By Rebecca Barnes-Hogg
July 25 is National Hire a Veteran Day. This day highlights the skills and experience veterans bring to the workforce. Organizations that hire veterans support those who have served our country. And they gain dedicated, skilled employees. This is a timely reminder that recruiting Veterans for your business can be a great way to tap into a pool of highly motivated and skilled individuals. We’ll share several strategies to attract and hire Veterans.
1.Develop a Veterans Hiring Program
Create a formal Veterans hiring program or initiative within your organization to demonstrate your commitment to hiring Veterans. This program can include specific goals, policies, and procedures for hiring Veterans.
2. Educate Your Team
Train your HR staff and hiring managers on military culture, job skills, and how to interpret Veterans' resumes. Understanding their military experience can help in making more informed hiring decisions. Familiarize your team with the occupational codes used by the military: Army and Marines, Air Force, and Navy.
3. Recognize Transferable Skills
Understand that many skills developed in the military are transferable to various civilian jobs. Focus on the skills and experiences that align with your job openings rather than specific military roles.
4. Be Flexible with Job Requirements
When crafting job descriptions, be open to considering relevant experience, even if it doesn't exactly match the job title. Veterans often bring a wide range of skills that can be applied effectively in different roles.
5. Become a Partner Employer with the DOD SkillBridge Program
The program aims to support transitioning service members to develop additional skills for civilian employment. The goal is to help service members learn new skills to bridge their transition from military experience to civilian occupations and employment opportunities. Service members remain on active duty during this training period and are not paid by the Partner Employer. Get more information about this program at https://skillbridge.osd.mil/.
6. Build a Veteran-Friendly Culture
Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for Veterans. Recognize their achievements and contributions and encourage camaraderie among your Veteran and non-Veteran employees.
7. Provide Mentorship Opportunities
Implement mentorship programs where experienced Veterans can help newcomers transition to civilian life and your company. This support can be valuable in their onboarding process.
8. Offer Skill Training and Development
Invest in training and development programs that help Veterans adapt to your workplace and industry-specific needs.
9. Partner with Veterans Organizations
Collaborate with local Veterans' organizations, military bases, and VA career centers. They can help you connect with qualified Veterans looking for civilian employment opportunities.
10. Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events
Participate in job fairs, career expos, and networking events specifically targeted at Veterans. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet and recruit Veterans directly.
11. Use Online Job Boards
Post your job openings on websites dedicated to Veteran employment, such as Hire Veterans, Hire Heroes USA, and Military.com. Veterans seeking employment frequent these platforms.
12. Highlight Veteran Benefits
Make sure Veterans are aware of any military-friendly benefits or policies your small business offers, such as including families by hiring military spouses, reservist pay, or a support group focused on the needs of veterans, active service personnel, and military spouses.
13. Streamline Your Hiring Process
Make your application process clear and straightforward. Veterans may be accustomed to structured processes, so a clear path to employment can be appealing.
By actively promoting your commitment to hiring Veterans and adapting your recruitment strategies, you can successfully attract and retain talented individuals who have served in the military. This not only benefits your business but also supports Veterans as they transition into civilian careers.
How is your organization supporting our veterans? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to tap into the highly skilled Veterans talent pool? Consider partnering with TalentRemedy. Our industry experts specialize in helping companies hire top talent to keep your organization successful. Contact us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to set up a time to learn more about how our team can support your hiring needs.
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