Air Force veteran shares job search advice at Red White and You hiring event

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Adam Martin served 22 years in the Air Force and struggled to find a job during his transition to civilian life after retirement.

Now the senior programs and projects director at Workforce Solutions of East Texas, Martin shared his experience at the Red White and You hiring event. The statewide job fair focuses on hiring veterans and is also open to the public.

Martin said approximately 76 employers were participating, though the number may have been higher. He said the fair has been held since 2012.

Transitioning to civilian work

Martin said leaving military service can bring questions about job skills and opportunities. Events like the job fair allow veterans to network and meet professionals who may help them find their next opportunity, he said.

Employers represented fields including health care, trades, education and law enforcement, Martin said.

Martin said his first interview after retirement was nerve-wracking, but he learned after several interviews that employers wanted to hear his story. It took him about four months to find his first job, with help from his sister-in-law.

Following up on an application

Martin said he applied for a job with the East Texas Council of Governments and called human resources after the application period closed. That position had been filled, but he met with a director and was hired for another job about a year later.

His advice to veterans looking for work: “Don’t give up.”

Martin said veterans have skills, training and knowledge employers want. He encouraged job seekers to follow up with human resources when they have not heard back about an application.