7 Reasons You Should Hire a Veteran

When looking to hire a new employee, the usual thought is to quickly fill the position in order to meet the current need.  The “future” rarely enters the thought process.  The focus remains on providing immediate value for an immediate problem.  It is human nature.  We see a problem; we want to fix it – quickly.  However, the ultimate goal should be to find a worker who will make a great long-term fit.  The cost of turnover is just too great to only focus on short-term needs.

This is where our returning U.S. veterans can help.  They have made a commitment to serving our country, now they are looking to enter the civilian workplace and make a commitment to private-sector employers.

They do not come empty-handed.  They bring stupendous leadership and management skills to the tables – skills that are the hardest to grow.  Employers can teach business and industry skills – usually very quickly – but vets arrive with the skills that are needed to take a business to the next level.

So what do veterans bring to the table?  Here is a short list:

1.  Battle-tested leadership skills – The military trains people to be leaders, whether that is through direction, delegation, or motivation.  Therefore, veterans are able to  initiate practical ways to manage for results, even in the most frustrating and demanding circumstances.
2. Strong work ethic – Veterans are hard-workers and have been tested in ways that other people have not.  In addition, according to many who recruit veterans, they usually stay with a company longer than those without military experience.
3. Accelerated learning curve – Today’s armed forces are a highly-trained, highly-skilled workforce.  No one graduates high school with the innate ability to repair the engine on a B-52 or to operate one of the SHF systems used for secure communications.  Veterans have proven that they have the ability to learn new skills and concepts AND they have applied these skills to real-world situations.
4. A commitment to discipline and structure – Veterans are trained to be focused and deliver high-quality work that meets exacting standards on schedule.  They have a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They understand the need for hierarchy within an organizational framework, and they understand how policies and procedures enable an organization to thrive.
5. Teamwork – The basis of the military is teamwork.  Veterans have had to work effectively together as a unit, with people from different backgrounds, viewpoints and skillsets.  They understand how genuine teamwork and responsibility go hand in hand together.
6. Breadth of experience – Military service gives veterans experience in many equivalent civilian jobs – IT, transportation, logistics, communication, management, security, etc.  Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all companies need to succeed.
7. Ability to handle pressure and complex situations – Veterans learn to think critically and act decisively under stressful conditions.  They have had, more than likely, to prove this skill in mission critical situations.

Snelling wants to help you leverage this powerful arm of the workforce.  In our 100+ offices across the country, we are working to help private-sector employers benefit from these workers’ skills and expertise.  Visit us today at www.snelling.com to find your local Snelling office, where we can partner with you to find the best-fit candidate for today and in the future.

NOTE:  A full-color, downloadable PDF is available.