Veteran Hiring and Recruiting Guide

Introduction

As military personnel transition back to civilian life, many face challenges in finding meaningful employment that matches their skills and experiences. For employers, veterans represent a talent pool with unique attributes that can bring significant value to organizations. This guide explores the importance of veteran hiring, outlines the benefits for employers, provides best practices for recruiting veterans, and highlights resources to support both employers and job-seeking veterans.

Benefits of Hiring Veterans

Veterans bring a unique set of skills and attributes to the civilian workplace that can significantly benefit organizations. While the specific benefits vary based on individual experiences and roles, some common advantages include:

• Transferable Skills: Military service develops skills directly applicable to civilian jobs, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Veterans often have experience working under pressure and in diverse environments.
• Discipline and Work Ethic: The military instills a strong sense of discipline, punctuality, and dedicationtraits highly valued in any workplace. Veterans are accustomed to following procedures and meeting deadlines consistently.
• Leadership Experience: Many veterans have held leadership positions at relatively young ages, managing teams, making critical decisions, and being accountable for outcomes.
• Reliability and Commitment: Veterans have demonstrated their commitment to serve their country, which often translates to strong dedication and loyalty to their civilian employers.
• Diversity of Perspective: Veterans bring varied backgrounds and experiences, contributing to workplace diversity and new approaches to problem-solving.
• Technical Training: Many military personnel receive specialized technical training that is directly relevant to civilian jobs in information technology, engineering, logistics, healthcare, and other fields.

Best Practices for Recruiting Veterans

To effectively recruit and hire veterans, organizations should adopt targeted approaches that address the unique aspects of military-to-civilian transition. The following best practices can help streamline the process:

Understand Military Culture and Translation

One of the biggest barriers for veterans is the translation of military skills and experiences into civilian language that resonates with hiring managers. HR professionals and hiring managers should educate themselves on military ranks, occupational classifications, and how different military roles translate to civilian positions.

Optimize Job Descriptions

Create job postings that speak to veterans by:

• Listing skills and competencies rather than specific job titles
• Highlighting valued attributes such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Indicating openness to non-degree candidates with equivalent experience
• Using veteran-friendly language and explicitly welcoming veteran candidates

Partner with Veteran Organizations

Establish relationships with organizations that specialize in veteran employment, such as:

• Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)
• Hiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) employment services
• Student Veterans of America
• Local veteran service organizations

Create Veteran-Specific Recruitment Programs

Develop initiatives specifically targeting veteran candidates, such as:

• Veteran hiring commitments or quotas
• Dedicated veteran recruiters or ambassadors
• Internship or apprenticeship programs for transitioning service members
• Participation in veteran job fairs and hiring events

Train Hiring Teams

Educate HR professionals and hiring managers about:

• Military culture and terminology
• How to read military resumes and translate military occupations
• The value of military experience for specific positions
• Unconscious biases that may affect veteran candidates

Support Interview Preparation

Recognize that veterans may need assistance with:

• Translating military experiences into civilian work examples
• Understanding corporate culture and interview norms
• Promoting their skills without appearing boastful (military culture often emphasizes team over individual achievement)

Programs and Initiatives Supporting Veteran Employment

Several government and private-sector initiatives exist to support veteran employment. Employers can leverage these programs to enhance their veteran recruitment efforts:

Government Programs

• Veterans' Preference: Federal hiring practices that give eligible veterans preference in the hiring process.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Federal tax credit available to employers who hire veterans with service-connected disabilities or who have been unemployed for extended periods.
• H2H (Hiring Our Heroes) Corporate Fellowship Program: Connects transitioning service members with internship opportunities at leading companies.
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): Program for veterans with service-connected disabilities that helps them prepare for, find, and keep employment.
• Army PaYS (Partnership for Youth Success): Partnership between the Army and civilian companies that guarantees soldiers job interviews after their service.

Private Sector Initiatives

• Veteran certification programs: Industry-specific certifications that recognize military training and experience.
• Veteran hiring challenges: Public commitments by companies to hire specific numbers of veterans.
• Veteran resource groups: Internal communities within companies that support veteran employees and recruitment efforts.
• Military spouse employment programs: Initiatives that recognize the employment challenges faced by military spouses.

Military SkillBridge Programs

The Department of Defense SkillBridge Program connects transitioning service members with industry partners through civilian job training, apprenticeships, and internships during the last 180 days of military service. Employers can register as SkillBridge partners to gain access to highly trained candidates transitioning from military to civilian workforce.

Resources for Employers and Veterans

Employer Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor Toolkit for Employers: Comprehensive guide for hiring veterans and interpreting military credentials.
• Hiring Our Heroes Employer Roadmap: Step-by-step guidance for creating or improving veteran hiring programs.
• VETS (Veterans' Employment and Training Service): Federal resources and assistance for employers hiring veterans.
• Veteran Credentialing and Learning: Information on translating military training to civilian certifications and qualifications.
• Easterseals Veteran Employment Program: Training and resources to help employers effectively recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

Veteran Job-Seeker Resources

• Veterans Employment Center (VEC): U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs online resource connecting veterans to employment opportunities.
• USAJOBS Federal Veterans Employment: Federal job portal with veteran-specific resources and opportunities.
• Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO): VA program offering career development services and resources for veterans.
• DOD SkillBridge Program: Listing of civilian training and internship opportunities for transitioning service members.
• American Corporate Partners (ACP): Mentoring program connecting veterans to business professionals for career guidance.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Career Program: Employment resources, resume assistance, and job search support for veterans.

Skills Translation Resources

• Military to Civilian Occupation Translator: Tools that help match military occupational specialties to civilian job titles.
• Civilian Resume Guides for Veterans: Resources specifically designed to help veterans present their military experience in civilian-appropriate formats.
• Military Skills Assessment Tools: Programs that help veterans identify and articulate their transferable skills.
• Veteran Interview Preparation: Specialized coaching for veterans navigating the civilian interview process.

Conclusion

Hiring veterans represents not only a way to honor those who have served our country but also a strategic business decision. Veterans bring unique perspectives, skills, and attributes that can strengthen any organization. By understanding military culture, implementing targeted recruitment practices, and leveraging available resources, employers can successfully tap into this valuable talent pool.

For veterans seeking civilian employment, understanding how to translate military skills and experiences to meet civilian employer expectations is crucial. With numerous programs, resources, and organizations dedicated to supporting veteran employment, the path to meaningful civilian work is more accessible than ever.

Ultimately, successful veteran hiring is a two-way street requiring effort from both employers and veterans. When organizations approach veteran hiring strategically and veterans effectively communicate their value, both parties benefitleading to stronger teams, more successful veterans, and a more diverse and capable workforce.