Talent acquisition over the last few years has become significantly more difficult for organizations. With high competition and a small pool of candidates, it can be challenging to compete with larger firms that offer more resources. Tapping into retired veterans is a great hiring strategy that can benefit your organization and help those who have served our country.
Life After the Military
The adjustment to civilian life after serving in the military can be tough. Many veterans feel overwhelmed at the thought of creating a resume and can be intimidated by the job search and interview process. Many times they have difficulty finding jobs that match their highly-technical skills, which can be challenging to translate into civilian terms. According to a survey conducted by ZipRecruiter, it’s estimated that veterans are 15.6% more likely than civilians to be unemployed.
The Advantage of Working with Veterans
While it can be difficult to fully understand the technical skill set and experience that veterans bring to the table, their military training and characteristics can be great assets within your organization.
Work Ethic & Discipline
The military is renowned for its hard work and discipline, and these are the first skills men and women learn upon joining the armed forces. They are accustomed to working in teams, each knowing his or her responsibility in working toward a larger goal. This experience, paired with their determination to accomplish outlined objectives oftentimes in stressful situations, can make members of our military key players within a civilian organization.
Trainability & Adaptability
Once an individual enters the military, they are on a continuous path of learning and developing their skills. They are trained to be adaptable to a variety of situations and to use critical thinking and problem solving to complete their objectives. In an environment in which situations and roles can change rapidly, they are equipped with the adaptability and determination to learn on the fly. Having members in your organization that can adapt to changes and learn what is needed for the greater good can be a huge asset.
Prioritization & Accountability
In the military, mistakes can have extreme, and sometimes deadly consequences. It is critical that teams know how and what to prioritize in any given situation. Veterans take their work seriously, and hold themselves highly accountable for the work they do. They take pride in their work, value their team, and encourage their colleagues to do so as well.
Leadership
The military offers a clear hierarchy among its members. As individuals are promoted and move up the ranks, they inherit more responsibilities. Veterans can bring similar leadership skills to your organization, as they don’t shy away from responsibility and authority. They can make great leaders and mentors within your team.
Benefits of Hiring Veterans
Along with the skills and characteristics many members of our armed forces can bring to your organization, there are also financial incentives to consider when hiring veterans.
Tax Incentives
Some organizations can receive tax credits for employing veterans. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides a deduction to companies who employ American job seekers who have faced barriers when entering the workforce, including veterans. Tax credits can range anywhere from $2,000 to nearly $10,000 annually.
Subsidized Training Salaries
The Veteran Readiness and Employment Program subsidizes salaries for newly hired veterans throughout their onboarding and training, allowing companies to hire veterans at an entry-level wage to help offset training costs. This subsidy decreases as the veteran is trained and becomes more experienced within your organization. Once the veteran completes their training, the company will take on their full salary.
Salary Reimbursement
Another VA benefit is the Special Employer Incentive (SEI) program, which reimburses organizations that hire veterans that meet certain criteria. Companies will be eligible to receive up to half of their employee’s salary for up to six months, including the cost of training, supplies and equipment.
Not only will employing veterans within your organization help you to build goodwill with your audience, it can also enrich your team with the valuable characteristics and skills gained through extensive military training. As we reflect on our Memorial Day weekend, let us remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and let us continue to honor and find ways to support those who currently serve in all branches of our military.
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