CONCORD, N.C. -- Get out of the military and move on with a new life and new job—in tough times, it's not as easy as it sounds. That's why a job fair Thursday helped connect veterans with employers needing those military skill sets.
Army veteran and current National Guard soldier Jonathan Bentley's plan for a new job met one big roadblock: He was discharged in 2008 when the economy was tanking.
The job he had set up fell through and he's been on a mission to land one ever since.
"I started job searching and it's been a constant bounce of temporary service to temporary service to ‘Hey, we'll hire you,’ to ‘We can't afford it right now,’” Bentley said.
His search brought him to Charlotte Motor Speedway Thursday, where military friendly employers sought employees with military skill sets that will translate into the civilian work world.
Navy veteran Amber Marsh's search included checking out First Investors Corporation.
"We have the discipline and we have the responsibility factor,” Marsh said.
"Employers want someone who is eager and open and hungry that is willing to work hard,” said Sindy Wylie with First Investors.
Elliott Anderson came here to recruit police officers for Chesterfield County, Virginia.
He says they have a hard time finding qualified candidates, but veterans often fill most of their requirements.
"They are generally focused and in good shape,” Anderson said.
When it comes to handling stress, being a leader and solving problems, veterans say that's what they did every day serving the country and can do helping a business.
"We're always looking for that next step, always looking to manage, always looking for that solution that they might not be able to find with a normal person,” Bentley said.
In total, 30 different organizations were there talking to veterans and their spouses about jobs.
