Find Your Dream Job with Hiring Our Heroes
On this episode of The Dog Tag, our host Matt Elledge talks with Col. (ret.) Chuck Hodges, Senior Director of Events and Programs at Hiring Our Heroes. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched this program in March 2011, as a nationwide initiative to help Veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities. Over 500,000 Veterans and military spouses have been hired thus far.
Chuck Hodges is a 26 year Army Veteran and was Garrison Commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2012 to 2015. He always encourages everyone to prepare for an HOH Hiring Event, and visit each and every table during the event.
“You’ve done military operations your entire career and you never went on an objective without doing proper reconnaissance ahead of time. If you’re interested in a certain company, or certain area of the country, do your research — get on their website, LinkedIn and Facebook pages,” Hodges says. “Don’t rule out a company. They need people from across the spectrum.”
Show Notes:
Chuck Hodges introduction. [1:40]
The mission of Hiring Our Heroes. [3:17]
HOH hosts Hiring Events nationally and internationally. [4:54]
How HoH helps Veterans in addition to transitioning military. [5:26]
Career Skills Program for transitioning military. [7:00]
(Ask Matt what he’s talking about above- is he talking about career skills or corp fellowship?)
Who is eligible for the HOH Corporate Fellowship Program. [11:12]
Find HOH Hiring Fairs and Sports Expos held across the U.S. [12:04]
Find an HOH Service Member Transition Summit on a base in your area. [13:42]
Learn more about the Military Spouse Program and In Gear Career for military spouses. [15:36]
Learn more about the Wounded Veteran and Caregiver Program. [16:05]
HOH offers a suite of Digital Programs under their Hiring Our Heroes Dashboard:
What job industries are strong at this time? [17:11]
Be open-minded when looking at different companies and organizations. [18:11]
How to register and prepare for an an HOH Hiring Event. [20:07]
Chuck shares advice for new Veterans. [22:20]
Understand the value of retirement and health care packages as part of your compensation. [25:07]
If you need assistance please email Chuck at chodges@uschamber.com. [27:10]
- Stay tuned for our next podcast about the How the Texas Veterans Commission Serves Veterans in Texas.
- Listen to our previous podcast: U.S. Army’s Soldier for Life Program
Helpful Resources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
LinkedIn for U.S. Veterans & Service Members
Listen to this podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud.
The Dog Tag® is brought to you by the Texas Veterans Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. Find more episodes at TexasVeteransPodcast.com. If you have questions about this topic, or suggestions for other podcast topics, call 1–800–252-VETS or email vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov. Visit TexasVeterans.com to find out more about your benefits!
