CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Are you a veteran on the hunt for a job? An upcoming virtual job fair would love to see you sign up.
The Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chesapeake-based RecruitMilitary, an organization that connects veterans with employers, is hosting it in partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
"We have employers coming in from up and down the Eastern Seaboard. They are looking to fill positions in a variety of industries, so everything from logistics to information technology, manufacturing," said Jen Hadac, Vice President of Employment Services for RecruitMilitary, who is also a Navy veteran. "The positions themselves are just as diverse."
Not only can veterans participate in the career fair, Hadac says, but current members of the military and military spouses too.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current veteran unemployment rate is sitting right around five percent; lower than in previous months of the pandemic, but much higher than this time last year.
RecruitMilitary says it's held 57 virtual career fairs since COVID-19 struck last year.
Hadac tells News 3 even if someone isn't sure what kind of job they qualify for, having a military background is a huge bonus in the eyes of the employers they work with.
Those taking part in the virtual career fair included General Dynamics and PepsiCo.
"Under a high pressure situation, you have a group that is able to perform and get the mission done. Employers really value that, especially during these difficult times knowing that they're recruiting a group of individuals that can handle difficult situations and still perform to the maximum," she said.
Hadac, who is a current military spouse, says spouses have traditionally had a difficult time in the job market because their living situations and location can quickly. But she says that's changed with the move toward remote working.
"We're seeing more and more opportunities come up for those that are looking for those telecommuting roles," she said.
For those interested in the career fair, Hadac suggests signing up as early as possible on the RecruitMilitary website and preparing for the fair using the site's resources.
