Thank a Veteran. Then, HIRE one!

Today's veterans bring unique abilities and experience to the civilian workforce, including hard-to-teach skills like loyalty, dedication, self-motivation, sustained performance under pressure, respect for procedures and command, and the ability to work as a team.

Isn't that the kind of person you're looking for as your next hire? And yet, finding jobs for veterans appears to get more and more challenging as time goes by. 

The Employment Challenge

With more than one million military veterans currently out of work, unemployment in this group is more than 20 percent higher than any other group in the nation.

Meanwhile, the 2018 Silicon Valley Bank Startup Report shows almost two-thirds of US startups believe this year is going to be bigger and better than 2017. The percentage of firms planning to hire employees has reached a 5-year high, and 91 percent say finding workers is “somewhat” or “extremely” challenging.

This begs the question of why our veterans, many of whom have received excellent training and leadership experience, are not experiencing high demand for their skills and abilities, while companies have difficulty finding good talent?

At We Hire Heroes, we believe in standing with those who have stood strong for us. Here are some of the primary reasons you should consider hiring a veteran: 

Fast-track learning ability

Veterans come into your organization with skills gained in real-life situations, many of which are highly transferable, as well as a sharpened ability to learn new methods and concepts. This makes them a quick study and able to hit the ground running in circumstances that could limit workers with less useful experience.

Learned leadership

Regardless of their former position in the military, employees with military training have received top-notch instruction in working as a team, motivating others and managing peer behavior. They also have a sound understanding of hierarchical and peer structures, and a respect for those in command.

Comfortable with diversity

The military is a melting-pot of Americans from every possible ethnic and cultural background, and most veterans are accustomed to working alongside people of all races, genders, religions, economic status, mental and physical abilities. This makes them exceptionally good at assimilating into your organization and team. 

Performance under pressure

After experiencing the ultimate in work environment pressure, veterans appreciate the challenges of limited resources, tight schedules, and working under stress. Almost all jobs for veterans have a lower stress level than active service, so even in high-pressure industries employees with a military background often deliver exemplary performances.

Accountability awareness

Veterans understand their position within your organization’s structure, the way their actions affect both subordinates and superiors, and how policies and procedures work. They have a well-developed understanding of health and safety protocols, and how their own behavior impacts others. This awareness benefits your other employees as well as your property and materials.

Background checks

In a time when background checks are pivotal in the recruitment of workers, veterans typically come with a detailed record that’s available for the asking. Access to security clearance and military references goes a long way to dispel any doubts a company might have about hiring a veteran—or anyone else.

Broader horizons

Many veterans have served overseas, which gives them insight into global situations and conditions and provides a world-view that can be useful in your company. This is worth keeping in mind when you’re identifying positions requiring international experience, because this could make hiring a veteran the ideal solution for your company. 

Join us today. Showcase your jobs for veterans on our website and play your part in helping others to help themselves.