Attend a Military Career Fair
A military career fair provides an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the careers available in each branch of the military without the pressure of sitting down in a recruiter's office. Typically, all branches of the U.S. armed forces are represented. Various aspects of each branch may be present, including officer training, infantry enlistment and other more specialized careers. Just like when attending any other career fair, it's important to make networking connections, appear professional and offer positive first impressions in order to obtain a military career.
Steps
- Locate a military career fair in your area. Visit with the local high school's or college's career or guidance counselor. This individual often has information about career fairs in the area. Additionally, make contact with a recruiter in your area. Recruiters have information about all military career fairs and often have appointments as representatives at each one.
- Research the basics about each branch of the military so you're prepared to ask pertinent questions. Information about various careers is easily accessible online at the websites for each branch of the armed services. Additionally, your school's counseling center should have information about military service. By researching some of this before heading to your career fair, you are better prepared better to ask questions that will help you make good decisions later.
- Assess your skills and interests pertaining to careers. Through extra-curricular activities, hobbies or favorite school subjects, you may have already identified a career field in which you are interested. If you attend a military career fair with an intended career field in mind, you will be able to acquire much more information than if you go with a general interest in all careers.
- Bring your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)scores with you to the fair. ASVAB is a test that all incoming military personnel must take. All fair representatives won't be interested in seeing your scores, but having them available shows you are motivated and interested. Some recruiters will spend more time answering your questions when they know you've accomplished the first step to joining the military. Additionally, bring any transcripts or a resume with you to the fair.
- Dress and act professionally at the military career fair. While the environment may appear casual, this is your chance to make a positive first impression on the representatives at the fair. Prepare a short introduction for yourself that you use when meeting a recruiter or other official.
- Make a plan for your time spent at the military career fair. Set priorities regarding who you want to visit, how much time you plan to spend at each booth and any other goals you wish to accomplish while at the fair.
- Follow up with the service personnel you talked with at the fair. Send any additional information they requested and attend any appointments or meetings you set up through visiting with them.
