Welcome Veterans Home - With a Job

On this Memorial Day in the United States of America, we remember those who served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice. They weren’t able to reunite with their friends and families to enjoy the rest of their lives. Our veterans who come home should be embraced and thanked for their service. One way we can welcome them back is to hire them into the civilian workplace.

Those who serve weren’t away on vacation. Veterans have trained and worked hard under the auspices of the military. They are seasoned, valuable resources with unique experiences. Hiring managers should consider these “Top 10 Reasons to Hire Veterans”, originally identified in 2010 for “Veterans Today” by Capt. Benjamin Jones (with my commentary added).

1. Accelerated Learning Curve: Veterans are used to learning new things quickly, and putting them into action without fuss. They may have a positive influence on your productivity/

2. Leadership: The military has a strong focus on developing leaders. Veterans also understand how to operate within a organizational leadership structure

3. Teamwork: Where is teamwork more ingrained than within a military troop? Survival may depend upon it.

4. Diversity and Inclusion in Action: Our armed forces are very diverse in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and geographic origin. They often have experience with and respect for cultures in other parts of the world.

5. Efficient Performance under Pressure: As stressful as your job may be, have you ever had to do it while enemies are dropping bombs on your workplace? Probably not, unless you are a veteran yourself.

6. Respect for Procedures: Our military is famous for documenting and applying SOP, or Standing Operating Procedures. Veterans understand the value of quality control via SOP.

7. Technology and Globalization: Service personnel are usually aware of technical trends and their application in an international, multicultural environment. They may have valuable specialized experience in a technical discipline.

8. Integrity: Many veterans have a trustworthy sense of right and fairness. Sometimes this is supplemented with useful security clearances.

9. Conscious of Health and Safety Standards: Military training provides an awareness of health and safety protocols for self and others, which translates well into the workplace.

10. Triumph over Adversity: Experience in the Armed Forces develops maturity, strength, and determination. Individuals who have served in combat are good at putting petty office politics and distractions in their proper perspective and focusing on important objectives.

If you are a hiring manager, work with your Human Resources representative to insure that Veterans are included in your candidate pool. Take advantage of you opportunities to hire a hero.