Veteran-focused hiring event reached more than 225 job seekers
The Arizona Department of Administration hosted an AZ Hires Vets! event on March 20 at Wesley Bolin Plaza that drew more than 225 attendees, connecting them to job opportunities at 30 state agencies.
A record 225 candidates registered on site, and recruiters estimate at least another 25 participants attended without checking in.
Veterans, active military, guard, reserve and spouses were an emphasis of the AZ Hires Vets! event, which aims to recruit skilled workers and also connect servicemembers and veterans with opportunities in the state workforce.
A former attendee and now state employee stopped by the event this year to share how AZ Hires Vets opened up opportunities for her family. Melissa Gregg, now a training officer for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, attended a similar ADOA event in 2022 and was hired.
After retiring from the Navy and adjusting to civilian life, Gregg was job hunting to help support her son and nephew. She said the hiring event was especially welcoming for her as a veteran who wasn’t used to building a resume without military jargon and struggled with professional dress.
“I went in with an open mind and a willingness to have conversations, and that turned out to be more valuable than a polished resume,” she said.
Gregg had several encouraging conversations at agency booths when someone from ADCRR overheard that she had a background in training and education. After a short interview, she had a conditional job offer.
“The whole process was simple—just an honest conversation, a short interview and a recruiter who saw potential in me, even when I wasn’t actively looking for that opportunity,” she said. “Honestly, I had no idea just how much that one event would change my life.”
Veterans currently make up about 9% of the state workforce. The state of Arizona’s veterans recruitment initiative targets veterans and servicemembers because of their high levels of training, discipline, adaptability and dedication to public service. Learn more about the Arizona Hires Vets! initiative, and browse the more than 500 current job opportunities at the state.
Contact: Hannah Moulton Belec, ADOA
480-815-9483