'We're here to get jobs for the veterans'
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About 200 job seekers and over 65 employers participated in a Hiring Our Heroes job fair Wednesday in Austin, Texas, in conjunction with the Department of Texas’ Mid-Winter Conference.
Department of Texas Commander Walter Ivie said hiring fairs like the one Wednesday “have had great success.”
“We’ve averaged probably about 70 employers, and we’ve had a couple hundred veterans attend each of our job fairs,” Ivie said. “The previous job fairs have generated jobs for employers, have generated interviews for employees, and I think in general it’s probably the most successful job fair that we have here in Texas.”
The event included a free workshop for job seekers featuring résumé building and interview tips from American Legion National Headquarters Human Resources Director Rodney Rolland.
“He can tell these attendees exactly how to change their résumés, how to make it so it hits the target and gets them the interest from the employers, gives them examples of all the things not to do,” Ivie said. “Probably overcomes some preconceptions where people feel like ‘I need to do this in my résumé’ when in fact it may not be the best thing to be doing in there.
“His discussion of the process of interviewing, where he talks about (how) you need to focus on the job that you’re seeking, and not necessarily discuss all of your interests, and not necessarily discuss all of your skills, but actually look at the job that you’re trying to get from this particular employer and focus on that, present the information that will allow the employer to focus on your skills that are the right fit for his job.”
The event was presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Leadership Program, Texas Veterans Commission, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and other local partners.
“Every employer that is allowed to come to this Hiring Our Heroes fair has a job that he can offer today,” Ivie said.
“We’re here to get jobs for the veterans.”