The US Department of Labor estimates that our military discharges 160,000 Active service members and 110,000 Reserve and National Guard members each year. About 32,000 of those veterans will join the ranks of over 600,000 veteran job seekers with an average of 300 new candidates added every day. Nearly 1 out of every 3 are looking for work—almost double the unemployment rate of their non-veteran peers.
Feel proud to reach out and provide some security to the heroes who have given up so much to defend our country and freedom. Hopefully, our member’s efforts will help ensure these brave men and women will establish long-term careers that pair well with the training they received in the armed forces, like equipment maintenance and repair.
So let’s get right down to it, why hire a vet?
- Learning Curve – Vets have a proven ability to quickly learn new skills and processes. They possess the skills proven to achieve success.
- Leadership – Vets understand how to manage and achieve goals in trying circumstances. They are trained to lead by example as well have the ability to delegate, direct, motivate, and inspire.
- Teamwork – Vets understand how teamwork grows out of a responsibility to their peers and how they can work together to achieve objectives.
- Diversity – Vets have worked alongside others regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or physical capabilities.
- Efficient – Vets know how to accomplish tasks on time in spite of stress. They understand the importance of dedication, perseverance, and loyalty.
- Respect for Processes – Vets understand the value of accountability. They understand how policies and procedures yield stability, safety, and productivity.
- Technology – Vets are aware of technical trends that relate to business. They bring with them a technical savvy necessary for success.
- Integrity – Vets know what it means to don an honest day’s work and translates into sincerity and trustworthiness.
- Safety – Vets understand the importance of health and safety, which translates into the protection of self, others and property.
- Triumph over Adversity – Vets have the proven ability to overcome challenges and obstacles through strength and determination.
The fact that I am a veteran of the US Army does make me a little bias, but with the hiring challenges we face each day, we need look at this dedicated group of candidates that have the skills and mindset to be amazing assets in our businesses and communities.
Here are a couple of resources for hiring veterans: