There comes a time when one's military career comes to an end, and it is time to return to civilian life. There are often questions about how a military career will translate into a job in the outside world and about how to transition smoothly into the workforce. The Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region recognizes the challenges that transitioning military personnel face. For the past two years, it has proudly hosted a Veteran Networking and Hiring Event, which targets transitioning members of the military. Now held quarterly, the next event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the  American Lake Conference Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Amy Bell, the Goodwill Job Training Business Development Program manager, encourages those preparing to transition out of the military to attend the event as soon as possible.

"We have a wide variety of companies registered to be at our event," she explained. "They are interested in hiring veterans."

The event is not solely a job fair, Bell stresses, but more of an opportunity to start conversations between employers and veterans.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to begin networking and start the dialogue," she said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers from a wide range of industries to see what interests them before they officially transition out of the military. Some employers will be ready to hire at the time of the event.

Veterans are encouraged to bring a personal resumé, as assistance with resumé writing will be available.

"There will be on-the-spot critiques, tips and suggestions with resumés," Bell said. "We will also have appointments available for one-on-one assistance for additional help."

Bell explains that the one-on-one assistance is a great tool because it helps veterans specifically translate their military skills and knowledge into a functional and impressive professional resumé.

Veterans should come dressed for success, but military uniform is also perfectly welcome. Attendees should expect to be ready to meet people and perhaps prepare a short dialogue about themselves to help start conversation.

"We call it elevator conversation," Bell said. "Just a little thirty- to sixty-second snippet about themselves."

This helps open the door to conversation and can help veterans find out which industries interest them.  

The Veteran Networking and Hiring Event is intentionally held during lunch hours to encourage everyone to stop by during their free time. The Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region is proud to have Military and Veterans Services Programs that are supported by many local businesses. Although the program is financially supported by private grants, local businesses jump at the chance to show their support for veterans by offering assistance in their job search.

Additional events are scheduled for May 11, July 13 and Oct. 26. For more information, contact Bell at amyb@goodwillwa.org.