KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Getting hired is hard enough these days. And if you're a veteran trying to adjust to civilian life, it can be a whole new world.

Adam Counts is a UT Student, but he's soldier first. He finished 10 months ago, after four years in the Army, deploying to Afghanistan and Korea. And he served in the Navy for five years before that.

"Getting right home from Afghanistan and immediately transitioning into student life was a little bit difficult," said Counts.

And finding another job has been a challenge.

"The hardest part for me, was having all this training and all this leadership I've had and all my experience, and coming out to this other side of the world where none of that really matters," said Counts.

The Tennessee Veterans' Business Association says its a common problem. Many veterans have never learned how to translate their military service into job skills on paper.

"We have workshops for resumes. We have job interview workshops," said Candice Trent, the TVBA's secretary. "They have not had to face these challenges."

More than 150 companies were on hand at the Expo to network, talk about training or offer jobs.

"I'm looking for a job," said Eric Stewart. "Work has been really slow. Since the economy is down. It's just been so hard for me to find a job."

"Veterans coming back from a deployment. They are coming back to a really bleak job market. So bringing business owners who are hiring is really important," said Trent.

marked booths with current openings right here in East Tennessee. Stewart is serving in the Air National Guard at McGhee Tyson. But it doesn't pay all the bills. He's hopeful today turns into work tomorrow.

"I try about everyday to find a job," said Stewart. "I figure I might meet someone and get my foot in the door or something."

If you missed today's job fair but are a veteran or spouse who needs help finding a job, you can find more information about workshops and job listings by clicking on the links above.