When you hire veterans, you can expect to work with punctual and disciplined employees. In addition to these obvious traits, there are a few other benefits that might surprise you. Companies from start-ups to corporations can reap both financial and productivity related benefits when they hire veterans.
What Jobs Best Suit Veterans?
When most companies think of veterans, they often think of the high levels of discipline veterans develop through their service. But the longer you work with veterans, you begin to discover many more desirable qualities, including talents for management.
From the beginning of training to the point of exit or retirement, veterans must become excellent managers of time, resources, and people. In fact, thanks to all the training, relocation and field maneuvers, a veteran is often more experienced in management than typical civilians with job-related management experience.
According to a study conducted by G.I. Jobs, some of the hottest job prospects in 2016 are in the field of management, from supply chain to facilities managers. For these positions, military veterans are usually extremely qualified and competent.
Are There Tax Benefits for Hiring Veterans?
Beyond the valuable employment skills veterans possess, there may be financial benefits in the form of tax rebates or incentives. Many states have Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) that promote the hiring of veterans, regardless of physical ability or educational levels.
In Texas, for example, companies can reap the benefit of an exemplary employee and reduce their federal tax liability simultaneously.
Which Skills Are Most Appealing for Employers?
Of all the skills that veterans possess, perhaps the single most important in the global environment of today’s business world is a positive attitude. Ask any potential employer and he or she will likely tell you that a positive, can-do attitude is more valuable than management ability, professional experience, or even job-related credentials.
Veterans’ abilities to adapt and overcome adversity and challenge encountered while successfully conducting business serve to enhance all of the other qualities they possess: timeliness, critical thinking skills, leadership and professionalism.
How Can Veterans Get Better Results During Job Searches?
For the veteran reading this article, communication and proper presentation of your objectives, skills and experience are critical to a successful job hunt or interview. Try to remember your prospective employer may not always readily recognize military terminology. Remember that even though you are familiar with your military job descriptions, civilian employers will be less so. Incorporate explanations of military titles and responsibilities in your resume and conversations as often as possible.
Where you can, draw analogies between your military experience and the structure of the civilian professional world. This will help your experience translate to your employer’s needs more effectively.
