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Virtual job fair aims to connect veterans with jobs as pandemic wrecks economy

BOSTON — Unemployment numbers due out in the next week are expected to skyrocket with so many people out of work due the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitigation measures have forced countless businesses to close, but some are ramping up hiring as demand for their services rises.

One group, Recruit Military, is holding a virtual job fair Thursday to connect veterans with work when they really need it.

Gillette stadium was supposed to be hosting dozens of employers and hundreds of veterans, but the event has been moved online.

“In uncertain times, it comes down to keeping a calm head and operating safely,” event director Justin Henderson said.

He said the skills veterans develop in their service gives them the ability to adapt and even work remotely as a team, which makes them well-suited to the current job market.

“Know your value and hyper focus where you can make a good impact in organizations,” Henderson said.

He said despite all the business closings, certain sectors of the economy are scrambling to hire.

“We have everything from public service, mass transportation and the T to hospitals coming in and looking for talent; everything from nurses, doctors, people supporting them, facilities maintenance people keep the hospital running while the nurses and doctors are keeping everybody safe,” Henderson said. “We're seeing companies come to us and say - we need help - the Instacarts, the Walmart, Kroger, Shaws, we're here fighting to get our country through this and we need help - and they're coming to our veterans.”

He says that sparks hope for the job market in the future.

“I think we have this stop, pause and wait for the safety of our community and once this comes out, we're going to see pent up demand,” said Henderson.

The virtual job fair is free for veterans, transitioning military personnel, national guard members, reserve members and military spouses.

It runs Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information and to register for this virtual hiring event, visit here.

The following companies have announced hiring initiatives: