Veterans Day is the day set aside every November 11 to celebrate all of America’s veterans and to honor their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country’s freedom. Veterans Day has special significance for living veterans, while Memorial Day honors those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
For Veterans Day 2021, as our nation continues to recover from the pandemic, United Talent Staffing CEO and U.S. Marine Matt Parker encourages all businesses to consider hiring veterans, this November 11, and every day. “Some employers think hiring veterans is a charitable move,” Parker said, “but that misses the point. Hiring veterans is a smart business move.
Here are 11 reasons to hire veterans.
- Veterans possess critical thinking skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work side-by-side with all people.
- Veterans have high standards and work ethics, including attention to detail, discipline, and integrity.
- Veterans are trained to overcome adversity, stay adaptable in periods of change, and think on their feet under pressure or stress.
- Veterans can problem-solve quickly. Yes, they understand the importance of following orders, but they are equally adept at finding creative solutions to challenges.
- Veterans possess a “mission accomplished” mindset and a desire to get the job done right.
- Veterans are team players who have learned how to work in both hierarchical and peer-to-peer structures.
- Veterans are leaders, trained by the military to lead by example, delegate, motivate, and inspire others.
- Veterans have a keen awareness of health and safety protocols, personal health and fitness, and the importance of drug-free workplace.
- Veterans have completed world-class technical training in their occupational specialty. Many veterans have knowledge of international and technical trends that are relevant in today’s global economy.
- Veterans bring a variety of important functional skills to the modern job site, like computer literacy and AI systems.
- Hiring veterans is one way to leverage our country’s investment in the military and to repay a small part of the debt we owe these talented men and women
What business wouldn’t want to hire employees who bring these skills and characteristics to the job?
Veteran Underemployment
But it can be difficult for employers to translate a veteran’s military skills and abilities into the jobs they are trying to fill. Too often, veterans are underemployed, not unemployed, taking jobs that don’t reflect their training, skills, and education.
“Businesses need to hire veterans for jobs where they can excel,” Parker said. “Don’t take someone who’s been in charge of battalion and hire them to stock shelves at night. They’ll likely be bored, lack passion and fail, which is a lose-lose for both parties.”
Adding a veteran to your HR team or partnering with a local veterans organizations can help your business better understand and work with veterans to help them find fulfilling employment where they are part of a team that is doing good work together.
A Final Reason to Hire Veterans
There’s one more reason why it makes sense to hire veterans: they can help your business fill your open positions.
This November 11, remember America’s veterans for their service, for the skills and experience they bring to the job, and for the value they can add to your business.