Four Tips for Employers Hiring Veterans

Veterans can bring unique experience, leadership and skill sets to your organization. Professionalism, responsibility and a commitment to standards are desirable attributes in a job candidate. Despite the wealth of experience veterans offer, many HR representatives struggle with properly evaluating the candidate during the interview process.

To combat this trend, refer to the suggestions below:

– Provide an honest and realistic description of job responsibilities and expectations. Military people are typically direct and to the point.

– The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommends “Performance Based Interviewing” which draws upon past behaviors and experiences versus asking a candidate how they would or should handle a particular situation in the future. Access an employer’s toolkit at: http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/

– Study the basics of military culture. As with most employees, the better you get to know them, the easier it will be to utilize their assets.

– Connect with transition assistance programs that work with veterans in updating/translating their resumes. These programs include: the Department of Labor’s veteran program- America’s Heroes at Work and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ programs- VetSuccess and ACAP (Army Career Alumni Program). There are many programs that go beyond the scope of job postings and actively assist veterans with their transition from military to workplace culture. It’s a win-win for both the veteran and the employer.

Veteran Connection blogs are written by ACI’s very own Clinical Manager, Megan Hawker, MA, IMF #65325; Major, Medical Service Corps; US Army Reserves. For more support and resources, please visit Veteran-Connection.com.