Office of Veterans' Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

January 13, 2021 

AARP Launches Digital Platform to Help Hawai`i Veterans and Military Spouses Compete in Today’s Job Market  

New Platform Offers Free Courses and Resources to Boost Job Search, Overcome Underemployment 

AARP launched the AARP Veterans and Military Spouses Job Center, a new digital platform bringing together valuable information and resources to help Hawai`i’s 112,625 veterans and military spouses compete in today’s job market. The job center includes a new Veterans Career Advantage Course to build on career planning and skills development to help navigate the job market. According to an AARP survey, more than half (56%) of employers say experience and the use of skills in previous positions are ‘very important’ when evaluating applicant’s skills. 

“The job skills, experience and character of our veterans and military spouses can be an important asset during a job search, but we know it can be a challenge to know where to start,” said Keali`I Lopez, AARP Hawai`i state director. “AARP Hawai`i is honored to continue supporting those who proudly served our country by arming them with this free, one-stop resource to gain an edge in today’s competitive job market and avoid underemployment.” 

The AARP Veterans and Military Spouses Job Center features a range of free resources: 

• New Veterans Career Advantage Course, which focuses on career planning and skills development. 
• The AARP Job Board features a “Veterans Wanted” filter so transitioning and former service members can quickly find employers that value their military experience. 
• New AARP Veterans and Military Spouses Job Search Toolkit – a comprehensive guide to find and secure employment. 
• New AARP Video: Tips for Veterans to Ace A Civilian Job Interview. 
• AARP Webinar: Rethinking Work for Veterans, Military and their Families on hiring and career trends to help adapt to a quickly changing job market.   

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report, veteran unemployment fell to 3.2% in December 2021. While unemployment has decreased over the past year, underemployment continues to hold many veterans back. Two-thirds of all veteran employees reported having a job unequal to the level of skills and qualifications that they had gained in the military, according to the 2018 Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Further, two-thirds of employed active-duty spouses (67%) reported they are underemployed in some way, indicating their current employment does not match their desires, education, or experience, according to the 2020 Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey.   

On January 26, AARP’s Online Career Expo will feature live veterans forums/panels, webinars, opportunities to ask other veterans for advice, and jobs from military-friendly employers. Other resources include AARP Resume Advisor, AARP Skills Builder for WorkSM, Be Your Own Boss, and Small Business Resource Center for the 50+. To learn more about the AARP Veterans and Military Spouses Job Center, visit www.aarp.org/vetsjobcenter. For more information and other free resources on how AARP supports veterans and military families on caregiving, fighting fraud through Operation Protect Veterans, and connecting with earned service benefits, visit www.aarp.org/veterans. 

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About AARP 

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​

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