Veterans' Employment Services in Michigan: November 2022 Newsletter

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Veterans' Employment Services graphic, Priority of Service for Military Veterans, logos of U.S. military branches

November 2022

Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:


November is Veterans and Military Families Month

National Veterans and military families month graphic

Governor Whitmer declared November National Veterans and Military Families Month to honor the sacrifices members of the armed services and their families make every day. 

Michigan is home to more than 550,000 veterans nearly 11,000 Air and Army National Guard members and their families, whose contributions and sacrifices have been vital in maintaining our way of life. 

We want to extend our thanks to every one of you - and your families - for your service and sacrifices. Thank you!


Beware Potential Contaminated Drinking Water Settlement Scams

Zenetta Adams and Dana Nessel video clip

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Zaneta Adams partnered to create a video to share important information about resources available to military members and their families who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during their service, and to warn them about scammers who may try to exploit them for financial gain.

In the video, AG Nessel and Director Adams specify that Michigan veterans, reservists and National Guard members who served at U.S. Marine Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina between August 1953 and December 1987 may qualify for disability benefits, healthcare or compensation under the PACT Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. AG Nessel and Director Adams also highlight resources available to protect veterans from being scammed. Watch the three minute video here.


Simplifying the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Application Process

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For the first time in 78 years, G.I. Bill applicants can receive an immediate, real-time education benefits decision, thanks to the simplified Post-9/11 G.I. Bill application experience.

Since 1944, more than 25 million beneficiaries have taken advantage of G.I. Bill benefits. Many of these individuals waited up to a month to receive an eligibility decision – a month of waiting to plan their future, or to take the next step toward their educational goals. But not anymore, thanks to Veteran Affairs Agency's most recent modernization updates, through the Digital G.I. Bill initiative.

Read more about the process here.


Department of Veterans Affairs Warrior Care

Warrior care month

When you think about wounded warrior care, you typically think of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But did you know, the U.S. Defense Department also plays an important role in the funding, awareness, and treatment provided for wounded warriors? Both for those who are currently serving and those who have retired or separated from military service.

In 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert F. Gates announced the creation of programs to address the needs of wounded warriors. Those efforts have resulted in each branch of armed services offering its own version of help for those sick or injured in the line of duty. Read more about these programs here.


State of Michigan Program Puts Healthcare Careers in Your Reach

Mireach split face graphic

Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) provides free on-ramps to healthcare careers.
Through support provided by MiREACH, you can receive the education and training needed to get started in a rewarding, in-demand healthcare career.

You’ll also receive on-the-job experience, and you may also be eligible for various wraparound supports such as transportation and childcare.

Perhaps just as importantly, MiREACH offers the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in earning a paycheck in a career with great advancement opportunities? Learn more about the program at Michigan.gov/MiREACH. 


Gaining The Competitive Edge During Your Job Search

VES graphic

Mindset Is Everything

Most people dread the job search process. For better or worse, technology is also making things less personal. Between Applicant Tracking Systems, video interviews, and ghosting, it can be hard to stay positive. But all you really need is to keep the right mindset.

Here are five things to keep in mind during your job search:

  1. Know your value – own it and articulate it fluently.
  2. Work with a career coach who knows today’s job search space.
  3. Work smart – don’t waste time sending out random resumes. Instead, be strategic by targeting companies and people to create a professional network and increase your visibility.
  4. Manage your fears. You can do this!
  5. Stay curious. Ask questions and create conversations.

Only 2% of resumes submitted get to the interview stage. Every conversation you have with someone is a win. Even if you don’t get an interview or job offer, you’ve expanded your professional network. When you leave a good lasting impression, you never know when your paths might cross again, and the perfect opportunity presents itself.

Your local Michigan Works! Services Centers have Career Coaches on staff to assist you with building your career plan. Go to MichiganWorks.org to find a location near you.  

 

Personal Branding Is Not Just for Social Media 

Personal branding is the process of optimizing and managing the way you appear to others. How would your peers describe you? This is your personal brand. 

  • Be consistent with your brand – use the same language, photo and style across all of your social and professional communications.
  • Decide what you want to be known for and reinforce those attributes. 
  • Engage with the community that is established around your field or industry.

 

Craft Your Elevator Pitch in Four Easy Steps

The "elevator pitch" isn't just for salespeople and venture capitalists. Every networking interaction is an opportunity to use a strongly crafted elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and career objectives. Here are four steps to keep in mind when crafting yours: 

  • Step 1: Show passion and enthusiasm for what you do 
    “I just love what the right technology can do for an organization.”
  • Step 2: Highlight your unique qualities and achievements
    “I increased sales by 20% in my region,” or “I developed automations that increased open rates by 50%.”
  • Step 3: Say what you want 
    “I’m ready to move into a position where I can be a significant contributor to the growth and profitability of a company like XYZ, Inc.”
  • Step 4: Craft a call to action 
    “Let’s discuss this further. Can we set up a time next week?”

Veterans Helping Veterans banner

Veteran Success: Two Year Journey Results in Master's Degree and Dream Job

Nicholas Hughey

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nicholas Hughey began his long journey with VES back in May 2021 when he stopped by his local Michigan Works! office looking for help finding a job. At the time, Nicholas was working on obtaining his master's degree.

Nicholas worked with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) William Mourufas to line up a job with a local veterinary clinic as a supply manager. This was familiar work for Nicholas, who had experience as a supply chief in the Marine Corps. 

In fact, Nicholas enjoyed this line of work so much, he decided to change his master’s degree program and focus on earning his degree in Supply Chain Management. Due to his status as a disabled veteran, he was able to utilize assistance from the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program to cover the full cost of his tuition!

Nicholas resumed working with VCA Mourufas in April 2022 when he was almost done completing his degree. This time, Nicholas was looking for a career that was commensurate to his education level. 

After conducting a comprehensive assessment and providing prevocational services, Nicholas was referred to Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle for further assistance and advocacy. Together with LVER Kettle, Nicholas began his job search, submitted applications, practiced his interview skills and received career coaching. Within weeks of completing his degree in August, Nicholas had received multiple competing offers for his desired position in supply chain management.

Nicholas weighed his options and accepted an offer as a Procurement Inventory Specialist with the Mayo Clinic that offers a comprehensive salary, full benefits package, and best of all - the ability to stay home in Michigan. 


Military Acronyms Defined - DISCO

Disco dancing

 

Spending an evening processing requests down at the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office isn’t nearly as glamorous as the acronym might suggest.


Virtual Job Fair Calendar banner

Check Out these Upcoming Job and Career Events

An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.

 

Qualified Staffing Job Fair for Welding Positions

Dec. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  
Event Address: GLB Michigan Works! - Mt. Pleasant Service Center - 5889 E Broadway Rd., Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Event Details: view flyer here

Qualified staffing will be conducting on the spot interviews for welders. Walk-ins welcome. Please bring your resume.  

 

Refuse Collection Workers Job Fair

Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  
Event Address: Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - 4061 N Euclid Ave, Bay City, MI 48706
Event Details: view flyer here

Representatives from the City of Bay City will be conducting on the spot interviews for Refuse Collection workers. Applicants should bring their resumes. 

 

UPS Hiring Event

Dec. 13, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Address: Livonia Michigan Works! - 30246 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
Event Details: view flyer here

UPS offers excellent weekly pay, a safe work environment, up to $25,000 in tuition assistance, 401(k), and medical, dental and vision after a waiting period. Delivery drivers must have a valid driver's license and must be able to lift up to 70 pounds.

 

State of Michigan Virtual Job Fair

Dec. 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Event Details: register for the event here

Chat with representatives from multiple departments across the State of Michigan about open positions.  

 

Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.


Event Success Tips

  • Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
  • Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
  • Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
  • Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
  • Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
  • Smile: Be confident. You've got this!

About Veterans’ Employment Services

VES logo

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

  • Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
  • More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
  • Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.

Health and Other Resources

 

Health Resources

Additional Resources

Health Benefits: 877-222-8387
Other VA Benefits: 800-827-1000

Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Homeless Services: 877-424-3838

Health Benefits
www.va.gov/health-care

Veterans Crisis Line
veteranscrisisline.net 

Mental Health
www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Homeless Services
www.va.gov/homeless

MyHealthVet
www.myhealth.va.gov 

Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers)
www.vetcenter.va.gov 

Disease Prevention
www.prevention.va.gov

Compensated Work Therapy
www.va.gov/health/cwt

Women Veterans Health Care
www.womenshealth.va.gov

Substance Abuse Programs www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use.asp

Geriatrics and Extended Care
www.va.gov/geriatrics

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.ptsd.va.gov 

Rural Health
www.ruralhealth.va.gov 

 

MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES

If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET. 


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Veterans' Employment Services is part of Workforce Development, within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training. Michigan.gov/VES