Three-day veterans hiring fair planned in Detroit

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Veterans looking for careers in both the public and private sectors are encouraged to attend the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' "VA for Vets" hiring fair June 26-28 in Detroit at the COBO Center, One Washington Boulevard.

The event will offer thousands of on-the-spot career prospects, including interviews, career search classes and one-on-one counseling. More than 16,000 federal and private job opportunities will be available, including many in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.

"The main difference between a job fair and a hiring fair is that employers will be conducting on-the-spot interviews at hiring fairs," said Tiffany Addair of the Wisconsin Employment Resource Connection (WERC) office in Madison, Wis. "Research and find general interview questions and practice answering them."

Addair also recommended having questions prepared to ask the interviewer.

All interested National Guard members are encouraged to register in advance at vaforvets.va.gov/detroit. Registrants will stay connected with current event information, weekly e-mails on available jobs, coaching assistance and opportunities to sign up for additional training available during the event.

"Make sure to bring multiple copies of your resume," Addair said. "There can be many employers attending that are in the same related field - you don't want to miss out on any opportunities."

Additionally, Addair said that submitting resumes for jobs of interest on the hiring fair website prior to attending the event will qualify veterans for on-the-spot interviews.

Veterans should bring proof of military service to the hiring fair, as well as college transcripts, professional licenses or certificates, VA service-connected disability or Civil Service preference letter, and Schedule A letter if applicable.

Supporting Citizen Soldiers gain civilian employment is among the highest priorities for the National Guard. This event is part of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's ongoing efforts to help veterans secure employment in both the public and private sectors.