July 30 Hiring Event to Maximize Veterans' Non-Profit Job Opportunities

CHICAGO – The Hiring Our Heroes event, one of the largest efforts to help Veterans, military service members and their family members to find employment, returns to Chicago on Wednesday, July 30. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are primary sponsors. The event is from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University of Chicago, Ida Noyes Hall 1212 East 59th Street, Chicago.

The Non-profit Hiring Fair for Veterans also is sponsored by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing the number of Veterans working in the philanthropic and non-profit employment sector. An employment workshop aimed at helping Veterans and transitioning service members leverage military experience to achieve civilian career goals will begin at 11:00 a.m.

More than 30 Chicago-area non-profit and charity organizations, many with outlets throughout Illinois and the Midwest, have positions ready to be filled and will have positions to offer at the event. Because Veterans from the recent conflict have a greater propensity to serve or volunteer in the non-profit sector, this is a great match of skills, interest, needs and opportunities. 

To be considered, Veterans and others are encouraged to pre-register for this event atHiringourheroes.org This pre-registration allows employers to review resumes, work experience and job skills prior to the event. Last year, this approach led employers to conduct 577 on-site interviews and make 152 job offers after outreach efforts by IDES, IDVA and other agencies. IDES called more than 20,000 Veterans to make sure that they were aware of this opportunity, while IDVA engaged the veteran community with newsletter information, Public Service Announcements, and social media announcements.

Veterans also should register withIllinoisjoblink.com, the state’s hiring board operated by IDES. It uses the same matching philosophy as the Hiring Our Heroes events. Further, employers can meet federal and state hiring requirements by using Illinoisjoblink.com. Job seekers can build multiple resumes to emphasize different skills and experiences. Business owners can use keyword matching technology to search resumes and find the best candidate. Illinoisjoblink.com is free and compares favorably to private efforts that cost hundreds of dollars. No-cost HR recruitment services for employers and workers are available at the website and at (877) 342-7533.

Veterans are sought-after employees for non-profits and charities due to their service training, soft skills and experiences which include respect for authority, embracing responsibility and success in a team-based environment. Veterans and service members also have advanced training in fields ranging from technology and manufacturing to construction and logistics.
 
A state income tax credit of up to $5,000 is available to businesses for each qualified Veteran who is hired. Employers also might qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $9,600 through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.  Other sponsors include the U.S. Department of Labor, the American Legion and Student Veterans of America.