With military drawdowns continuing in Afghanistan and the Middle East, veterans continue to enter the job market in significant numbers. In fact, over the next several years, over one million servicemen and servicewomen are expected to leave the military. Without a doubt, many of them will require employment after leaving active service. While many businesses encourage and underwrite programs to help veterans transition into civilian roles, unemployment rates for veterans remain high.
Many recruiters incorrectly assume that a veteran will not be a good fit for their clients’ organizations. Instead, they source candidates who have completed certifications or have prior experience in a similar role. This bias, conscious or otherwise, can often result in businesses missing out on top-quality veteran candidates who add significant value to the workplace. Here are a few reasons why veteran applicants deserve a second look:
Military Veterans Value Responsibility and Accountability
Few people have a sense of responsibility and duty that almost all veterans possess. Military life is never easy. Incorrect protocol or poor decisionmaking can often have disastrous, even fatal, consequences. A strong sense of responsibility is drilled into military servicemen and women, from the outset of basic training until the end of their service.
This responsible attitude translates into a very valuable soft skill in civilian life. Businesses might leverage this for an immediate infusion of accountability and transparency in their operations.
Leadership Qualities are a Consistent Byproduct of Active Duty
Leadership is crucial in the military. On the battlefield, situations change very quickly, and military personnel can often find themselves suddenly thrust into leadership positions without warning. With people relying on them to make the right decisions amid challenging situations, and with the very real pressure of lives on the line, military personnel quickly develop a strong sense of leadership.
These skills are just as applicable in an office environment as they are in a hostile zone. A veteran candidate you would otherwise overlook likely possess the leadership ability to propel your team to the next stage of growth.
Veterans Perform Better Under High-Pressure Situations
There is hardly such a thing as “business as usual”. Modern businesses are ever-changing, extremely competitive organizations that face unique challenges every day. Indeed, certain industries are known for being high-pressure environments. Combat training teaches veterans how to make swift and accurate decisions in unforgiving situations. On the front lines, there is little margin for error.
Making a proper and informed decision can mean the difference between mission success and critical failure. These types of high-pressure situations condition veterans to handle stress better than most, making them ideal candidates for the modern business environment.
Military Servicemen and Servicewomen are Notoriously Hard Workers
If there is one thing that military service teaches a person above all, it is that there are no shortcuts in life. Service members go through grueling training and rough conditioning with a clear and practical end goal in sight. Accordingly, they understand that success is a process and that there is no substitute for hard work. This no-nonsense attitude and willingness to do the “heavy lifting” is exactly what most businesses need on their teams. Veterans have a strong focus on the end result and value the hard work it takes to get there.
Strong Communication Skills Come Naturally With a Veteran Candidate
Clear and strong communication skills are just as important in the military as they are in the business world. Veterans generally communicate in a firm but respectful manner. They are unafraid to voice their opinions if they feel it can add value to the situation. Strong communication skills make veterans a good fit for any business.
Employers Can Get Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans
Veterans bring a significant amount of practical value to the workplace when they transition into civilian roles. In order to encourage businesses to hire more veterans, governments often offer tax credits to participating organizations. This saves each business many thousands of dollars over the course of a year. Among the tax credits open to companies intent on hiring a veteran include Wounded Warriors Tax Credit, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and Returning Heroes Tax Credit. Our recommendation: you might want to start sorting through all those veteran resumes!