Veteran and Military Career Day Nov. 4 at the National Museum of the United States Army.
Get hired!
A local agency, supported by two Belvoir employment offices, hosts a Veteran and Military Career Day, Nov. 4, at the Army Museum on Fort Belvoir. There, job-seekers can interview with Northern Virginia companies that are hiring for more than 7,000 positions in government; information technology; renewable energy, finance; defense; and healthcare sectors.
The fair is open to Service members, veterans and military spouses of all experience levels and from all branches.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, along with Belvoir’s Transition Assistance and Employment Readiness programs, collaborated for the day-long event. In-person career fairs are from 10 a.m.-noon and from 1-3 p.m. Additionally, the day incorporates a virtual career fair from 1-4 p.m., through Premier Virtual Platform.
Michael Batt, director of talent initiative at FCEDA, said the event stems from Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ mission to find talent for local jobs, while helping those who are transitioning out of the military, those who’ve served and their spouses.
“We want to connect the military with all the local companies, organizations and non-profits that are hiring,” Batt said. “We could not have better companies to participate, along with contractors and seven Fairfax County departments, that are hiring hundreds of people with meaningful, well-payed positions, with great benefits.
“The county board of supervisors are sincere about and committed to the county’s talent initiative,” Batt said.
Michael Duncan, transition services manager, said, “While the virtual component is needed in these times, in-person attendance gives both potential employees and future employers the chance to meet in person, ask questions in real time and have that one-on-one connection, which is often so important.”
He added that, due to Covid, November’s event is one of the first in-person career fairs to be on Belvoir for quite a while.
“Events like this are so important. They may be a transitioning Service member’s first opportunity to meet with a real, non-military employer,” Duncan said. “It’s a great chance to find out what everyone is looking for and, possibly, test their interview skills or ‘elevator pitch,’ a quick, self-introduction explaining a person’s qualities and benefits to a potential employer or connection.
“Sometimes, employers can remember you, save your business card and resume, and circle back six months later, once an ideal position opens up,” he said. “Representatives from at least 25 companies are expected in-person; with another 40 planning to hire online.”
Some companies expected to participate include: Microsoft; Amazon Military; Peraton; Fairfax County; Altamira; CACA; Inova and Navy Federal Credit Union.
“The sheer numbers of potential, future employers cover a really broad spectrum,” Duncan said. “Whatever job-hunters are looking for, there’s probably an employer that’s a great match for them.
“This career day shows a fantastic collaboration our office has with Fairfax County and local agencies,” he said. “It’s been a big effort and we’d like as many participants as possible. There’ll be something for everyone … federal, state and county jobs; a lot of civilian-sector jobs, IT, hospitals and health care are particularly hiring.”
Margaret Steele
Fort Belvoir Public Affairs