Job-seekers invited to national convention

Veterans, servicemembers and their families can attend a free career fair sponsored by The American Legion during the organization’s 94th National Convention in Indianapolis on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center. The Hiring our Heroes Transition and Benefits Career Fair is coordinated by the Legion’s Economic Division and is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes nationwide initiative to get veterans back into the workforce.

General Electric and The American Legion will also host a free Veterans Transition Workshop on Aug. 24 that will prepare veterans and other attendees for the job fair the following day. The event will feature two different sessions at the downtown Marriott Hotel at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Attendees will get the chance to workshop individually with GE’s veteran employees, learning about résumé drafting, speaking “civilianese” – translating military experience into layman’s terms, and making a good first impression on an employer who might not be familiar with the military.

The transition workshop figures to be a beneficial precursor to the career fair, which has a history of success. Last year, around 30 veterans were hired at the national convention career fair, and numerous other veterans were connected with employers thereafter.
Employers from the private and public sectors attend the fair. In the past, the event has welcomed employers like Microsoft, Capital One, Home Depot, the Department of Labor, FBI, and many more.

Registration for the Hiring our Heroes Transition and Benefits Career Fair can be completed online on the U.S. Chamber’s website, or registration can be completed on-site. Attendees should bring copies of their résumés. Employers who wish to attend or maintain booths should email Davy Leghorn.

The previous day’s Veterans Transition Workshop is limited to 50 registrants. Registration must be completed online prior to the event.