In June 2020, the unemployment rate for veterans was at 8.8%. That is lower than the overall unemployment rate, but still, way too high when you consider the resources and experience a veteran of our country’s military service brings to the job. This article will look closely at five of the top skills and characteristics a veteran brings to the job and why you should consider hiring a vet for your company.
5 Reasons to Hire a Veteran
Military.com says, “Veterans are disciplined team players that can bolster any employer’s business.” These hard-working Americans have been taught skills that many workers simply haven’t learned.
Some of the top skills that a veteran can bring to the job site include:
- Leadership skills are of paramount importance in the military. The armed services teach their recruits how to lead others by motivating and inspiring them. Veterans learn the power of delegation and how to give instructions during difficult and stressful situations. They also learn how to manage people and their behaviors to produce the best results possible.
- Teamwork is taught from day one in the military. These organizations teach their service members how to work side by side with people of all races, genders, ethnicities, religions, and more. Veterans are taught the power of many over one, and that their diverse teams are there to get the job done without conflict over diversity and inclusion.
- Respect for processes is engrained in military teaching. Veterans understand structure and accountability for performance. Veterans make good candidates for enterprise organizations with hierarchical structures. That’s because they can understand their place within an organization. Respect for reporting structures, procedures, documentation, and results is all taught to the military recruits. The benefits to the business world are obvious.
- Technology skills are important in the military. Even many infantry soldiers on the front lines learn to handle communications technology equipment. Today’s military uses a variety of very sophisticated technology tools. Computer programming is just one skill that some military recruits may learn as part of their job. The military contract often pays to educate recruits, so if you’re considering active–duty personnel from the National Guard, for example, they may already come equipped with the skills you need in business.
- Finally, it takes grit and determination even to make it through boot camp. Military.com says, “They likely have proven their mettle in mission-critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility.” The ability to persevere to overcome challenges will come in handy as military workers make the transition to civilian life.
If your organization is hiring, talk to Blackstone Talent Group about the benefits of hiring a veteran. We can help you succeed in your hiring goals.