Why Veterans Could Be Your Nonprofit’s Next Great Hires

Welcome to the latest edition of Moving Forward, a newsletter designed to help nonprofits exchange ideas and learn from one another to unlock the full potential of the sector.?

On November 11, the U.S. observes Veterans Day to honor the millions of people who have served in its military. For employers, Veterans Day can also serve as a reminder of the value that these individuals bring to the workforce — or a call to action to revisit your hiring strategies and ensure they’re inclusive of the veteran community.?

To learn more about why nonprofits might want to consider hiring veterans, we spoke to Jared Lyon , President and CEO of Student Veterans of America , an organization that supports almost three-quarters of a million student veterans across the U.S. and overseas.?

Tell us a little about the unique skills and life experience that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.

Veterans bring a set of skills and expertise that is unmatched outside of the military, including exceptional leadership abilities honed through service. This often encompasses qualities like adaptability, decisiveness, and the capacity to lead by example, which are highly sought after in the professional space. Their experience working in diverse and high-pressure teams also equips them with a keen aptitude for teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving, making them valuable assets in any workplace.?

Military training instills a robust work ethic and discipline, embedding a sense of duty and dedication that translates into dependable and committed employees. Additionally, many veterans possess technical and specialized skills acquired during their military service, from IT and logistics to engineering and healthcare expertise, which directly contribute to their versatility and value across a wide spectrum of civilian careers.

For nonprofits in particular, why might veterans make a valuable addition to the team?

Veterans are drawn to positions of service. The spirit of an all-volunteer military has cultivated a generation of veterans who have paused their careers, family, education — lives — to give their time and talent to others.?

Veterans also share a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on society, often aligning seamlessly with the nonprofit's mission. Their backgrounds have equipped them with skills critical to the often mission-driven and resource-constrained nonprofit sector.

The resilience and problem-solving abilities honed through their service enable them to effectively navigate the unpredictable challenges nonprofits frequently face. Furthermore, their experience in project management, organizational skills, and an unwavering commitment to ethical values can enhance the overall effectiveness of nonprofit organizations.

There are a lot of stereotypes around veterans. How can nonprofit hiring teams ensure that biases and misconceptions about the military community are not affecting their hiring decisions?

Take proactive measures. It’s essential to focus on skills and qualifications rather than making assumptions based on military stereotypes. The military experience is not universal, and veterans are not a monolith, just like every other population.?

Fostering partnerships with veteran service organizations and collaborating with veterans already in the nonprofit sector can also help to provide valuable insights, dispel stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment.

What kind of support can nonprofits provide new hires who come from a military background to ensure they feel welcome and are set up for long-term success?

Nonprofits can provide several forms of support to ensure successful integration and long-term engagement. Orientation and onboarding programs tailored to military hires can help them transition smoothly by addressing their post-service assimilation and introducing them to the nonprofit's mission and values. Additionally, mentorship programs where experienced employees guide and offer advice to new hires can be immensely valuable.?

One thing that we have noted is that around three-quarters of student veterans work full- or part-time while in school in mostly retail and food service positions. Noting the skills and experience that student veterans bring, nonprofits can look to hire them for non-degreed roles while they finish their degree. Student veterans would not only be learning tailored skills but making connections and building their network while in school. Additionally, those organizations could be shaping the education of their own future employees by discussing their upcoming needs to a current student who is selecting what classes to take next semester.

Are you a veteran working in the nonprofit sector, or do you work closely with veterans? Share your experiences in the comments.

• 2023 Veteran Opportunity Report : Gain insights into the current state of veteran employment, opportunities within the veteran talent pool, and challenges that remain a reality for those who choose military service with this new report from LinkedIn.
• Leveraging your nonprofit employer brand to attract talent and volunteers : Watch this on-demand webinar to learn how your organization can position itself on LinkedIn to attract incredible talent.?
• 3 Steps Your Nonprofit Can Take to Create a Welcoming Environment for Veteran and Military Spouse Employees : Learn how to cultivate a supportive workplace that helps employees from military backgrounds to thrive.?

Is there a particular topic you'd like us to cover or a nonprofit thought leader you'd love to hear from? Let us know in the comments!