JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of companies were looking to the military to fill open positions as the Navy tri-base job fair kicked off Wednesday in Jacksonville.
The job fair was held at the Morocco Shrine Center on St. Johns Bluff Road, and organizers expected more than 90 employers to be there, at least 50 of them local.
They were all looking to fill jobs and also looking for the right people to fill them.
All active duty and retired service members and their spouses could check it out for free.
Channel 4 talked to military personnel who said they were excited to see what jobs are out there.
After three years of service, Ashley Monroe is hoping the Navy tri-base job fair will bring her one step closer to a job after she leaves the Navy.
"I'm getting out in January, so I really need to start looking for jobs soon," Monroe said. "I think a job fair is a great way to see what's out there for people that are getting out of the service and for people that are just looking for jobs in general."
Monroe was passing out resumes to some of the 92 companies that attended Wednesday's event.
It was free to all active duty, separating, retiring and retired service members, and it didn't stop there. Military Spouses and family members could come to.
Organizers encouraged attendees to bring their resume, as well as their A-game.
"Come prepared, dressed for a job interview," said Stephanie Hoppe, of Family Support Center. "Employees will be doing job interviews on the spot. They should bring several copies of their resume. It's a great opportunity to really find employment."
Nearly every industry was represented -- energy, defense, government and law enforcement. Organizers said employers are looking for skills developed through serving our county.
"They know that military comes with a unique work ethic," Hoppe said. "Military spouses, they are very resilient and they have a lot to offer companies that maybe the average person doesn't."
For Monroe, it was a chance to see what the future may hold.
"You don't really know what's out there until you start looking, so I think it's a good place to see where everyone is hiring," Monroe said.
The job fair was at the Morocco Shrine Center at 3800 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday. Parking and admission were free.