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Military Members, Vets, Spouses Can Attend This Virtual Job Fair Oct. 22

Tiffany Connors

by Tiffany Connors

Managing Editor

A military father plays with his young son on a couch.
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Military service members, veterans and spouses can attend this job fair without ever leaving home.

Hire Heroes USA is holding a free virtual career fair on October 22 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST — aka between 1000 and 1500 hours.

According to the site’s FAQ page, participants only need a computer and internet access. Employers will communicate primarily via online chats. Updated versions of Google Chrome or Firefox are recommended for viewing and hearing employer presentations.

Attendees can register for the event on the site and upload their resumes, then search the 54 participating employers by location and positions available. 

When they find a company of interest, job seekers can apply for a position or sign up for chat sessions to ask questions and learn more about the company. 

Employers and attendees can also request private chats to discuss specific opportunities. Employers may offer one-on-one video chats, but these sessions are not required if job seekers don’t have access to video conferencing. 

The site encourages job seekers to prepare questions to ask in the chat room and develop a strategy for private interactions with potential employers. 

Don’t worry if you’re new to virtual job fairs. You’re not alone. Read our step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a virtual job fair.

And if you’re strapped for time, here are the big takeaways.

  1. Do your homework.

    Just because the job fair is online doesn’t make it any less crucial that you make a good impression. Come to the fair prepared with tailored questions for the hiring manager.

  2. Take care of tech beforehand.

    Is your account properly registered? Are your web browser and flash player up to date? Documents organized and ready to go? Don’t forget the motherlode of all tech issues: WiFi. Hardwire your computer with an ethernet cable, if worse comes to worse.

  3. Be interview-ready.

    If all goes well, a hiring manager might ask to interview you on-the-spot. So be dressed to impress. Make sure you are in a well-lit, distraction-free area where you can chat. It’s OK if that’s not the case, too. Explain that you are not in the best environment for an interview, and offer alternative times when you are available.

If this virtual fair isn’t for you, check out our list of other employment resources for veterans and read additional tips from veterans about finding a civilian career.

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a staff writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder.

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