MilitaryStars Blog

Happy Holidays: See You in '09 For Year 3!

January 2009 will mark my third year here on the MilitaryStars Blog!  I thank anyone who's ever stopped by to read and hope you have found some useful information and a positive spin on the news - not an easy task, but one we have been dedicated to from day one.  I will be posting again in January - until then, please check out the Archives tab on the middle left sidebar for info on veteran-friendly industries, hiring trends throughout the years, and timeless motivational stories!  I've always tried to avoid blog cliche so I'm not going to ask you to make any "career resolutions" or "make your resume a shiny present" or anything.  No matter what time of year it is, keep a positive attitude, get information, and use it to your advantage!  Wherever you are, have a safe holiday season and thank you.   

Standing Out in a Civilian Job Search Crowd

News from Connecticut shows veterans battling for jobs - as so many are nationwide - but also offers major reminders of what sets veterans apart in this search.  I've been saying for a long time that a willingness to relocate is one of those factors.  It is covered for newly transitioning veterans, and for all veterans, it is an excellent chance for new opportunity, as it was for so many of us when we came to work in our office.  Researching where careers are hot is just as key as learning about hot industries, so no matter where you are located, pay attention to where our other hiring events are being held and keep an open mind!   

Who's Hiring Now and Reasons Why

Yahoo! Finance provides a look here at three industries that are growing right now with plenty of avaialble careers.  I'm proud to say that we have corporations and government agencies in the fields of education, healthcare, and finance at our events on a regular basis, hiring for positions ranging from school admissions specialists to x-ray technicians to treasury analysts.  Additionally, our Job Search section on MilitaryStars.com currently has mulitple opportunities in finance.  Don't just assume that these are the only industries that are growing and/or hiring, though - attending any MilitaryStars hiring event will show you that there are plenty more.  The industries in the link were selected becuase there's a lot more people going back to school right now, there's an aging population that needs more health services, and there will always be a need for financial professionals.  Think of other industries in this context as well in your career search: there will always be a need for law enforcement, for example, and IT professionals.  There also will always be a need for highly trainable employees, and your military experience puts you right at the top of that list!    

Expert Says Hire Veterans Now

A business consultant and online research pioneer writes on Examiner.com that, if you are a corporation in a hiring mode and aren't considering veterans, "you are foolish"!  It's great to hear it said so directly by a voice of authority, unaffiliated with any particular veteran cause, just wanting to get the word out.  He makes an excellent point in that the veteran has already served a customer - the American people - that might not always be appreciative of the effort.  This time of year always brings to mind my short stint in customer service - a veteran is equipped to handle a heck of lot more than a holiday rush of shoppers in a bad mood.  Keep all veterans in mind this holiday season and have a great week! 

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Houston and San Diego!

Tomorrow we're wrapping up our 2008 event calendar with a major final doubleheader!  We are thrilled to be back in Houston - Hurricane Ike prevented many from joining us last time and we made sure to put the city back on our schedule as soon as possible.  Many outstanding client employers from all manner of industries were happy to hear it and will be there looking for motivated military!  

A few hours after our Gulf Coast event kicks off, we will be opening the doors to our West Coast event in San Diego.  We always love coming back, and so do employers from major defense contractors to new clients including Adidas and MillerCoors!  Thanks to all of you in the Gulf Coast and Western regions who have made the commitment to be there - you are the reason these employers are there.  I've received several amazing emails lately from jobseekers who have landed careers at our recent events - you can be next.  Thanks and success!

Veteran's Business Follows His Dreams

We're heading back to Colorado Springs very soon - check out this veteran there who started his own business recently by pursuing his passion for astronomy.  The SBA's Patriot Express loan, promoted many times at our events, played a huge part in making it happen.  Pay attention to all the research he put into it - he is dedicated to beating the odds, which is what we love to see!

Veterans' True, Happy Christmas Story

This is an incredible Christmas story from MyFoxSt.Louis.  A family with dozens of cousins decided years ago to not attempt to buy each other gifts, instead giving something to those in need.  This year they focused on local veterans, and the results will lift your spirits no matter what else you're reading in the news.   Especially this tidbit: the family had some serious political differences, so they chose to honor veterans as a way to rise above politics and show appreciation for shared sacrifice.  What a way to put aside arguments and show the spirit of giving.  Hope it inspies many, many others - have a great week! 

Housing Help for Veterans in Need

It's interesting how economic news stories suddenly can call attention to longstanding veterans issues.  Much like every day here is Veterans' Day, we've known for years that homeless veterans unfortunately are all across the country.  There are organizations who have been quietly doing their part to help for a long time, and other new ones are emerging.  As has happened with veteran career assistance, a mix of private companies, non-profits, and government agencies all are stepping in, like this group of New Jersey lawmakers looking to set aside state housing assistance vouchers for veterans.  As we have found through our relationships with Hire Vets First and state veterans agencies, a lot of good can happen when these forces come together! 

Employers Who Know Are Hiring Military

You can read anywhere you want about the economy - that's not what we do here!  This editorial (Las Vegas Sun) makes an impassioned case for the veteran in today's market.  Thing is, I've been reading this same "no jobs for veterans" stuff for years, in high-rolling economic times and otherwise.  What I never get to read along with it, for some reason, is mention of the fact that companies like ours are out there doing something about it every day!  Consider this a refresher - for four years running, private corporations and government agencies are traveling nationwide with us three times a month because they have open positions and want military to get them!  I don't know why that's considered less newsworthy or powerful than stories of struggle that send a negative message. 

A retired Marine general is quoted in the link stating that "there have to be incentives for employers" to hire military.  When you attend one of our events as a job seeker, you meet with employers who already know what the incentives are, from personality traits to cost savings.  If you are an employer who doesn't know what these incentives can do for your organization, get on board today!          

Business-to-Veteran-Business

Great information here from Chris Hale, GM of GI Jobs and president of the National Veteran-Owned Businesses Association.  Mr. Hale brings the experience of both of his titles to a point-by-point pitch to corporate America on why it's wise to make business-to-business orders with veteran-owned companies.  As he points out, the federal government requires a percentage of these orders to be made with service-disabled veteran suppliers, an idea that any military-friendly employer would do well to consider.  Hope you find it useful - have a great week!