Job-search help for returning veterans -- Career Center Blog

May 28, 2011

Job-search help for returning veterans

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

It's already Memorial Day, so summer has unofficially arrived, at least in terms of summer vacations, if not weather. While many of us have scattered to various locations (I happen to be deep in the Methow Valley right now), we also pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation's military personnel.

For those returning from long deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, searching for civilian jobs can be especially difficult, even as the economy grows and hiring starts to pick up. Fortunately, a new program championed by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden has been created with the help of Indeed.com and the federal Joining Forces initiative to provide specialized help for veterans and military spouses looking for work.

Called Indeed Military, the program is an online resource for free tools and services to help connect employers with veterans and military spouses. Veterans can upload their resumes online, where employers can sign up to be notified as soon as new positions open up. To get the project rolling and encourage companies to consider military families when searching for new hires, Indeed is offering employers free access to the Indeed Military site for a full year.

Closer to home, veterans and their families can view the Washington state Employment Security Department's Veterans Services page, which provides information about job-seeking assistance through WorkSource. Each year, WorkSource helps about 24,000 vets find work each year, with more than 17,000 job listings posted each day.

With the holiday, the number of job fairs and networking events in the Puget Sound region have dropped off slightly. But that doesn't mean your job search has to be put on hold. Here are some of the highlights for the first half of June:

WED., JUNE 1

Solopreneur Kickstart -- For those in the North Sound looking for advice about starting their own businesses, this monthly Biznik networking event features an educational talk followed by an informal group discussion. Where: Carnegie Education Center, Snohomish. When: 8 to 10 a.m. Cost: Free.

PR for People -- This month, this networking group will hear a presentation from risk management expert Annie Searle, who will talk about making plans for handling all kinds of risks in your professional life. Where: Patricia Cameron Gallery, Seattle. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., JUNE 2

After Hours Business Networking -- Come share your business stories with fellow job-seekers and business owners at this informal event. Food and drinks will be available at happy-hour prices. Where: Great American Casino, Everett. When: Starts at 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

SUN., JUNE 5

Beans & Brainstorms -- This monthly roundtable discussion, curated by the Northwest Freelancers Association, allows you to mingle with fellow freelancers, share business ideas and make new connections in a relaxed atmosphere. Where: Soho Coffee Company, Central District, Seattle. When: Noon to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

MON., JUNE 6

Mastermind Net-Together -- Celebrate the power of group intelligence at this monthly Biznik brainstorming and networking event. After introductions from each participant, the meeting will break into smaller groups, where each member can discuss how to solve problems and meet business goals. Where: Unity Library, Bellevue. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

Auburn Speed Networking -- See how many networking connections you can make in under two hours at this fun, structured event for job seekers and businesses in the Auburn and Kent Valley business communities. Where: Café Pacific, Auburn. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free; food available for $5.

WED., JUNE 8

ProLango Career Mixer Powered by NWJobs -- This career mixer, hosted by Hire Ground's Paul Anderson, has quickly become one of the hottest Seattle networking events. Each event boasts 500 career professionals on average across many industries. Where: Intiman Theater, Seattle. When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free, but registration is required.

THURS., JUNE 9

Happy Hour Networking On the Northeast Side -- Celebrate the warmer evenings and develop long-lasting business relationships at this Biznik networking event for entrepreneurs in the northeast Puget Sound region. Bring plenty of business cards. Where: Jerzy Wine Bar, Redmond. When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

JUNE 13-16

AMD Fusion Developer Summit -- This four-day event is a must for those interested in careers in heterogeneous computing. Hear keynotes from industry innovators and academic pioneers and connect with other software professionals who share your passion for the future of technology. Where: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue. When: M-W: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Th: 7:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $300 for general admission.

TUE., JUNE 14

Shine On: Short Film -- Big Impact -- Attend this repeat screening of the Biznik-produced half-hour film "Shine: The Entrepreneur's Journey," about the elation, fears, dreams and pitfalls that are part of every entrepreneur's path. Breakout-group discussions to follow. Where: Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Bellevue. When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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Andy Brucia on June 10, 2011 3:16 PM | Reply

Thanks, Randy, for this article providing resources for veterans and their families. I wanted to let you and your readers know about resources close to home that can help.

I work at Bellevue College with Project Succeed, a program sponsored from a grant from Microsoft, part of their Elevate America Veterans initiative. We are here helping veterans and their spouses, both students and from the community, to connect with vet-friendly employers, get career assessments, improve resumes, or connect to other resources.

Any veterans, active duty members or their families can feel free to contact us at Bellevue College through the Center for Career Connections.