Looking for a new job may be a goal for 2019, a result of feeling job (or pay) insecurity, or perhaps out of necessity. In today's job hunting process, a lot of the searching (and even interviewing) happens online. But even in the age of LinkedIn, Monster, and Skype, there's still a huge place for job fairs as they benefit both job seekers and employers alike. In-person job fairs provide the efficiency of online sites and the face-to-face connection of video interviews.
Job fairs are a great opportunity for recruiters to build up their resume pipelines and an efficient way to knock out initial interviews. In the government market especially, job fairs prove to be a critical way to make sure that contractors can staff up quickly to get started on new contracts. Connecting with people that already hold key clearances and specialized skills ensures that when the opportunity arises, they will be able to tell the customer, "Yes, we have someone that can do that."
For job seekers, job fairs are also a great use of time to be able to meet with a large number of potential employers at one time and get a feel for what companies have to offer. Having access to dozens of people that want to look at your resume provides an opportunity for amazing feedback on what you have to offer. Talking to a variety of companies can give an individual a range of perspectives. First, it's a great way to get a pulse on the job market - what jobs are out there and in demand. Second, it is a smart way to survey the market and figure out areas in your experience that stand out and areas where you need more development.
Job fair organizers use GovEvents to reach potential exhibitors as well as job seekers. Here's a list of some of the job fairs coming up.
- TechExpo Top Secret Hiring Event (March 14, 2019; Baltimore, MD) -- To attend this hiring event, all candidates must possess a Secret or above Clearance status with a polygraph that has been active within the last two years. There is an option to submit your resume for review even if you cannot attend in person. Leading defense contractors, technology companies, consulting firms and numerous agencies of the U.S.Government recruit at this event. A similar event is also being held on March 16 in McLean, VA.
- The San Diego Engineering, Technology & Security Clearance Career Expo (March 27, 2019; San Diego, CA) - This event offers face-to-face interviews with hiring managers for engineering jobs ranging in all disciplines: Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Cyber, Software, Persistent Infrared (PIR) Analyst I, Signal Processing/Radar Engineer, Chief Architecture Software/System Engineer, SAR Scientist/Engineer, and many more. The event also offers free onsite resume reviews.
- Orion International Job Fairs (March 28-29, 2019; Seattle, WA) - Produced by Orion Talent, this is one of the company's many events held nation-wide. These events aim to match military veteran job seekers with open positions in the private sector.
- ClearedJobs.Net (April 3, 2019; Falls Church, VA) - A CI or FS Poly is required for attendees of this event. It will feature employers looking for a wide range of jobs that need professionals with security clearances. Jobs include Linguists, Intel Analysts, Cloud, Electronic Warfare, Logisticians, Escorts, Test Engineers, Contracts, Software Engineers, Network Operations, Help Desk, GEOINT, Graphic Designers, Financial Management, Administrative, Physical Security, Technical Writing and more.
- DC MEGA Engineering, Technology, and Security Clearance Job Fair (May 21, 2019; Washington, DC) - This event allows for face-to-face meetings with hiring managers from many area employers looking for professionals across all engineering disciplines.
- Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fair (May 30, 2019; Virginia Beach, VA) - This job fair is geared toward transitioning and former military personnel and civilians. It provides an opportunity to meet with employers seeking candidates with military experience. Similar events are scheduled for March 29, 2019 in Arlington, VA and April 26, 2019 in Springfield, VA.
- AUSA Veteran, Soldier, & Family Job Fair (June 5, 2019; Arlington, VA) -- The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) brings together military-friendly companies--defense and non-defense--to discuss open positions with veterans, transitioning soldiers, and their families. Prior to the event, AUSA offers a resume polishing service to attendees.
Let us know what other job fairs we should include in this list and on our site. Share your thoughts in the comments.
