Why You Should Consider Attending a Career Fair and How to Prepare
As a student veteran, you bring unique skills and experiences to the workforce that many employers find invaluable. Career fairs are an excellent opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore different industries, and network with professionals who can help you launch your civilian career. Explore some creative, practical ways to prepare that will help you stand out and make the most of the experience.
How to Prepare: Out-of-the-Box, Tangible Strategies for Student Veterans
Translate Your Military Experience into Civilian Terms
One of the most common challenges student veterans face when entering the civilian job market is translating military jargon into language employers can understand. While terms like "platoon leader" or "logistics officer" may be familiar to military personnel, they can confuse civilian recruiters.
Preparation Tip: Use tools like ONet's Military Crosswalk Search* to find civilian-equivalent job titles and job descriptions for your military roles. Practice explaining your experience in a way that highlights transferable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, while avoiding military-specific terminology.
Research Employers Who Value Veterans
Not all companies have a veteran-friendly culture, so it's essential to research before attending a career fair. Some companies are part of initiatives like the Veterans Employment Initiative or the Hiring Our Heroes program, which specifically recruit and hire veterans.
Preparation Tip: Create a list of companies attending the career fair that align with your values and skills. Look into their veteran hiring policies and recent veteran employee testimonials, or even talk to alumni currently employed there. This background knowledge will allow you to ask insightful questions and show genuine interest in those companies.
Create a Tailored "Veteran Resume"
While all veterans should have a professional resume, consider having a version specifically tailored to highlight the military leadership skills that translate directly into civilian jobs. For example, emphasize project management, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.
Preparation Tip: Consider breaking your resume into civilian-friendly sections, such as: "Military Leadership Experience," "Professional Development," and "Specialized Skills." This format will help recruiters see how your service translates into a job-ready skillset.
Develop a Digital Portfolio to Complement Your Resume
A resume alone may not fully convey the depth of your skills and experiences. Consider creating a digital portfolio showcasing your achievements, such as an online portfolio on LinkedIn or a personal website highlighting leadership projects, volunteer work, or training programs you've completed during your service.
Preparation Tip: If possible, create an online portfolio with visual elements (like photos of military projects or videos of your leadership experiences). You can bring a tablet or laptop to the career fair to show this portfolio to recruiters or simply include the link in your resume for them to access later.
Prepare a "Veteran Story" Elevator Pitch
One way to stand out is to share your story in a way that resonates with potential employers. The "veteran story" you tell should explain your background, how your military experience shaped you, and how it applies to your desired job.
Preparation Tip: Craft an engaging and personal story about why you joined the military, what lessons you've learned, and what kind of civilian job you seek. Aim to highlight your perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork. Practice your pitch with family members or mentors until it feels natural and compelling.
Leverage Your Support Network
As a student veteran, you may have access to numerous veteran service organizations, college veteran offices, or even veteran alum groups. These networks can provide advice, insights, and mentorship to help you succeed at career fairs.
Preparation Tip: Join a student veteran association at your college or connect with local veteran job placement services. Attend pre-fair networking events and workshops to practice your pitch, refine your resume, and get advice on approaching recruiters. These connections can also introduce you to hiring managers and help make you more visible to employers.
Master the Art of Handshakes and Small Talk
Career fairs can feel like a fast-paced environment, but engaging with recruiters in a friendly and confident manner is important. Your handshake and small talk can set the tone for the entire interaction.
Preparation Tip: Practice a firm handshake and how to make small talk with people you've never met. Introduce yourself confidently, mention a common interest (e.g., veteran status), and express your interest in the company. Having a few engaging questions ready, like "What makes your company veteran-friendly?" or “What types of roles are veterans typically hired for?" can also help keep the conversation going.
Set Realistic Expectations
Career fairs can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. As a student veteran, you may feel nervous, unsure of how to approach recruiters, or even concerned about how your military experience will be perceived. It is important to manage expectations and remember that career fairs are just one part of the job search process.
Preparation Tip: Set realistic goals for the fair. Focus on making solid connections, gathering company literature, and getting feedback on your resume or pitch. Even if you don't land a job offer immediately, career fairs are a great way to expand your network and increase your visibility to employers.
Dress the Part and Consider Military-Style Precision
First impressions matter, and how you present yourself at a career fair speaks volumes. As a student veteran, you likely appreciate precision and professionalism, which can set you apart in a civilian setting.
Preparation Tip: Ensure your outfit is polished, neat, and aligned with your target industry. A business suit or casual attire is usually a safe bet, but research the dress code of companies you're most interested in. Remember that even though you're no longer in the military, dressing with military-level attention to detail can show recruiters your respect for professionalism and ability to bring discipline to any workplace.
After the career fair, it's easy to forget to follow up with recruiters you've met, but doing so can significantly increase your chances of being remembered and considered for future opportunities. Send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with, referencing a detail from your conversation to make it more memorable. Express your gratitude for their time and reaffirm your interest in the company. As a veteran, mentioning your unique background and how it aligns with the company's values can be a powerful way to strengthen the connection. This follow-up shows initiative and reinforces the impression you left during the fair.