In-Person Career Fairs for Military & Veterans

military job fairs

In-Person Career Fairs for Military & Veterans

Attending a job fair or hiring event designed for veterans in person can offer many benefits and job leads. Meeting face-to-face allows you to engage more with prospective employers. In addition, most job fairs have fifty to one hundred employers in attendance, so you can meet many representatives on the same day.

Come prepared for the event with copies of your updated resume and career information. You may land a job interview on-site, which can sometimes result in job offers on the same day.

To make the most effective use of your time, pre-register for the event and review the employers scheduled to attend. If possible, look over the positions they are looking to fill. Be prepared to network and make connections for future reference.

In-person Military Career Fairs

DAV/Recruit Military November 21, 2024

  • Eglin AFB / Hurlburt Field Area Veterans Job Fair
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Central Time
  • Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair will occur in the Emerald Ballroom of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Complimentary Parking is available directly in front of the venue and in the parking garage under the venue.

DAV/Recruit Military November 21, 2024

  • Dallas Veterans Job Fair
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Central Time
  • AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX 76011
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair takes place at  AT&T Endzone West. Please enter the stadium through Entry “J.” Complimentary parking is available in Parking Lot 10. There’s a 10 AM pre-event seminar.

Topics include IT industry employment trends, how to gain meaningful employment in IT and what certifications are critical to gaining positions in IT.

Hiring Our Heroes December 4, 2024

  • Joint Base Charleston Career Exploration & Hiring Fair: First Responders
  • 9 AM – 4 PM Eastern Time
  • Air Base Commons, 100 W Hill Blvd, Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair is divided into morning and afternoon sessions. Job seeker workshops take place from  9 – 11 AM. Topics include understanding compensation and negotiation, SkillBridge and training opportunities, and preparing for interviews. The Hiring Fair takes place from 12 – 3 PM. Job seekers will get to meet with representatives from local, regional, and national hiring organizations.

DAV/Recruit Military December 5, 2024

  • Houston Veterans Job Fair
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Central Time
  • Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX 77002
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair will occur in the Club Concourse, First Base Side. Free parking will be available in Lot A, with overflow in Lot B. Please enter the event at the Clock Tower entrance off of the Diamond Lot (enter off Texas St.).

DAV/Recruit Military December 5, 2024

  • Job Fair at Camp Pendleton
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Pacific Time
  • Pacific Views Event Center, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair will take place in the Pacific Views Event Center’s Grand Ballroom. Parking is available directly in front of the venue. Candidates are responsible for obtaining their own access onto Camp Pendleton.

DAV/Recruit Military December 11, 2024

  • Atlanta Veterans Job Fair
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Eastern Time
  • Georgia International Convention Center, Atlanta, GA 30337
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair will take place in the International Ballroom of the Georgia International Convention Center.  Enter the Convention Center at the doors by the International Ballroom sign (across from Lot A). Parking is available—validation passes will be available for Veteran Job Seekers at the event Help Desk.

DAV/Recruit Military December 12, 2024

  • Orlando Veterans Job Fair
  • 11 AM – 3 PM Eastern Time
  • Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center, Orlando, FL 32819
  • Learn More and Sign Up

The Job Fair will take place in the Florida Ballroom of the Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center. Enter via the main entrance off International Drive (near the purple Avanti Palms sign) and turn right. Please enter the building at the entrance marked Convention Center and NOT through the entrance marked Registration. There is complimentary parking in front and on each side of the building.

Preparing for the Career Fair

Preparation is key to making the most of your career fair experience. Start by researching the companies that will be attending the event. Look into their job openings, company culture, and values to decide which employers to approach. This research will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their organization.

Next, update your resume and LinkedIn profile to ensure they are current and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Practice your elevator pitch, focusing on your skills, experience, and career goals. This preparation will help you confidently introduce yourself to potential employers.

Bring multiple copies of your resume, business cards, and any other relevant materials, such as references or certifications. Plan to arrive early and dress professionally to make a good impression. By being well-prepared, you can maximize your opportunities and make a positive impact on the employers you meet.

Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience

To get the most out of your career fair experience, arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time. Bring a list of questions to ask employers, such as “What are the biggest challenges facing your company/industry right now?” or “Can you tell me more about your company culture?” These questions can help you gather valuable information and show your interest in the company.

Take advantage of on-site resources, such as resume reviews and interview preparation, to help you prepare for your job search. Network with other attendees, including fellow job seekers and employers, to build connections and learn about job opportunities.

After the career fair, follow up with employers to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in their company and job openings. This follow-up can help keep you top of mind and demonstrate your professionalism.

Benefits of In-Person Career Fairs

In-person career fairs offer a unique opportunity for job seekers to connect with recruiters and hiring managers from top companies, including those participating in events like the RecruitMilitary Job Fair in San Antonio.

These events provide a platform for veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members to learn about job opportunities, network with employers, and gain insights into different industries.

One of the key benefits of attending these events is the chance to showcase your skills, experience, and personality directly to potential employers.

This face-to-face interaction can significantly increase your chances of making a lasting impression. Additionally, many career fairs, such as the VA Job Fair in Houston or the Camp Pendleton Career Fair, offer on-site resources like resume reviews and interview preparation to help you put your best foot forward.

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