Email: Gregory.Stanton@va.gov

This month we honor all who have served in the military – in war time and peacetimes. Salute!

For many veterans, whether they were drafted or enlisted after engaging a recruiter, the “service” was our first significant employer.  During the time spent in the service we all gained valuable training, skills and experiences.  Your unique training, skills and experiences communicated properly on the resume gives you an edge during the hiring process.

However, in many cases you must first make it through the “ATS Check-Point” prior to the employer engaging you.  This is a digital solution used by recruiters and employers to collect and scan applications automatically.  The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) speeds up the review process for recruiters, by lowering the number of resumes to check manually. 

Developing an ATS-compatible resume that includes relevant keywords that the ATS is programmed to look for Is key.  Passing this “ATS-CHECKPOINT” is critical if you want to increase your chances of getting an interview. 

The solution isn’t simply loading your resume with keywords and calling it a day.  It is important that you employ the following four ways to ensure the creation of an ATS-compatible resume

1. Use Relevant Keywords: searched for by the algorithm
2. Use a Related Job Title
3. Use ATS -compatible Resume Template
4. Label Sections Correctly.

If you are not familiar with the ATS or the above suggestions, help with developing an ATS friendly resume is available by reaching out to the VA or one of our community partners below.  We are available to assist you in developing your cover letter and resume.  

The goal of a strategically created resume is to ultimately get you in front of the recruiter or hiring manager.  

Greg

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Emily Goedeker, CRC
Vocational Services Supervisor

Domiciliary and SARRTP
St. Louis VA Health Care System

I started at the St. Louis VA in 2019 and have remained within the SARRTP and DCHV programs since that time. Prior to my time at the VA, I worked for the State of North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Program and within the community assisting individuals with disabilities obtain gainful employment to provide purpose and meaning to their lives.

My role as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at the St. Louis VA is to work with the veterans in our Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV) and Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP). Within those programs, I get the opportunity to assist the veterans with navigating employment in recovery. I encourage each veteran that I talk with that, “you get to change your thoughts about employment from ‘what do I have to do in order to make money to survive’, into ‘what do I WANT to do with my life’”.

I have a strong passion for rehabilitating our veterans through employment and helping them to find purpose and meaning within their work to support their recovery. Another major portion of my position is to help our veterans better understand, get connected, and utilize their education benefits.

After working with many veterans during my time at the VA and hearing “these opportunities exist” and “why didn’t anyone tell us this before we got out of the military”, I’ve found that there’s a strong need for a connection to Vocational Services within the transition process as an active-duty service member is discharging. One of my professional goals is to embed vocational services into the transition process in order to provide support to the service member before discharge.

Having an opportunity to provide vocational guidance and counseling, supported education, and overall connection to vocational services would provide the service member with many additional supports and opportunities.  

Email: Emily.Goedeker@va.gov

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Below you will find links to this month's employment fairs and hot job leads.  

November's Hiring Events

We want to thank Joel Reinert, Business Liaison Missouri Job Center - NW Crossings 715 NW Plaza Drive, St. Ann, MO 63074 for his monthly updates and hiring events that take place weekly.  For additional information regarding area apprenticeship opportunities visit the job center today!

Not sure how to get started with your job search?  Whether you’ve lost your job, looking for a new job, or ready to start your first job, were here to help.  No matter where you are in your job search, we can provide online and in-person resources, products and services to you at no cost.  Get stated today!

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Assisting veterans in finding family sustaining and meaningful employment is a top priority at IDES. The American Job Center staff provide veterans with priority of service for employment services (does not apply to unemployment insurance). In addition, we have over 30 American Job Centers and offices located throughout Illinois that provide a full array of employment focused services to assist veterans. Training services are available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act partners that are collocated at each American Job Center.

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What Veterans Who Are Homeless or At Risk For Homeless Should Do For Help

Local area Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the HOPE Recovery Center at (314) 652-4100 ext. 55405 for assistance. If Veterans do not have access to a phone or the internet, then visit their closest VA medical center without calling in advance. VA also urges Veterans who are not homeless or at risk of homelessness to contact their VA medical center before visiting for any reason. These steps are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Find Out About Assistance

• Veterans Day 2022 Discounts
• VA Chaplain Services
• VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
• VA Vet Centers
• Women Veterans: VA News
• Pact Act 5 WAYS IT HELPS VETS
• September's Employment Newsletter
• October's Employment Newsletter