Michael is a human resource consultant with Insperity. He specializes in team building, employee engagement and performance improvement.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the over 16 million veterans who live in the United States for their service to our country. For employers, one way to show support is by hiring qualified vets, which does more than benefit veterans—it benefits the business.
Veterans bring a variety of skills to the workplace. Despite everything they have to offer, stereotypes may suggest veterans are less likely to be employed than the average American. In actuality, data from the Department of Labor shows the veterans’ unemployment rate in September 2023 was 3.6%, the same as the comparable rate for non-veterans. However, almost a third of veterans are underemployed, according to the National Veterans’ Training Institute—15.6% more than non-veterans.
This talent pool of underemployed veterans is an invaluable resource for employers to tap. As veterans, these applicants have already demonstrated leadership, responsibility and teamwork skills to propel them to success in more senior roles. The inability to check all the boxes in a current job description should not prevent an organization from considering these individuals for a role. Civilian employers should be intentional about reaching out to veterans and understanding the contributions they can bring to the workplace.
Loyalty And Teamwork
By committing to serve their country, veterans have already demonstrated their loyalty, a trait many employers are seeking after the Great Resignation. Data from Syracuse University shows veterans are less likely to leave their jobs than non-veterans. In the military, service members are expected to show loyalty to their country and their unit, especially under duress. Teamwork may even be key to survival. Organizational skills are also imperative for units to remain cohesive and for individuals to accomplish their mission. For businesses in search of employees who thrive in high-pressure environments, veterans can be ideal candidates to navigate challenges through collaboration and grit.
Problem-Solving
Whether assigned in the States or overseas, servicemembers are often required to find innovative solutions to unexpected problems with sparse resources. The past several years have forced businesses to face one unprecedented challenge after another, making it essential to hire employees who can overcome obstacles. Veterans have the necessary ability to respond quickly to the unexpected and fill in for their team members on an ad-hoc basis. Though the military does have a hierarchical leadership structure, the need to adapt and quickly find solutions also teaches leadership skills that veterans bring home with them after their service. When businesses face a crisis, veterans know how to lead their teams through it.
Communication And Conflict Resolution
Veterans must develop strong intrapersonal skills to succeed in the military, with communication among the most important. Especially in high-pressure situations, servicemembers must communicate clearly, concisely and completely. They must observe their environment and prioritize what information is critical to complete their mission. What is more, servicemembers must apply their conflict resolution skills throughout to maintain a strong relationship with their unit and de-escalate tense situations on assignment. These skills allow veterans to communicate efficiently and effectively in the workplace. As employees, they are adept at synthesizing information down to the bottom line and maintaining a strong bond with their team.
How To Reach Veterans
After recognizing the value of veterans to their workforce, employers should be proactive with their outreach. They can begin with the Department of Labor’s Employer Guide to Hiring Veterans, which lays out strategies and resources, or a guidebook from the Society for Human Resource Management, The Recruitment, Hiring, Retention and Engagement of Military Veterans.
One of the most important steps is to share job postings where veterans can easily find them. Several online platforms are designed explicitly for veterans, including RecruitMilitary, Hire Heroes USA and military.com. Employers can also connect with their state employment agency or workforce commission, most of which offer employment services to veterans.
To further attract veterans, businesses can employ a skills-based approach to hiring and job postings. Veterans may not be eligible for jobs requiring one year of experience. However, that does not mean they lack the skills to succeed in the role. Highlighting skills like leadership, adaptability, relationship-building, resilience and communication skills in job posts can attract more veteran applicants.
This Veterans Day, businesses should ask themselves what they are doing to recruit veterans. Among the many skills they bring to the workplace, veterans offer loyalty, problem-solving and organizational skills. Employers have a variety of tools at their disposal to increase their outreach to this highly skilled group.
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
