Military to Manufacturing Fort Riley Career Fair

We invite you to join The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program at Fort Riley for a career fair focused on connecting members of the military and veteran community with manufacturers who are hiring!

Heroes MAKE America supports manufacturers and our nation’s military community by creating opportunities to connect. Through Heroes MAKE America, manufacturers recruit, hire, and retain a diverse military workforce while showcasing rewarding industry careers!

From Production, Maintenance, Operations, Logistics, HR, IT, Accounting, Marketing, and more these companies are seeking individuals with exceptional qualities, skills, and experience that the military community naturally possess.

• Develop your recruitment and hiring goals.
  • Meet with your team members beforehand to discuss and determine your goals for recruiting a new employee. Define the qualities, traits and characteristics of your ideal employee. Set goals that establish which roles you’re searching for at the event, so your employees know which positions they’re aiming to fill when meeting candidates
• Create booth designs and order merchandise (you will be provided a 10-foot table)
  • An effective way to represent your company is through your marketing material, merchandise, and booth designs. Order fun merchandise with your logo on them that will make attendees want to stop and learn more about your business.
  • Build brochures and other materials that inform candidates about your company’s benefits, employees and values.
  • Don’t forget your business cards!
• Think of questions to ask candidates.
  • Since you’re meeting with several candidates during the event, have a list of questions prepared to quickly get to know each person. Start by asking about their experience and career goals to determine if you have any relevant roles available.
• Tell others a few weeks in advance that your company is attending a job fair by marketing it on social media or announcing it on your website. We will provide a social media toolkit with graphics and language for you to use to share about the event.
• Know your audience.
  • If you are not familiar with the military community we recommend these resources in advance!
• Be prepared for post-event engagement.
  • We encourage our jobseekers to follow up with the contacts they make at the fair based on the method you recommend – email, LinkedIn, etc.
  • Heroes MAKE America will provide a jobseeker registration list after the event and encourage you to reach out about your organization and career opportunities.

For Job Seekers: There is no cost to participate in the career fair.

For Employers: The cost to participate is $250 per table which covers lunch for two individuals. This event is open to a limited audience, so please register your group at your earliest convenience.

Tips for Attending

• Bring paper copies of your resume as well as having your digital version readily accessible.
  • We will have the KansasWorks Mobile Unit on site to print resumes as well.
  • If you need support with building or enhancing your resume, we recommend the following resources utilizing the USO Transitions program or Hire Heroes USA. If these are not available to you, connect with a Local Veterans Employment Representative at your local American Job Center.
• Dress to Impress – there is always an opportunity for an on-the-spot interview!
• Review the companies and conduct research to help you engage effectively.
• Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch – know your audience.
• Make eye contact and smile as you engage with the employers.
• Get the recruiter’s contact information and ask about the best way to follow-up.
• Within 24 hours, follow-up with every company that interests you.
• Invite others within your military-connected network.