Eddie Mendoza
Yesterday, the State of Arizona held its first of a series of hiring events for veterans in Phoenix. The AZ Hires Vets! initiative, announced earlier this year by Governor Doug Ducey, was created to recruit veterans to work for Arizona state agencies. The event, held just east of the State Capitol at the Wesley Bolin Plaza, featured recruiters from 30 state agencies who came equipped with job opportunities for job-seeking veterans.
Eddie Mendoza, who spent four years working in technical communications for the United States Army was at the event in hopes of finding a maintenance job with the State. “This event has been really helpful,” he said, “I’m excited because I have an interview set up now.”
Laura Kaspar
More than 80 job seekers came out to the event to meet with State recruitment staff who were ready and eager to hire veterans. “Veterans devote their lives to serving,” said Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Human Resources Specialist, Laura Kaspar. “It’s an incredible honor to have them work with us here at the State. Veterans bring so many skills with them and can continue to make a difference in people’s lives by serving as a State employee.”
Nancy and Michael Chaco
Jobs for Veterans staff from DES were onsite to help the veteran job seekers navigate the event and prepare for employment. “I met six veterans today who need resumes,” said DES Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist, Michael Chaco. “I will help them translate their military experience to fit the jobs they’re interested in.”
Michael added that in addition to helping the veterans create a great resume, he will also help them explore job opportunities in which they might have an interest and connect them to supportive resources that are available to them.
Sharon Murphy
Army Veteran, Sharon Murphy, came from Prescott Valley in search of State employment. She said that in addition to her desire to find a full-time job, the benefits that come from working for the State would be a significant asset to her. “I’m a little older and I want to continue to build my retirement fund. I’m also a disabled vet, so the vision and dental insurance the State provides will help me.” Sharon left with several job prospects, hopeful to obtain State employment soon. “The event was great,” she said, “I got a lot done in a short amount of time.”
Lupe Beimer and Rachel Lopez
State recruitment representatives are looking forward to meeting with more potential veteran candidates during the upcoming AZ Hires Vets! hiring events. “It’s been so exciting to meet with the veterans,” said Arizona Department of Water Resources representative, Lupe Beimer, adding, “There are so many opportunities for everyone!”
To learn more about the AZ Hires Vet! Initiative including upcoming job fairs, visit http://hr.az.gov/veterans.