Veteran's Benefits

Why military vets make amazing employees and how to attract them to your organization

I have friends and family who served in the military and I have the utmost respect and appreciation for them. (Oh, and all the LOVE!) It seems like nearly everyone I know is in the same boat. When it comes to personal connection and gratitude, who doesn’t love a vet?!?

So, why don’t more people consider them in even higher regard, professionally? Many of us do and there are resources out there to assist veterans (see below), but as with all things INCLUSION, we can do better!

At Spectrum, our definition of diversity is broad and malleable. For internal statistical purposes (as part of our heavy focus on DEIBA) we ask candidates to self-identify as “diverse”. Part of our mission is to build strong, divergent, innovative, and inclusive teams to boost business growth and drive advances in technology. As such, we like to know when individuals identify as diverse candidates. Diversity is not always obvious and should not be presumed.

Military veterans are one population that we view under the lens of DEIBA. They represent a unique and valuable talent pool that many companies overlook. Their experiences in the military cultivate a distinct set of skills and character traits that translate seamlessly into the civilian workforce.

Understandably, many people don’t think of veterans as a “diverse” demographic necessarily. But we can all agree that when it comes to equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility, they deserve representation and consideration.

Let’s chat about some of the specific skills and qualities veterans bring to the table and how to effectively recruit retain them.

Core Skills

The military fosters a culture of discipline, teamwork, and hierarchy. Soldiers face challenging situations that demand critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments. These valuable skills translate directly into the workplace, making veterans highly sought-after employees.

·??????? Leadership:? Military service equips individuals with strong leadership qualities. Veterans have experience motivating teams, taking initiative, and making sound decisions under pressure. They understand how to delegate tasks effectively, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

·??????? Teamwork:? The military relies heavily on teamwork to achieve objectives. Veterans excel at working collaboratively towards a common goal. They are accustomed to building trust and rapport with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie within a team.

·??????? Discipline and Work Ethic:? Military personnel are ingrained with a strong sense of discipline and a commitment to excellence. They are self-motivated, reliable, and dedicated to completing tasks to the highest standard. This translates into a workforce that consistently delivers quality results and adheres to deadlines.

·??????? Problem-Solving:? Veterans are adept at problem-solving. Their training often involves critical thinking exercises and real-world scenarios that demand creative solutions. They are resourceful and can think on their feet, making them valuable assets for tackling complex challenges in the workplace.

·??????? Technical Acumen:? Many veterans possess specialized technical skills gained through military training. These can range from mechanics and engineering expertise to advanced computer programming and cybersecurity knowledge. Their technical skillsets can provide a significant advantage depending on the industry.

·??????? Communication Skills:? The military emphasizes clear and concise communication, both written and verbal. Veterans are skilled at conveying information effectively, ensuring everyone on the team is on the same page. This skill is crucial for fostering collaboration and achieving successful outcomes.

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Character: Beyond Core Skills

In addition to the tangible skills they bring to the table, veterans often possess a unique set of character traits that make them stand out in the workforce. Such attributes make them particularly adept at learning hard skills more quickly and easily.

·??????? Integrity and Loyalty:? Veterans are instilled with a strong sense of integrity and loyalty. They are committed to their employers and dedicated to fulfilling their assigned tasks with honesty and dedication.

·??????? Perseverance:? Military service demands hard work and perseverance. Veterans are accustomed to working long hours, overcoming challenges, and achieving goals even in the face of adversity. This unwavering dedication translates into a strong work ethic that benefits any organization.

·??????? Stress Management:? Veterans are adept at managing stress in high-pressure situations. They possess the emotional intelligence and resilience to navigate challenging work environments effectively.

·??????? Adaptability:? The military environment is constantly changing, and veterans are accustomed to adapting to new situations quickly. They are flexible and can readily learn new skills, making them valuable assets in a dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.

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Strategies for Effective Veteran Recruitment

·??????? Targeted Job Descriptions:? Avoid generic job descriptions. Use language that resonates with veterans by highlighting the skills and experiences they possess.

·??????? Partnership with Veteran Organizations:? Collaborate with veteran organizations and job boards to reach a wider pool of veteran candidates. These organizations can provide valuable resources and connections.

·??????? Military-Friendly Work Culture:? Cultivate a work environment that values the unique experiences and skills veterans bring. Offer mentorship programs and support systems to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian life.

·??????? Highlight Veteran Benefits:? Promote the benefits your company offers that cater specifically to veterans, such as flexible work arrangements or educational assistance programs.

By recognizing the value veterans bring and implementing effective recruitment strategies, businesses can tap into a channel of highly skilled and dedicated individuals who are ready to make a significant contribution to their organization's success.

Veterans are a valuable asset to any workforce. Their proven skills, strong work ethic, and unique character traits make them ideal candidates for a variety of positions. By understanding the value proposition veterans offer and implementing targeted recruitment strategies, businesses can unlock a competitive advantage and build stronger, more successful teams.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help.

Build the team you want or deal with what you've got!

?If you're a veteran looking to find a job, let's chat! We'd love to get to know your career goals and see how we can help get you achieve them.

VETERAN’S RESOURCES:

Government Resources:

Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs: This website is a one-stop shop for veterans seeking employment in Utah. It offers:

Employment resources: https://jobs.utah.gov/veteran/2-veteran-support.html

Veteran preference on job boards: https://jobs.utah.gov/

Information on state government jobs: https://www.utah.gov/employment/

VA benefits and claims assistance: https://veterans.utah.gov/

Utah Department of Workforce Services: This website allows you to create a profile, access job postings, and participate in workshops and hiring events. Veterans receive "veteran preference" on this platform. https://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/

Department of Veterans Affairs: This federal website offers a plethora of resources for veterans seeking employment, including:

Veterans Job Bank: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/

Career planning tools: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets

Transition Assistance Program (TAP): https://www.benefits.va.gov/tap/

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Non-Government Resources:

Veteran Connects: A national platform connecting veterans with employers seeking to hire military talent. https://veteranconnections.org/

Hire Heroes USA: A nonprofit organization focused on veterans' employment, offering career coaching, workshops, and job opportunities. https://www.hireheroesusa.org/

National Guard Bureau: Offers resources and programs for transitioning National Guard members and veterans. https://ngb.com/

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Provides employment assistance and advocacy for veterans. https://www.vfw.org/

American Legion: Offers career services and resources for veterans. https://www.legion.org/

4UtahVets: A Utah-based organization offering resources and support for veterans, including employment assistance. https://4rutvets.org/contact/