Online service helps veterans find work

Veterans who are looking for work are getting a new online tool to help them in their job searches, the Washington Department of Employment Security announced.

Job seekers can now list their veteran status on the agency’s online resume service at go2worksource.com.

At the same time, employers can search the resume database to find veteran job candidates at go2worksource.biz.

The changes stem from a veteran preference law passed by the Legislature in 2011.

Employment Security last week sent out 14,000 emails notifying veterans and businesses about the services.

“The veterans-preference law will help open doors for veterans if employers can find them,” Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause said in a news release.

“We wanted to do something to make it easier for them to connect.”

Veterans were already receiving priority access to WorkSource services and priority referrals to jobs listed with the agency. In addition, the agency has specialists who work individually with veterans on training and job-search skills.

In a related development, Haskins Steel at 3613 E. Main Ave. was recognized last week by state officials for its efforts to hire veterans.

Company General Manager Craig Dias received a “Hire-A-Vet” award from state officials.

Veterans comprise 16 percent of the company’s workforce, about double the rate of veterans working in the metals industry, state officials said.

Employment Security has been giving out the awards since 2006, but the awards program was suspended during the recession in 2008.

Haskins Steel is the first company to receive the award since the program was re-implemented, state officials said.