Hire a Veteran: 7 Unique Skills Veterans Bring to the Civilian Workforce
The war for talent has never been more intense than it is today. The good news? There’s an extraordinary pool of available talent with a unique and valuable skillset – military veterans.
Veterans are a special type of employee because they already possess many of the qualities today’s companies seek. Here are just a few of the many unique skills veterans bring to the civilian workforce.
Teamwork
Camaraderie is a critical part of military service. Service men and women spend years relying on their team members to stay safe and complete important tasks. They understand the value of teamwork, and how diverse people can work together to achieve goals. This is undoubtedly one of the most important soft skills employers look for in job candidates, making veterans a top choice.
Ability to Handle Stressful Situations
The men and women of our armed forces perform their jobs under some of the most stressful situations imaginable. They are required to set priorities and accomplish important missions on a daily basis. With this responsibility comes added pressure and stress, but they are trained to handle these factors constructively. No matter how busy or stressful things get in the workplace, you can count on a veteran to hold it together.
A Commitment to Getting the Job Done
There’s no such thing as job hopping in the military. When the men and women of our armed forces enlist, they sign on the dotted line and agree to commit themselves to the service of their country to a specific period of time. There is no bailing when things get tough or something unexpected pops up, and that sort of loyalty is increasingly hard for civilian employers to find. Hiring managers are continually searching for candidates who are eager to get a foot in the door and grow alongside the company. Most veterans bring that same level of commitment and loyalty to the workforce.
Communication
For employers, a workforce that knows how to successfully interact with each other – whether it’s to come up with a plan of action, solve a complex problem, or resolve a conflict – is crucial for ensuring the success of the organization. In high-pressure, fast-paced situations like the ones our military men and women face each day, effective communication is mission critical. Even after leaving the military, the communication skills our veterans learned in the military are a powerful resource for any company.
Ability to Follow Instructions
To make it in the military, one must quickly and effectively follow orders. While employers value people who can bring new ideas and challenge the status quo (also traits military veterans bring to the table), it’s imperative that they hire individuals who can finish tasks and complete projects by the instructions given. When you hire a veteran, you can expect for the job to be done right the first time.
Problem-Solving Skills
Not everything always goes according to plan – that’s why effective problem-solvers are some of the most desirable job candidates out there. Most veterans have plenty of problem-solving experience under their belt from their time in the military. The ability to think quickly on their feet, identify possible solutions, and then address complex issues will be a huge benefit to companies who hire veterans.
Adaptability
They say that change is the only constant, and this holds true in the workplace. No matter what industry, it’s imperative to have employees who readily adapt to their surroundings and circumstances. Nowhere is this trait more emphasized than in the military. Veterans are always ready to roll with the punches and adjust when necessary – an essential quality in today’s workforce.
Are you looking to hire a veteran who can be a difference-maker and propel your business forward? We can help connect you with the best available talent. Contact the hiring experts at Snelling today.
