Company owners know that military veterans typically bring skills and a work ethic that align well with what's required of today's worker. Veterans have hands-on work experience in fast-paced and highly stressful situations, understand the importance of teamwork, know how to achieve success under pressure, and can demonstrate leadership. Hiring veterans can be a win-win situation for all parties.
If you have thought about hiring veterans, here are some points to consider.
Hiring
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) Veterans' Employment and Training Service recommends that employers start by determining employment opportunities and creating job descriptions. Employers should consider such factors as the position's purpose and its overall contribution to the company, the education or experience needed to accomplish the essential functions of the position, and what licenses or certifications, if any, are required.
Some employers may be hesitant to hire veterans because they are unsure how military careers, ratings, and experience translate to meet civilian certification and license requirements. Websites such as www.cool.navy.mil can help employers determine how a veteran's military experience matches up with the skills required for a position.
There are multiple resources that can help employers connect their job openings to job-seeking veterans. Official Wounded Warrior programs are sponsored by each of the five military service branches. Soldier for Life, Hero 2 Hired (H2H), the National Resource Directory, and Warrior Transition Command's Employment, Education and Internships websites are just some of the other vetted resources available to employers.
In addition, the Veterans Administration and many other federal departments offer financial incentives, including federal tax credits and salary subsidies, to employers that hire qualifying veterans.
Retention
Retaining valued and skilled veterans and keeping them engaged is not all that different from retaining other valued employees. But some extra effort on a company's part can go a long way. Experts say that placing a value on military service and finding ways to weave leadership responsibilities into the civilian position can help achieve this goal. So, too, does promoting a veteran-friendly workplace. Developing and promoting vet-to-vet mentorship in the workplace has been identified by the DOL's Veterans' Employment and Training Service as a promising tool for retaining valued veterans in the workplace.
