Worksource holds veteran hiring event

MOSES LAKE - In honor of Veterans Day and a month of national emphasis upon veterans, Worksource Central Basin is hoping people hire them.

Worksource, located at 309 E. Fifth Ave., is offering a "Hire a Vet" hiring event Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Worksource Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist Eileen Boylston said 50 events are planned across the United States in recognition of the week of Veterans Day.

"It could have been a job fair, a stand down or something else, something to recognize veterans," she said. A stand down is when a veteran organization brings in people from different organizations to assist veterans, particularly offered to veterans in need.

Boylston offered to put on a community job fair including eight or nine employers. Six or seven other events are planned across the state, she noted.

The Moses Lake event is designed to bring employers and veterans together and let them know about opportunities.

"I was looking at employers that I thought would hire this time of year," she explained. "We tend to slow down a little bit as we go into the winter, so I wanted to get some employers I knew were hiring, and I know what kind of jobs veterans a lot of times look for."

The event includes the state Department of Corrections, which tends to draw people with military experience.

"There's actually a huge need in this state for corrections officers," she said.

Most temporary employment agencies in town, a construction apprenticeship representative and a representative of the Moses Lake School District are also in attendance.

Even though the event is open to the public, particular emphasis is placed upon veterans.

"Different employers have different definitions, but essentially anyone who's served in the military," she said.

Veterans already have a proven record of employment because of their active duty service and are held to fairly high standards, she noted.

"So (employers) are getting somebody who's already worked for a period of time, has learned some good skills and self-discipline and usually has a pretty good work ethic," she said.

Those planning on attending the job fair are advised to have a good resume in hand and what Boylston called a "one-minute commercial."

"Think about what you want to tell the employer when you just have a little bit of time to talk to them face to face, something that can relay what skills you have to offer," she said. "Some thought on what kind of things (a person) could relay in a minute or two, to quickly tell an employer you're a good candidate."

Boylston also advises people to dress for success, dressing like a professional and like they're serious about finding work.

"I'm hoping we get some people hired, and I'm hoping the employers who come are very happy with the people they see, that they see some real good candidates and feel it was worth their time," she said. "I'm hoping the applicants who walk in the door are able to make some good connections, if not employment this week, then maybe employment down the way."

For more information, call Boylston at 509-766-4111.