Virginia Veteran Hiring Events Near Me: 2026 Guide
The best way to find Virginia veteran hiring events near you in 2026 is to start with the official VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans portal, launched in July 2026 as a central career resource . Through this portal, you can search for upcoming hiring events and connect with free career coaches. A major upcoming in-person event is the Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo in Lynchburg on September 30, 2026 . Additionally, recurring monthly HIRE VETS NOW networking events are held on military installations like Naval Station Norfolk and Marine Corps Base Quantico throughout the year .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Resource | VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans |
| Major Upcoming Expo | Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo, Lynchburg, Sept 30 |
| Recurring Events | HIRE VETS NOW monthly networking (Norfolk, Quantico) |
| Eligibility | Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses |
| Cost | Free |
| Official Agency | Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) & Virginia Works |
| New Initiative | Mission to Hire: The Virginia 100 Veteran Hiring Pledge |
How to Find Veteran Hiring Events in Virginia
Virginia has a unified system to help you find career opportunities and events.
The VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans Portal
The primary starting point is VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans, a web resource launched in July 2026 . This is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), Virginia Works, and other partners to centralize career support.
What you can do on the portal:
Search job openings. The platform highlights over 250,000 job openings across the state .
Find upcoming hiring events. The portal lists events, workshops, and career fairs .
Connect with a free career coach. You can find a career navigator with expertise in helping veterans transition .
Discover veteran-ready businesses. See which employers have pledged to hire military talent through programs like Virginia Values Veterans (V3) .
HIRE VETS NOW Networking Events
HIRE VETS NOW is a recurring program that hosts monthly networking events on military installations across Virginia . These events are designed to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with employers.
2026 Event Schedule:
| Location | 2026 Dates | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Station Norfolk | March 5, June 4, August 20, December 3 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Vista Point Conference Center |
| Marine Corps Base Quantico | June 12 | 11:00 AM | The Clubs at Quantico & Crossroads Events Center |
What to expect at HIRE VETS NOW:
Career Coaching: A dedicated hour (10:00–11:00 AM) for one-on-one talks with industry leaders in defense, energy, aerospace, and logistics .
Networking: Opportunity to meet employers actively hiring military-connected talent .
Complimentary Lunch: Provided at many events .
SkillBridge Opportunities: Many attending employers offer SkillBridge programs for transitioning service members .
The Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThis large-scale expo is scheduled for September 30, 2026, in Lynchburg .
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo |
| Date | September 30, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Location | Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, 300 Lucado Place, Lynchburg, VA 24504 |
| Eligibility | Veterans, transitioning service members, military families |
| Highlights | On-site interviews, workshops, and a focus on translating military experience to civilian careers |
Major 2026 Statewide Initiatives
Virginia has launched two major initiatives in 2026 to help veterans find employment.
Mission to Hire: The Virginia 100 Veteran Hiring Pledge
This 100-day campaign, launched on July 24, 2026, aims to secure commitments from 100 Virginia employers to hire at least one veteran, transitioning service member, or military spouse . Led by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), the campaign works with regional workforce partners to bridge the gap between employers and military talent .
What this means for you: More employers are actively seeking to hire veterans and military spouses during this period. This is a good time to connect with those employers.
Virginia Veteran Registered Apprenticeship Muster
In May 2026, the Governor launched the first-ever Virginia Veteran Registered Apprenticeship Muster at Fort Eustis . This event connects transitioning service members with employers in skilled, high-demand fields and highlights the power of apprenticeship programs.
Why it matters: Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while learning a new trade, and Virginia is seeing record levels of apprenticeship applications .
Open Hiring Events at State Veterans Care Centers
If you are looking for a healthcare career serving fellow veterans, the Puller Veterans Care Center in Warrenton holds regular open hiring events .
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What | Open House Hiring Event |
| When | Every Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Where | 6951 Vint Hill Pkwy, Warrenton, VA 20187 |
| Positions | CNAs, LPNs, RNs, dietary staff, dietitians, and more |
| How to Apply | Pre-applications are encouraged but not required |
How to Prepare for a Veteran Hiring Event
Using resources available through Virginia Works and DVS can help you succeed at a hiring event.
Free Career Coaching and Resume Support
Virginia offers free career coaching with experts who understand military experience . They can help you:
Translate your military skills into civilian terms.
Create a resume that gets noticed.
Prepare for interviews.
Many events also offer on-site services like free professional headshots and resume makeovers .
Virtual Workshops and Pre-Event Preparation
For many events, including the Virginia Veterans Virtual Hiring Fair, you can participate in pre-event virtual workshops focused on creating effective resumes and other job-seeking skills . These workshops can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Have Your DD-214 and Identification Ready
For proof of eligibility, you should always bring your DD-214 (if already separated) or a military ID, along with a state-issued ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find veteran hiring events near me in Virginia?
Start with the official VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans portal. You can also search by city or region on Virginia Works’ event pages or look for recurring HIRE VETS NOW events at installations near you .
Is there a statewide list of veteran job fairs in Virginia for 2026?
Yes, the best source is VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans, which acts as a central calendar . The HIRE VETS NOW program also holds monthly events at Naval Station Norfolk and Marine Corps Base Quantico .
What is the Mission to Hire: Virginia 100 campaign?
It is a 2026 state initiative led by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to get 100 employer pledges to hire veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses .
Are Virginia veteran hiring events free to attend?
Yes, all official veteran hiring events mentioned are free for job seekers .
Can military spouses attend Virginia veteran hiring events?
Yes. Events like the Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo and HIRE VETS NOW are explicitly open to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses .
What should I bring to a Virginia veteran hiring fair?
Bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, your DD-214 or military ID, and any certifications. Prepare questions to ask employers. Some events also offer on-site headshots and resume reviews .
Are there virtual veteran hiring events in Virginia?
Yes. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) hosted a Virtual Hiring Fair in July 2026 . Keep an eye on the VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans portal for upcoming virtual opportunities.
Key Takeaways
The VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans portal is the central hub for job searches, event calendars, and free career coaching .
Major in-person events include the Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo in Lynchburg on Sept 30, 2026 .
Recurring HIRE VETS NOW networking events are held at Naval Station Norfolk and Marine Corps Base Quantico throughout the year .
New 2026 initiatives like the Mission to Hire: Virginia 100 Pledge are driving employer engagement .
Free career coaching and resume services are available to help you prepare for these events .
Official Resources
VirginiaHasJobs.com/Veterans: The primary portal for jobs and events
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS): dvsv3.com
Virginia Works: virginiaworks.gov
Virginia Veterans Network (VVN): VVN.DVS.Virginia.gov
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