U.S. Navy Veteran Joshua was an underemployed carpenter but wanted to get back into the field he had trained for: avionics. He said, “It was my dream. I was trained in jet mechanics and it’s what I always wanted to do. Aviation was my calling.” Joshua looked for a job as an aircraft maintenance technician but couldn’t find anything on his own. He didn’t know what to do. Joshua said, “I was tired of waking up to a dead-end job. My employer’s business was closing, and I was about to be unemployed. I had to start all over again in an employment ‘dead zone’.”
Joshua explained the situation to his County Veteran Service Officer who referred him to Rebecca Kaas, Veterans Employment Representative at CareerForce in Marshall. “Rebecca gave me hope. She taught me there was a strategy and a process to job search. Rebecca helped me see my value and wouldn’t let me sell myself short.” Rebecca showed Joshua that his skills and abilities were a match for several avionics positions and helped him tailor his résumé to a job posting for a Maintenance Services Representative at Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
This was the first and only job Joshua applied for, and his résumé landed him an interview. According to Joshua, the most important thing that helped him get the interview was his résumé and talking to Rebecca, “someone who knows how to write a résumé.” The recruiter and hiring manager were impressed with Joshua’s military background and his interest in the position. The interview went so well that he was offered the job.
“This is life-changing. I have a new pair of wings. I have what it takes to reach my goals and set new ones. I don’t have to worry about finances or struggle anymore. I will be self-sustaining. I can build my future now.”
Joshua’s advice to other Veterans starting a job search: “You have to ask for help but be selective. Get help from a professional. There are people and resources out there waiting for you. They can help you, but you need to reach out. You’re going to need a team.”
Want to find your team? Visit https://www.careerforcemn.com/dedicated-veterans-employment-team
