Veteran Profile: Meet Jon Aasted, Recruiter at the City of Carlsbad

October 30, 2019

We’re excited to be launching a new Life in Action series featuring profiles of veterans and military spouses working at Carlsbad companies! Get to know the stories of those who’ve served and how they’ve found their perfect niche at a Carlsbad career after their military service. First up, we’re starting in-house by getting to know Jon Aasted, Sr. Human Resources Technician and Recruiter at the City of Carlsbad.

Name: Jon Aasted

Company: City of Carlsbad

Job Title: Senior Human Resources Technician, Recruiter

In which military branch did you serve? U.S. Navy

 

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Houston but I grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley. I lived in the SCV from about age 5 until I joined the Navy in 2008.

What do you love most about working in Carlsbad?

First and foremost, I like working as part of a team that’s essential purpose is a mission of community service. Also, I like the people I work with, and the fact that I am typically the first point of contact for all our new employees. I‘m the first impression most folks have, and I hope it’s a good one. Finally, my office building is a heartbeat from the beach.

How does your company support your success?

As a Navy Reservist, the City of Carlsbad allows me to complete my Navy requirements without fear of reprisal or fear that my pay and benefits will be affected by my duties. The City continues to pay me while I am on my two weeks of Annual Training with the Navy.

 

What advice would you give a transitioning veteran (or military spouse)?

Take advantage of the many organizations that help transitioning veterans and military spouses with skills necessary to find a new job. Go to school, ask questions, network! Networking and asking questions go hand in hand. Organizations want to help you make your next move, but if you don’t ask for help they may not know what you need. I know I do my best to respond to every LinkedIn and email message I get from veterans and or their spouses.

What Advice Would You Give Employers Wanting to Support our military families?

Just do it… There is not a single good reason why an organization can’t do something to support veterans or their families, from allowing space for organizations to meet, from attending  job fairs specifically for those groups,  or for creating pipelines for attracting and retaining those groups.

When You Are Not Working We are likely to find you….

Running with a 2-year-old in a stroller, gardening, spending time with my wife, volunteering with VetCTAP (a veteran transition group), attending grad school, or attempting to catch up on some sleep.

Your favorite Carlsbad bite:

Let’s break it down to a few categories:

My favorite fancy place: Jeune et Jolie

My favorite sushi place: Mikko Sushi

My favorite Donut Shop: The Goods

My favorite Breakfast Burrito: El Puerto Mexican & Seafood

Casual Dinner: Pizza Port

Pizza: Pizza Port

Beer: Pizza Port