An upcoming Army career fair will showcase a total-force approach to filling much-needed civilian positions and finding future soldiers … and it could make it easier for recent retirees to find a post-service job.
The first-of-its-kind Total Army Career Fair takes place April 13 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of baseball’s Texas Rangers. Recruiters at the event will have “on the spot” hiring authority for civilian positions, giving applicants the chance to bypass the infamous USAJOBS website, which is notorious for screening out candidates for submitting the wrong paperwork or missing a phrase in a résumé.
[LEARN MORE: Total Army Career Fair]
This is a welcome authority in DoD’s current war for talent, which comes during “record-breaking retirements from civilian positions,” according to one senior official.
Select hiring officials also will have the authority to offer hiring incentives (a signing bonus, for example), and to waive the so-called “180-day rule” for recently retired military personnel who would like to continue to serve in a civilian position.
[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Repeal the ‘180-Day Rule’]
Recent retirees often find their applications screened out because of this infamous six-month cooling-off period between uniformed and potential civilian service. Highly skilled applicants with hard-to-find credentials who are leaving uniformed service frequently don’t qualify for openings via USAJobs, frustrating hiring officials.
The waiver authority is only one aspect of this innovative hiring event, which boasts representatives from 43 major commands and the chance to apply for 500 civilian positions, to include some in Europe and South Korea. It also serves as a recruiting event for future soldiers – a unique way to appeal to those who wish to serve as the all-volunteer force continues its recruiting struggles.
How You Can Help
If you’re not in the job market, you can still contribute to the strength of the future force by sharing your positive stories of service.
These stories are often neglected by media outlets, but they are critical to supporting DoD efforts to combat the recruiting crisis. Consider reaching out to your local recruiting office to offer your support at key recruiting events. MOAA members also frequently can assist a recruiter with access to community leaders that are difficult to obtain.
Keep up with ongoing MOAA advocacy efforts in support of the all-volunteer force at MOAA’s Advocacy News page, and get the latest advice on your professional path after service by visiting our Transition and Career Center.
