TL;DR intro
- The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary are hosting a National Virtual Career Fair on August 27.
- The event is free for veterans, active-duty military, and their families, with over 90 employers participating.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, in collaboration with RecruitMilitary, is set to host the National Virtual Career Fair on Tuesday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is a significant opportunity for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their spouses who are navigating the job market.
The career fair will be accessible at no charge to a diverse group of veterans, including those currently serving in the military and members of the National Guard and Reserve. Approximately 90 employers from various sectors, including construction, healthcare, administration, and logistics, will be present to recruit veterans. Job seekers can explore a range of positions that cater to all experience levels, from entry-level roles to senior management opportunities.
In addition to job openings, the event will offer support services like career counseling, resume assistance, and guidance on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and claims—tools designed to empower veterans in their job search. “This career fair represents a unique chance for veterans to connect with businesses that value their skills and dedication,” said Lamarr Couser, DAV's National Employment Director.
Statistics highlight the importance of initiatives like this: since DAV's employment program launched in 2014, it has assisted nearly 274,000 attendees and facilitated over 167,000 job offers. This fair reflects an ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between veterans and potential employers, an essential step considering the nearly 4 million veterans living with service-connected disabilities in the U.S.
Employers across the country are increasingly recognizing the strengths veterans bring to the workplace. Skills developed in service, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience are highly sought after. DAV has curated resources such as The Veteran Advantage: DAV Guide to Hiring and Retaining Veterans with Disabilities, which provides best practices for organizations seeking to enrich their teams with veteran talent.
In the 2022 Veterans Employment Report, data indicated that the unemployment rate for veterans was 3.6%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.5%. However, veterans who leveraged services like those offered by DAV have found greater success in securing employment. This trend underscores the mission of DAV and RecruitMilitary to not only assist in job placements but also to dismantle stereotypes related to hiring veterans.
Veterans entering the job market will also benefit from the emphasis on networking opportunities provided at the career fair. Connecting with fellow veterans and industry professionals can significantly enhance job seekers' chances of finding the right fit in a competitive labor market.