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Veterans With College Experience: Log On to This Virtual Job Fair Feb. 20

Adam Hardy

by Adam Hardy

Contributor

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At times, it may seem easier to find a left-handed monkey wrench than a civilian-sector job. But we promise: Veteran-friendly employment is out there. For those with some college experience, the job hunt is about to get much easier.

CareerEco is hosting Veterans Virtual Career Fair, an online event, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern. (That’s how we civvies say 1100 to 1500 hours.) A slew of national employers are on board, serving up internships, co-ops, part-time and full-time jobs.

Big names such as Enterprise Holdings, Gallup, Gartner, Republic Services and USAA are among the 22 veteran-recruiting employers in attendance. Both work-from-home and on-site positions are available.

More companies are hiring remote workers. Find your work-from-home job in The Penny Hoarder’s database. It’s updated every weekday.

To participate in the online hiring event, you will need a computer with a high-speed internet connection and the latest version of Chrome or Firefox browsers to run CareerEco’s event portal. (The event is accessible via smartphone, but that version is text-only. Try to use a computer if you can.)

Secure a spot by visiting the registration page and clicking “Register as an Individual.” Once your CareerEco account is good to go, browse the list of employers to get a sense of the available gigs. Then tailor your profile to this veteran-focused event:

  • Add your years of work experience.
  • Input your MOS code.
  • Specify the types of opportunities you’re interested in.
  • Upload your resume.

Be sure to fill this information out before the event, as the employers will want to review your credentials. During the event, you will be able to interact with them in public chat rooms for general information. Private, one-on-one chats and video interviews can also be requested, so come prepared with questions and an elevator pitch.

Don’t worry if you’re new to virtual events. You’re not alone. Read our step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a virtual job fair. And if you’re strapped for time, here are the big takeaways.

  1. Do your homework.

    Just because the job fair is online doesn’t make it any less crucial that you make a good impression. Come to the fair prepared with tailored questions for the hiring manager.

  2. Take care of tech beforehand.

    Is your account properly registered? Are your web browser and flash player up to date? Documents organized and ready to go? Don’t forget the motherlode of all tech issues: WiFi. Hardwire your computer with an ethernet cable, if worse comes to worse.

  3. Be interview-ready.

    If all goes well, a hiring manager might ask to interview you on-the-spot. So be dressed to impress. Make sure you are in a well-lit, distraction-free area where you can chat. It’s OK if that’s not the case, too. Explain that you are not in the best environment for an interview, and offer alternative times when you are available.

If this virtual fair isn’t for you, check out The Penny Hoarder’s list of employment resources for veterans and read additional tips from veterans about finding a civilian career.

Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. He covers the gig economy, entrepreneurship and other unique ways to make money. Read his ​latest articles here, or say hi on Twitter @hardyjournalism.

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