MilitaryStars Blog

Military Aid Groups' Top '09 Priorities

36 organizations dedicated to current and former veterans met yesterday for a roundtable discussion headed by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.  That's quite a lot of discussing to be had, but they reached a consensus on their top five priorities for 2009 - one of which was easing the transition from military to civilian life.  We were not one of these organizations mentioned, but it is great to see that they place our number one priority so highly as well.  As we always say, it's great to talk about making big ideas happen, but our calling is in working tirelessly to make them a reality for every veteran job seeker.   

Veteran Will Inspire You to Reach Your Goals

"My wounds have redefined many things in my life, but they haven't changed who I am or what I dream to achieve."  These are the words of a major whose entire lower left arm is now titanium... and who will soon be competing in a 100-mile bike race in his native Alaska.  After that, he plans on leading another group of service disabled veterans to the top of Mt. McKinley.  The major's attitude to achieve shines through in the Anchorage Daily News' profile.  Whatever perceived setbacks may be out there for you right now - whatever or whoever is telling you that you can't accomplish something - keep him in mind as he races through the Alaskan winter and wish him luck - he's doing these things to also raise attention for the cause of service disabled veterans. 

GI Bill Money For an MBA?

New GI Bill benefits apply to grad school as well.  If you're thinking about getting an MBA, give this a look - MSN Encarta's frank assessment of the fact that many others in this economy may have the same idea.  Be sure to make sure you're getting what you want and be sure to network - the same definitely holds true in a career search.  Is a specialized MBA better, or one from a top program?  The answer is the ever-popular "experts aren't sure".  Although that sports management one does sound mighty sweet.  Either way, for the considerable investment the folks in the article are putting into the degree, know that unique opportunities are there for you to reduce that cost significantly, and have a great week! 

Guard and Reserve Employees: Know Your Rights

Almost exactly a year ago, I noted that the state of Iowa had passed a law to further protect the jobs of its Guard members and Reservists.  A federal law is already in place, but the state wanted to take this extra step - judging from some of the stories here (Des Moines Register), it's a good thing they did.  As noted, many employers are compliant with the laws, and many complaints that have been made by unfairly terminated employees do get resolved - but that's only the Guard members and Reservists who are aware that they can even make a complaint.  Consider this doing my part to get the word out!  

Military Tee - Great Name

This officially has nothing to do with us aside from the name - we just thought it was cool.  I've written here about about veterans in MMA and MMA tournaments on bases, and several of us will be up in Tampa for Ultimate Fight Night.  Great way to show support for the sport and the soldiers!   

Spotlight on Our Sister Division

Great piece here from HRE Online on military hiring growing in the civilian world!  The article is a wonderful showcase for our sister division, Orion International, spotlighting their work in a variety of civilian industries that continues to grow every day.  Earlier in the article there is a focus on JMOs; JMO placement has been an Orion staple for nearly twenty years that many others are now noticing.  Execs from GE are also quoted extensively; they are an Orion client.  Visit with Orion representatives at any of our hiring events and be sure to check out their site at the link above or through any of our hiring event pages!  Have a great week; if you are overseas, I hope you heard that Ben Roethlisberger dedicated the win to you!     

The New VA Head and Veteran Hiring

Interesting look here, from FOX News, at the probable new Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department's biggest priority and challenge at once: careers for veterans.  The need to create more careers is stressed, and that's great, but don't wait on it - get out there and talk to the employers that are hiring now, because they are out there and you cannot put a price on experience and practice.  Another positive development is the potential elimination of civilian certification for equivalent military training - there must always be a standard of competency, but the idea is to get rid of unnecessary steps that waste everyone's time and resources.  In any case, veteran employment and education is a priority for the would-be Secretary and we salute him for that!   

Re-Inventing Resumes, Interview Attitude

More on making the most of harsh economic realities: smart resume tips from the Wall Street Journal on explaining brief periods of employment.  Will a functional or skills-based resume work for the employers you're interested in?  Our Employer Panels, held before every one of our events, are a great place to ask!  There will always be employers that are looking for specific skills first and foremost, and there will always be others who require a minimum time spent with mastery of those skills.  The link also includes some stellar bonus interview advice from the CEO of an exec search firm:

"People can sense 'attitude' and nobody who interviews you will tell you what they sense from you." 

That means you can't wait for somebody to tell you the impression you leave, and you can't approach the process with that mindset.  It's why I always preach positivity and strongly encourage you to do the same until it's as natural as breathing.  No matter what bad job news you read somewhere else, don't just absorb it - find some fact, quote, or story in it, even a negative, that you learned from, and it only will help you in your career search process!

    

Excellent Veteran Vacation Offers

Some people might think it's crazy to think about taking a vacation these days - an impossibility.  I'm proud to let you know that we have received info on two outstanding offers for current and prior military and their families.  Disney is offering a free 5-day pass valid at any of their parks, along with up to 40% off lodging.  In addition, their Shades of Green Resort - one of only five Armed Forces Recreation Centers in the world - is offering discounts on lodging, meals, and passes.  Walt Disney World has attended our events so we know how military-friendly they are!  If you're interested in leaving the mainland, Discovery Cruise Line is offering a free cruise to the Bahamas for anyone with service in Iraq or Afghanistan; the form in the link will get you well on your way!  These are tremendous deals that hopefully will lead to some great memories for deserving families.  Give it a look and have a great week!     

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Arlington!

We are wasting no time getting to work in '09 by getting you to work!  We are back in the DC area tomorrow, one of our mainstays, and are joined by longstanding clients like Lockheed Martin and new ones like IBM.  The event has picked up some great attention in the area, and we thank all of you from across the Mid-Atlantic US who have made the commitment to be there.  We honor that commitment by providing hiring opportunities with elite employers for elite job seekers!  Thanks and success.