process, but keeps them from being so abstract. What is written takes more effort to change than a simple thought. What is written has a greater likelihood of becoming reality. Get energized and see where it takes you!

Hiring Veterans Equips Businesses with Leadership Skills that Enhance Performance

Lisa Dunster — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:41:59 +0000

Veterans are often thought of as a unique culture. They are equipped with several leadership characteristics that are desirable in workplaces across the U.S. and around the world. According to retired U.S. Army four-star general and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki veterans contribute several valuable qualities:

Decision making skills primed with quick, clear thinking;
Proven leadership skills honed in the most challenging operational environments;
The knowledge and experience needed to be sophisticated team-builders and natural team players; and
A work ethic that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence.

These traits make it easy to see how advantageous hiring veterans can be to any workplace; but don’t just take his word for it.

Michael Hayes, General Manager of Operations at Aldez Containers, LLC based out of San Antonio, Texas says Aldez has had great success with veterans. One of the key reasons is, “military veterans show a commitment to long term growth, they have persevered, working in and with situations that they might not choose, and have an incredible sense of responsibility.” Hayes is not the only one to echo their strengths.

Jamie Wanless, vice president of sales, at Ameriprise Advisor Center, says one of the skills he learned in the military that has paid off in the civilian world is planning. “The discipline of planning that’s instilled in veterans translates well into civilian life. The better you plan for personal and professional goals, the more likely you are to achieve them. More importantly, the military does an extraordinary job teaching veterans how to effectively adjust and overcome adversity when things don’t go as planned.” This quality to adjust and overcome is always an asset in the workplace.

Hayes sums it up well, “You can’t teach commitment. For military service members it is inherent to who and how they are.” So, if you are considering hiring, bring these leadership skills to your working environment and hire veterans of the armed forces of the United States.

For more information see the article “The Discipline of Planning” in the January + February 2013 edition of Search and Employ magazine. (see page 16) http://recruitmilitary.com/assets/search-and-employ/issues/30/original/S&E%20-%2030%20lo-res%20reduced%20linked.pdf?1357226641

Honor, Devotion, Respect: The Importance of Doing What Needs to Be Done in the Job Search Process

Lisa Dunster — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:36:33 +0000

Being unemployed or even under-employed makes starting the morning a little tougher. As military veterans, we have spent significant time showing up for work with the realization that we were a part of a larger team fulfilling a mission. Rising each morning to search for a job is no less honorable. It is our duty now, and although it can take longer than we would like, there are benefits to reap from this time as well.

One of the greatest benefits is time. Time affords you some luxuries:

Ability to take a class or two. This allows you to update your training. It could be a computer course, working toward a higher degree, or something enjoyable like photography.
Opportunity to be more involved with your family. Volunteer at your child’s school, meet your spouse for lunch, or work on some home improvements that have had to wait.
Availability to network. There are groups that meet in each city providing a platform for you to share your expertise, skills, and passions.

In addition to time and flexibility, your work in preparation requires devotion. Find some creative ways to keep your energy and mindset high:

Exercise – Running or walking is a great way to kick start your day. The endorphins will also amp up your mental game. The other advantage is that it helps to release any frustrations or negative energy so that your day begins better!
Sit and do your work at a local park. Fresh air and nature are inspiring. Scope out some great locations and read a book, newspaper, or journal. One possibility is to do this early in the day and establish your plan to connect with some game changers.
If you are spending significant time at your computer during the day, schedule intentional breaks that allow for physical movement, a walk, bike ride, even if it is just for 10 minutes. These short breaks are rejuvenating.
Take time to meditate, pray, or connect with your spiritual side. Studies show that you must have all areas (physical, psychological, relational and spiritual) of the self in balance to have total wellness.

If your work right now feels selfish, recognize that it is only a season. If you work to intentionally honor your time, devote your energy and effort to establishing goals and habits that meet your needs physically, psychologically, relationally, and spiritually, then you will not only have greater respect for yourself but you will respect the process of the job hunt.

Just think, if you can do this for your total wellness, your effectiveness, drive, and outcomes will also reap the benefits. Honor, Devotion and Respect for yourself and the process is your mission; it is what needs to be done.

Keys to a Hero’s Success

Lisa Dunster — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:15:29 +0000

Sometimes transitioning from the military can create angst, but for Master Gunnery Sergeant Micheal Wilder it is all about the attitude. Wilder served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1980-2010 and said, “The military impacted my life by teaching me how to be responsible, how to have initiative, integrity, honesty, and as a leader taking care of the people that work for you.” His initiative and internal drive are exactly what helped him make the next career move.

After working as a private contractor and deploying to Afghanistan, upon his return in the summer of 2012, he attended the RecruitMilitary Veteran Opportunity Expo in San Antonio. While there, he spoke with several companies and became particularly interested in a veteran owned small business, Aldez Containers, LLC. “The way they presented themselves at the Expo was the attention getter for me. They made no promises except that they would give my resume a look and get back with me.” That honesty and forthrightness is exactly what he was looking for and with some patience, he found himself hired. Accidentally? No, with intention.

Here are the tips Wilder wants to offer other transitioning veterans:

Attend the TAP classes the military offers prior to getting out. The classes teach you how to write a resume, perform in a job interview, and how to dress.
Make sure your resume matches the job you are applying for. Your resume is what gets you that first phone call. UPDATE THE RESUME!
Tell the potential employer that you are a veteran.
Dress professionally. First impressions matter.
Remember, coming out of the military you might be the senior person and in charge, however, coming into the business world you are NOT the senior person and you are not going to be in charge all the time.
Take less money in the beginning and work your way up the chain. This shows your commitment and highlights your strength.
Understand that the civilian world is different than the military.

Micheal is convinced that attitude and readiness were the keys to finding the right employer that would allow him to settle in and use his talents. We at RecruitMilitary also know that he is reaping the rewards as a member of the team at Aldez Containers, LLC.

Job Fair for Military Veterans in San Antonio, TX on February 14, 2013 – Proudly Sponsored by USAA

Liz Wheeler — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:22:30 +0000

FREE job fair for veterans of the U.S. Military and their spouses. Proudly sponsored by USAA.

RecruitMilitary is proud to present a Veteran Job Fair (career fair for military veterans) in San Antonio, TX this week.

This event will be held at The Alamodome on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 11am-3pm. Click here for directions. Bring copies of your resume, and be prepared – you may be interviewed on the spot!

Do you qualify to attend RecruitMilitary’s Expo? Check out our blog post to read our definition of a veteran!

Is your resume civilian ready? Check out Resume Best Practices to ensure you are making the most out of your qualifications.

This event is proudly sponsored by USAA. Check out opportunities with USAA.

Job Fair for Military Veterans in Nashville, TN on January 24, 2013 – Sponsored by HCA, Hospital Corporation of America

Liz Wheeler — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:02:56 +0000

FREE job fair for veterans of the U.S. Military and their spouses. Proudly sponsored by HCA, Hospital Corporation of America.

RecruitMilitary and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are proud to present a Hiring Our Heroes/RecruitMilitary Veteran Job Fair (career fair for military veterans) in Nashville, TN this week.

This event will be held at LP Field on Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 11am-3pm. Click here for directions. Bring copies of your resume, and be prepared – you may be interviewed on the spot!

Do you qualify to attend RecruitMilitary’s Expo? Check out our blog post to read our definition of a veteran!

Is your resume civilian ready? Check out Resume Best Practices to ensure you are making the most out of your qualifications.

This event is proudly sponsored by HCA, Hospital Corporation of America. Check out opportunities with HCA Healthcare.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from RecruitMilitary!

Liz Wheeler — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 18:24:05 +0000

We wish everybody a safe and joyous season, and would like to take a minute to recognize those who could not be with us during the Holidays.

We are blessed to live in a free country and to be surrounded by men and women who are proud to fight to keep it that way. We are grateful to each and every member of our military who is willing to sacrifice precious time with their loved ones to preserve the freedom handed down to them by their fathers and mothers and the generation of men and women who served in the military before them.

We want to wish specials thanks for the members of our Military who are away from their homes during the Holidays. Our country is blessed to have a military so dedicated and capable, and we are proud that our Armed Forces are second to none in the entire world. We know that this exceptionalism is due to the individuals who serve in each branch: the men and women who sacrifice their lives and time with their families and friends to stand guard over our freedom.

The service of these men and women is what makes our country great. It allows us to celebrate the holidays in the way we choose, with the loved ones we choose.

This gift is given freely and with pride, and RecruitMilitary is honored to extend thanks to both the members of our Military and to the wonderful families of our forces – the fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends who sacrifice time with their loved ones during the holiday season.

RecruitMilitary is proud to serve all the veterans of our military by assisting transitioning, separated, or retired veterans of our military, members of the National Guard and reserve forces, military spouses, and veterans of all ranks, rates, and branches find civilian work.

We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!