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Orland Park to co-host veterans employment seminar

Chicago Tribune - 7/25/2017

July 25--Orland Park'sVeterans Commission will co-host a free veterans employment seminar Aug. 14-18.

The seminar will take place at the village's Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane.

Co-sponsored by the village and Indianapolis-based nonprofit, Operation: Job Ready Veterans, the seminar is open to veterans who received any discharge other than dishonorable, members of the National Guard or Reserve, spouses of veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserve spouses, military caregivers, and dependent children of working age, according to the village.

The seminar includes transition assistance, resume preparation, company research, networking and interviewing skills, and employer introductions. Those who complete the five-day seminar will attend a mini graduation ceremony and hiring fair.

"I have first-hand knowledge about the challenges of transitioning out of the military," Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said in the news release. "Seminars like this are extremely beneficial to veterans and their families as they prepare for life after the military. We all know veterans and their families have a lot to offer the work force so it's critical to assist them in making this transition."

Operation: Job Ready Veterans works to prepare service members, veterans, military spouses, dependents and caregivers for entry into the workforce.

"Many veterans are struggling with the transition from military to civilian life. We spend the first day honing in on what their transitional issues are," Suzanne Tansel, community outreach and marketing coordinator for Operation: Job Ready Veterans, said in the release. "Most veterans aren't aware, so we do a lot of self-reflection and address possible issues."

The seminar includes resume writing, which focuses on translating what veterans did in the service into civilian speak, and re-wording resumes to meet job market standards. Veterans are welcome to bring their resumes, but are not required to have one as they will create one during the seminar.

Attendeees also will learn how to network, interview, and give a 30-second elevator speech on themselves. Tansel noted that many veterans are used to speaking about their service from a group perspective and will not talk about themselves. Veterans will be asked to prepare and rehearse their speech so that they become comfortable talking about themselves and what they can offer a company.

The program has seen 83 percent of graduates get hired within a month of the class and 90 percent retain their jobs, according to the release. Tansel said it is not uncommon for veterans interviewing at the seminar's mini job fair to get an offer to come in for an interview or to get a job offer immediately following the graduation.

Those interested in attending the seminar need to register by noon Aug. 11. Register online at www.jobreadyvets.org, call (312) 636-9777 or (855) 456-2732 or email BFitch@jobreadyvets.org.

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