Why Veterans Should Be Part Of Your Talent Acquisition Strategy

November 08, 2024

Author: Christie Cooper

Finding the right talent is crucial for building a high-performing workforce. Veterans, however, are often an underutilized resource, despite the nearly 200,000 service members who transition from active duty to civilian careers each year. These individuals bring a powerful combination of work ethic, leadership experience, and technical skills, making them ideal candidates for a wide range of roles. The Department of Labor recently reported that Veteran unemployment has reached 3.0%, compared to non-Veteran unemployment of 4.1%, highlighting the value they offer to employers.

Yet, while Veterans are steadily employed, many still face challenges with underemployment. In fact, nearly one-third of Veterans may be under-leveraged for the roles they fill. By incorporating Veteran hiring into your talent acquisition strategy, you can strengthen your workforce, enrich your company culture, and even reduce costs. Here are several key reasons why Veterans make excellent additions to your organization. Also, don’t miss the program we recommend below, which can benefit both transitioning service members and your company.

Veterans Bring Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills

Veterans are experienced in handling high-stakes situations, which has honed their leadership and problem-solving abilities. They know how to motivate teams, manage pressure, and achieve results in complex scenarios. These qualities make them natural leaders and dependable team players who can significantly boost your company’s success.

Strong Work Ethic and Discipline

Military training instills a deep sense of discipline and a strong work ethic. Veterans are accustomed to meeting deadlines, executing tasks with precision, and maintaining focus under pressure. This commitment makes them reliable employees who consistently deliver high-quality work, even in demanding environments.

Good Communication Encourages Collaboration and Gets Results

Having worked in diverse teams, Veterans understand the importance of clear communication. Their experience ensures they can effectively provide and receive feedback, ensuring goals are well-understood. This reduces misunderstandings and fosters collaboration, helping teams work more efficiently.

Technical Skills and Trustworthy Expertise

Many Veterans bring specialized technical skills gained through military training in fields like engineering, logistics, IT, and cybersecurity. Some even hold security clearances, making them particularly attractive for roles requiring a high level of trust. This background reduces the time and expense needed for training and onboarding, allowing Veterans to quickly integrate into your team.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Hiring Veterans is an effective way to promote diversity and inclusion within your organization. Veterans come from varied backgrounds, and their unique perspectives foster innovative thinking. They can also add significant value to your company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity programs.

Strengthen Your Team with Veteran Talent

Veterans offer a powerful combination of leadership, technical expertise, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. Including them in your talent acquisition strategy provides you with access to a highly adaptable and committed workforce. These individuals are ready to contribute to your company’s long-term success and help build a stronger, more resilient organization.

By actively recruiting Veterans, you not only support their transition to civilian careers but also gain a dedicated team member who can help drive your company forward. Consider adding Veterans to your hiring strategy—they might just be the key to unlocking new potential for your organization.

DOD SkillBridge: Connecting Employers with Military Talent

A few years ago, we were introduced to the Department of Defense SkillBridge program when we supported a client’s internal communication efforts for their own SkillBridge program.

SkillBridge provides an opportunity for employers to engage with transitioning service members, much like an internship, but without the cost to the employer. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners through apprenticeships or training programs during their final 180 days of military service. Service members develop valuable real-world civilian work experience while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. SkillBridge provides a direct path to long-term employment for many participants and an opportunity for organizations to support soon-to-be veterans and gain a potential new hire.

For employers, SkillBridge serves as a cost-effective way to access a diverse and highly trained workforce. Companies like eBay, Cushman & Wakefield, and GE Healthcare are among the 3,600 organizations that have successfully partnered with SkillBridge. Last year alone, 22,000 service members participated in the program.

Our connection to the SkillBridge program is both personal and professional. Our colleague, Katie, is a military spouse and has firsthand insights into the challenges and needs of transitioning service members. Additionally, our client, eBay, has implemented the Honor Role Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with the DOD SkillBridge initiative. We’ve helped eBay craft recruitment tools to engage transitioning service members and internal communications to educate hiring managers about the program’s benefits and potential.