Veterans who are new to the private workforce come from an entirely different work environment than most other candidates. Employers that want to tap the talents of vets can lay the foundation for their success by keeping these tips in mind:
Design a strategy for your veterans hiring program. Why do you want to hire veterans? What are your goals?
Create a welcoming workplace for veterans. Develop an understanding of military culture and experience. Ensure that your job application process is veteran-friendly. Learn the facts about invisible wounds of war.
Actively recruit veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses. Determine employment opportunities and create detailed job descriptions. Consider using military language in your outreach and job descriptions. Partner with credible groups that can help you locate capable veterans.
Hire qualified veterans and help with the transition. Make sure new hires understand how their work will fit into the company’s business goals. Explain how they will be trained, and review the organizational chart. Check in frequently during the first few months and provide any necessary job accommodations.
Promote an inclusive workplace so that veterans want to stay. Develop a vet-to-vet mentorship program. Expand your employee assistance program. Show appreciation for veterans’ service on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and throughout the year.
Keep helpful resources at your fingertips. A list of free, vetted tools and resources is available in the Veterans Hiring Toolkit.
Source: America's Heroes At Work--Veterans Hiring Toolkit, U. S. Department of Labor
Main Article: Why Hiring Veterans Makes Good Business Sense
Photograph Courtesy of Hiring Our Heroes