Partnering for Success: How Mission43 and Hire Heroes USA Empower Idaho's Military Community

Mission43 and Hire Heroes USA Transforming Lives in Idaho

Hire Heroes USA team during their visit to the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse for their Program Manager Summit.

Since the beginning, Mission43 has proudly stood alongside Hire Heroes USA, a nationally renowned nonprofit dedicated to supporting military members and their spouses in their job search endeavors. This partnership has allowed us to extend our reach and offer invaluable resources to our members right here in Idaho, facilitating their journey toward meaningful employment.

In the Idaho Program at Hire Heroes USA, the employment team comprises three dedicated professionals who specialize in guiding our members toward fulfilling careers. While officially part of the Hire Heroes USA team, we consider them integral members of the Mission43 family.

meet the Hire Heroes USA team

Employment Director, Zach Tibbits at the Hire Heroes USA Military Spouse Employment Workshop
(Email / LinkedIn)

Meet the dedicated leaders behind our employment program at Mission43. Leading the team is Zach Tibbits, our Employment Director. Zach oversees program management, cultivates relationships, and drives resource development to ensure our members receive top-notch support.

Working alongside Zach is Nick Johnson, our skilled Employer Coordinator. Nick's primary focus is reaching out to Idaho employers eager to hire veterans and military spouses. His expertise lies in identifying key contacts within organizations, facilitating connections, and sharing job opportunities with our Mission43 members.

When you first reach out for employment assistance, you'll likely connect with Jess Beeson, our Program Coordinator. Jess ensures that our members are fully informed about the resources available to them and serves as a vital link between Hire Heroes USA transition specialists and Mission43 members. We are fortunate to have a team that fully grasps the unique challenges our members face.

HOW TO access employment services

Here's a breakdown of how our employment assistance program at Mission43 works:

1. Click here to join Mission43: When you join Mission43, simply select the "Employment" option during the signup process.

2. Personalized outreach: Once you've indicated your interest in employment assistance, our team is notified. Next, expect to hear from our program coordinator, Jess Beeson via text, phone call, or email. During this initial contact, Jess will provide an overview of our resources and services, ensuring you understand the support available.

3. Registration with Hire Heroes USA: After speaking with Jess, we will ask you to register for our services at hireheroesusa.org. Here, you'll be connected with a Transition Specialist who will craft a professionally written resume for you within just one week.

4. Connection with Employers: Armed with your new resume, Employer Coordinator, Nick Johnson, will work diligently to connect you with hiring managers and targeted employers. Nick specializes in establishing connections with new employers daily, ensuring you have access to a broad range of opportunities.

5. Leveraging the Mission43 Network: Even if we don't have a direct connection with your desired company, our extensive Mission43 network often yields promising leads. This network strength is what sets Mission43 apart.

We take great pride in our carefully honed processes that are tailored to support you in navigating a successful job search and seamlessly translating your military expertise into civilian success. Ultimately, our goal is to guide you toward securing meaningful employment, and not just any j-o-b.

what is meaningful employment?

For us, meaningful employment means feeling enthusiastic about your work, being financially secure, and enjoying a fulfilling life in Idaho. It's about having the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and talents, rather than merely punching a clock and dreading each day or shift.

Currently, individuals utilizing our services are experiencing an average starting salary of around $65,000. This year alone, we've assisted 100 transitioning military members, spouses, and veterans in securing employment in Idaho.

Find out more

Interested in learning more about the available employment services? Contact us at mission43.org/employment or hireheroesusa.org.

Find meaningful employment at the City of Boise

The city of Boise helpS Veterans and Spouses Find Meaningful Careers

Zach Tibbits, Employment Pillar Director - HHUSA Idaho Area Manager (Email / LinkedIn)

Mission43 supports veterans and spouses looking for quality employment opportunities in Idaho after the military. As we have given members personalized support to help put their best foot forward in their job seeking journey, we have found some incredible employers in Idaho that are committed to our work as well. These featured employers are veteran-friendly, offer meaningful careers, and have helped Mission43 members find success here in Idaho. 

One of those great employers is the City of Boise, which is dedicated to hiring veterans and military spouses onto their team and they are looking to fill many more great roles!  Zach Tibbits, who oversees the Mission43 employment initiative, recently talked with Tony Liles from the City. He is the Senior Manager of Organizational Development at the City of Boise, and longtime Mission43 member and supporter. Check out their conversation below where they discuss opportunities at the City of Boise.

What makes working at the City of Boise so great?

Tony Liles, Senior Manager of Organizational Development at the City of Boise.

Tony: “It starts with the people. The people here are a genuine and true reflection of the Boise spirit. The entire process from applying, interviewing, and onboarding was first class. I made a mistake on my application that would have disqualified me for consideration, however, I received a call from HR to verify the mistake and that is where it all begins. The people here care about what they do and how they do it, and we live our Values: One City, One Team-For the Greatest Good, Community Experience with “WOW”, and There’s Nothing We Can’t Do Better. The values are not catchphrases; each employee is expected to live these values in their personal and professional lives. I was welcomed to the city with open arms and it’s a workplace in which I can bring myself to work. Before starting I was asked to send a brief biography and unbeknownst to me, each department received my biography, and when I arrived people were excited to meet me in person.”

Why is the City of Boise a great place for veterans and military spouses to work?

Tony: “When I retired from the US Army in 2019, I was not ready to leave the career that I spent my entire adult life in. Due to injuries I sustained throughout my career, I could no longer be everything I expected my soldiers to be. This was a very agonizing decision, however, I set my goals to find a career in which I could contribute to the welfare of others. In March of 2020, I went to work for an organization that I believed was about serving Veterans, however, after two years I faced the reality that I was not a fit for that organization’s culture. In late 2021, I accepted the fact I needed a change and I may not be able to work for an organization in which I would have the opportunity to serve others while earning a living. Fast forward thru applying, interviewing, and accepting the offer, my military experience is valued here. The City of Boise is a great place to work because it gave me the opportunity to serve others once again. Instead of serving my nation, I’m now serving my neighbors and community. Serving the people of Boise is a rewarding experience, and the nature in which we carry out our assignments gives me a sense of making a difference the right way.”

How did you get your position at the City of Boise?

Tony: “Believing in myself. This is where Mission43 comes in. Mission43 taught me how to translate my military experience into a vernacular that civilians could not only understand but also appreciate. You must believe in you! Veterans have endured some arduous conditions and accomplished grueling missions. Don’t ever forget that. I put in the work to tailor my resume for this position and I brought myself to the interviews. Yes, I went through three rounds of interviews for the role I’m in now. Remember when you are being interviewed for a position, you are also interviewing the organization, so bring yourself to the interview do not try to be someone you are not. People will see through that.”

What tips or insights can you offer to those looking for a career with the City of Boise?

Tony: “Believe in yourself and use your network. If you are a Mission43 member, I’m in your network. Ask for an informational interview. Boise is a unique municipality and it has 13 departments, with professions from Aviation to Zoology.”

How did Mission43 help you in your job search?

 Tony: “Mission43 gave me the confidence to pursue high-level opportunities. The support I received is immeasurable. The organization equipped me with the tools and knowledge to write a resume  that appeals to employers.”

The City of Boise has a “Hot Jobs” listing where open positions are listed and individuals can apply. If you are considering applying, please reach out to the Mission43 employment team prior to submitting your application. We can help you tailor your resume to that job and increase your chances of being interviewed. We look forward to helping you with your employment search! 

Employment: Networking During your Transition

Networking on LinkedIn

“I don’t know how to network.” Have you said this phrase before? If you have, you’re not alone! Many service members, veterans and military spouses struggle with the networking aspect of the job search, especially after they leave military service and no longer have direct access to military networks they’ve spent years developing. Furthermore, it can be challenging to establish a new network since many organizations have replaced events with virtual offerings. But don’t fret. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

1. What is Networking?

First, let’s define what networking is. Networking is the exchange of ideas and information among individuals, groups or organizations for the purpose of building a productive and mutually beneficial relationship. Simply put, networking is a conversation in which you develop an understanding of each other’s needs and how you can support each other.

Networking can involve many actions like reaching out to someone and asking about their job or company. Often times , the first step in networking is accomplished online via social platforms, like LinkedIn. Take the opportunity to ask questions and learn from whoever you’re speaking with – people love to talk about themselves, so let them!

2. How do I network on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is an essential networking platform, but it’s not like Facebook or Instagram. According to a recent Forbes article, 95% of recruiters and hiring managers utilize this platform to find qualified applicants and vet those they bring in for interviews. 

Linkedin Groups can be a great first step in starting a conversation with others who are interested in similar career paths. According to LinkedIn, “LinkedIn Groups provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share their insights and experiences, ask for guidance, and build valuable connections.” 

Mission43, in partnership with Hire Heroes USA, offers our members access to educational materials and workshops that will help you build out and improve your profile. Once you’ve set up a stellar LinkedIn profile, start joining relevant LinkedIn groups. For Junior Enlisted service members, a good starting place is the Hire Heroes USA Junior Enlisted LinkedIn Group. This group is a networking and professional development forum for all transitioning service members and veterans between the ranks of E1 and E4. It also includes hiring managers, recruiters and other advocates of the military community. You can also follow Mission43’s LinkedIn page where we share helpful information for military members and their spouses as they transition back to civilian life.

3. Free LinkedIn Premium account for Veterans

Did you know LinkedIn offers veterans and military spouses a FREE one-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium? HERE is where you can find subscription eligibility and a step-by-step guide. By registering, you can unlock several unique features, including the use of a direct InMail function to reach out to hiring managers which can improve your chances of getting in touch with someone at your company of interest. Premium users also have access to over 15,000 expert-led LinkedIn Learning courses to sharpen your skills and gain a competitive edge in the job-seeking process.

4. Attend and Maximize Virtual Events

In the pre-pandemic days, you would prepare for a career fair by dressing in your best business clothes and heading to an event venue to shake hands with future employers. In 2022, that might seem more uncommon. You are likely preparing by getting your laptop set up and double-checking your internet connection. With the rise in virtual events, you must switch up your approach to networking. Instead of bringing your business card, you should be sharing your LinkedIn profile. Here are a few tips to help guide your next virtual event or meeting:

• Utilize the chat function to introduce yourself. Share a quick blurb about your background and your LinkedIn URL.

• Once others start sharing their information, send them meaningful connection requests on LinkedIn. From there, you can shoot them a message to tell them you attended the XYZ event as well and would love to stay in touch in the future.

Networking can seem both ambiguous and overwhelming, especially in today’s virtual world. However, once you start putting these tips into practice, it can open many doors! You don’t have to do it all at once to see results. If you’re ready to start working on networking and LinkedIn, please reach out to our Employment team for support.

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RECONNECT WITH THE EMPLOYMENT TEAM

Have you previously worked worked with Mission43’s employment team?

We understand things change. You may have moved. Things may not be that great at work and you are ready to leave. You may be ready for a new challenge. At any time you can reconnect with our employment team so you can update your resume, learn more about what opportunities are out there, or re-tool yourself for your next career.

Please fill out this form and we’ll get in touch ASAP! Even if you are unsure if you have previously registered with us, we can check and let you know exactly what we need to do.

So You Want to Hire? This Is How To Promote Your Career Opportunity to the M43 Community!

The cornerstone of Mission43 is the employment pillar. Each year, the Hire Heroes USA team helps hundreds of transitioning military, veterans, and military spouses connect to meaningful employment opportunities throughout the state. Each member works directly with their own Idaho-based “Transition Specialist” to help translate their military experience into a relevant resume, practice interview techniques, and ultimately refine their search for positions best suited to their experience.

Idaho businesses have a unique opportunity to post their positions (completely free) so that you can reach the M43 members actively searching for employment. Because you are an Idaho-based business and through Mission43’s partnership with Hire Heroes USA, you will get unlimited 30-day job postings and access to over 9,000 job seekers (including those coming from out-of-state). We need your help in getting your positions posted!

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HIRE HEROES USA JOB BOARD

Please use the form below to connect directly with the Hire Heroes USA Job Board team. You can also reach them at jobboard@hireheroesusa.org or 844-634-1520. If you have any Idaho specific questions, touch base with the Idaho Area Manager, Christy Funk at cfunk@hireheroesusa.org.

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