10 Reasons to Hire Veterans

Figures published by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) reveal as many as 360,000 veterans enter the job market each year, yet many employers are reluctant to tap into this lucrative and underutilized sector. 

Over the past 5 years, more than 1.2 million veterans have entered the workplace, with many earning places among some of the best performing Fortune 100 organizations. It’s time to start tapping into this vastly underutilized talent pool. 

Here’s what veterans offer your company:

1. VETERANS WORK WELL IN DIVERSE TEAMS 

Those who have served in the armed forces come from a wide variety of cultures, experiences, and economic backgrounds. Veterans have been trained to capitalize on the fact that each team member brings different strengths and capabilities, placing value on the diverse experience each brings to the group. Additionally, veterans work towards the needs of the team and are extremely versatile when it comes to dealing with personalities far different than their own.

2. VETERANS HAVE STRONG LEADERSHIP SKILLS 

Veterans are often put into leadership roles early in their service careers. As a result, they’re outcome-driven, highly ethical and act with integrity: traits authentic leaders hold. The leadership responsibilities they learn in the military translate seamlessly into the business world.

3. VETERANS EARN AND VALUE RESPECT 

When veterans join your organization, they bring respect for the culture, its leadership structure, and its values. They know respect is earned, not given and their behavior, work ethic, and actions reflect that knowledge.

4. VETERANS ARE MISSION-FOCUSED 

Every member of the military is used to working in a task-driven environment that is focused on the mission at hand. They are not clock watchers, but solution-minded action-takers willing to go the extra mile to accomplish a task.

5. VETERANS MANAGE CONFIDENTIALITY 

Working on a confidential project? A veteran may be the perfect addition to your team, having undergone extensive background checks for various levels of security clearances. They’re accustomed to dealing with sensitive information and understand the importance of acting ethically with it.

6. VETERANS TAKE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES SERIOUSLY 

Service men and women understand the consequences of their actions can have far-reaching effects on others and their organizations. Veterans have passed through hardships and conditions that most people can only dream about, but still, they remain responsible for carrying out their duties.

7. VETERANS ARE PURPOSE-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKERS 

The military develops their recruits into highly thoughtful and successful decision-makers. Veterans have been trained to absorb as much information, from as many sources as possible, while remaining calm and mindful in stressful situations.

8. VETERANS HAVE A STRONG WORK ETHIC 

Veterans are accustomed to working long hours in non-traditional environments: no holidays, no weekends, no breaks. In an environment where the difference between life and death depends on grit and dedication, a strong work ethic becomes an innate quality.

9. VETERANS ARE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE 

Veterans are trained to embrace uncertainty and make changes on the fly as their missions unfold. As companies look to build agile teams who can quickly change gears and adapt, veterans are an excellent fit.

10. FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HIRE AND TRAIN VETERANS IS AVAILABLE 

The government provides financial assistance to veterans and employers who hire them. The support can range from tax credits and incentives, to education grants and paid relocation.

Hiring Veterans Isn’t Just a Diversity Initiative, it’s a Competitive Edge 

Targeting veteran candidates isn’t a diversity initiative, an act of public service, or a token gesture of appreciation for their service to our country – it’s simply good business practice. 

These are people, some barely out of high school, who have taken initiative to better their lives and the lives of others through their service. These are people who willingly accept responsibility, no matter how challenging, and understand the purpose of the work they do. The 10,000+ military veterans in America are a vast pool of talent, grit, and potential.

Taking Action 

There’s no better time to start actively targeting the diverse and talented veteran candidate pool that employers across the nation are vying to hire. 

To do so, you’ll need to tailor your employer brand and promote a value proposition that speaks specifically to their unique characteristics. At Adverto, we offer employer brand consulting services to help you both understand and articulate what you have to offer as an employer to veteran candidates. 

For more information on our veteran solutions, contact us today.