 July 2025
Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Building a strong workforce is essential to growing Michigan’s middle class and ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to not just get by, but live happy and successful lives. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's (LEO) 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report shows Michigan is a leader in supporting residents and businesses.
Michigan ranks #3 nationally for helping adults find meaningful careers, #1 in the nation for adult credential attainment and provides workforce development support to more individuals than any state in the Midwest.
LEO is committed to helping Michiganders enter high-demand, high-skill careers and ensuring businesses have the talented workforce they need to succeed. Whether you're in the workforce, want to be in the workforce or are interested in pursuing new opportunities, LEO is here for you.
Read the full report at https://bit.ly/4lpcled.
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Join Lakepoint Community Church for their annual Vet Fest on Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1550 W. Drahner, Oxford, MI 48371. (Approximately two miles west of M24.)
This annual event to honor veterans is open to veterans and their families. There will be food, a live band, car show and veteran resources. For more information, contact Cindy Hale at N5571T@aol.com.
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After months of job search frustration, Marine Corps veteran Esther visited her local Michigan Works! Service Center for personalized support. Despite her disciplined background and valuable skills, she found herself constantly overlooked—resume submissions went unanswered, and interviews were few and far between.
Esther’s Veterans’ Career Advisor (VCA) immediately identified a critical issue – her resume lacked any mention of her military service, and her extensive culinary experience with the Marine Corps. The VCA explained that her service, particularly her leadership and operational experience in culinary roles, could in fact set her apart in a competitive job market.
While continuing to work together, Esther disclosed another concern – she had made some mistakes after separating from the Marine Corps that resulted in a conviction. Together, Esther and the VCA worked through the expungement process at a local library assuaging Esther’s fear that the conviction would become another barrier to employment.
The VCA also provided one-on-one coaching on how to approach interviews and how to confidently and transparently address background check questions if they arose.
Thanks to this support, it did not take long before Esther was offered several interviews. She ultimately decided on a management position at a local restaurant where her first task will be assisting in the hiring process of other employees!
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Join us for the 2025 Stand Down event in Warren, Michigan, on September 24-25. The event will take place at UAW Region 1, located at 27800 George Merrelli Dr, Warren, MI 48092.
Stay tuned for more details and volunteer registration! Or go to 4vets.org for more information.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
G.I. Jobs Get Hired Workshop
July 10, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
Recruiter secrets revealed! Panel discussion with insider tips on getting notice and getting hired from today's biggest brands during this FREE live Zoom event.
Brookdale Bay City Assisted Living Hiring Event
July 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Details: view event details
If you would like to be part of a FUN Team, please join us. We thrive on creating enjoyable memories and relationships with our residents that make them feel empowered, engaged, independent and happy.
West Michigan Works! Virtual Job Fair
July 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
The Virtual Job Fair provides you with the opportunity to do an initial phone screen with an employer. You can expect to speak with employers about your job experience, your career interests and available job opportunities.
Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
July 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
This isn’t your average job fair; it’s a chance to step into a virtual space where top employers are genuinely excited to meet talented, mission-driven individuals like you. Whether you’re transitioning out of military service or hunting for your next career adventure, this is where you’ll find organizations that see and value your skills, dedication, and one-of-a-kind experience.
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
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
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.
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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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