As a small business owner, you may be thinking about hiring veterans. After all, vets have a lot to offer in terms of skills, training, and discipline. But how do you go about hiring and retaining veterans?
Here’s a complete guide to hiring and retaining veterans:
Why hire veterans?
First, Veterans often face challenges when transitioning back to civilian life, and your business can help make that transition a little easier.
Second, veterans often have a lot of experience in leadership roles. So if you’re looking to fill a management position, hiring a veteran is a great option.
Third, many veterans have specialized skills and training that can be valuable to your business. For instance, veterans who have served in the medical field may have experience with first aid and CPR.
Fourth, veterans are often hard workers with a strong work ethic. They’re used to working long hours and under pressure.
Fifth, hiring veterans is a great way to support those who have served our country. Veterans often face high rates of unemployment, so by hiring a veteran, you’re helping to give back to those who fought for your freedom to operate your business the way you do.
If that isn’t enough The Journal of Veterans Studies conducted a study that found that military-friendly companies even had a higher stock price.
Considerations When Hiring Veterans
There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring veterans. First, be aware of veterans’ challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. Things like PTSD can make it difficult for veterans to adjust to a new work environment. So it’s important to be understanding and patient.
Second, you may need to provide some extra training for veterans. They may not be familiar with the latest technology or methods you use in your business. But with a little extra training, they can quickly catch up and be productive members of your team.
Finally, remember that veterans are used to working in a hierarchical environment. So they may be hesitant to speak up or take initiative at first. But once they feel comfortable in their new position, they can be great leaders and problem-solvers.
If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to successfully hiring and integrating veterans into your business.
How to hire and onboard veterans
There are a number of ways to find veterans to hire. You can post job listings on military transition websites or job boards or contact veteran-focused organizations like Hire Heroes USA or RecruitMilitary. You can also reach out to veterans through your personal and professional networks.
When assessing a veteran’s qualifications, it’s important to consider their military occupation code (MOC). The MOC is a code that corresponds to a specific job in the military, and it can give you a good indication of what skills and experience a veteran has. You can search for MOCs on the Department of Defense’s website.
Once you’ve found some qualified candidates, it’s important to keep the following things in mind during the hiring process:
– Veterans may not have civilian work experience in the exact same field, but they likely have transferable skills.
– Veterans may not be familiar with common business jargon. Be patient and explain concepts clearly.
– The interviewing process may be stressful for veterans. Again, patience and understanding are key.
If you decide to hire a veteran, congratulations! You’ve made a great choice. Here are some tips for onboarding your new employee:
– Make sure your veteran has all the information they need before their first day, including a copy of the employee handbook, their job description, and information about dress code, company culture, etc.
– Introduce your veteran to the team and help them feel welcome. Remember, They are coming from an environment of extreme comradery and brotherhood.
– Be patient as your veteran adjusts to the civilian workplace. They may need some time to transition.
How to support and retain veterans in your workplace
– Offer flexible scheduling, if possible, to accommodate veterans who may have doctor’s appointments or other commitments related to their service.
– Be understanding if your veteran employee needs to take time off for deployment or other military-related obligations.
– Keep in mind that some veterans may struggle with mental health issues such as PTSD. Check-in with them periodically and offer them some grace.
– Encourage a team environment and build comradery in your team.
Veteran hiring resources
There are a number of veteran hiring resources available, including:
– The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
– The Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program
– The Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development
Hiring veterans can be a great way to support those who have served our country while also gaining access to talented, skilled workers. By understanding the unique needs of veterans and utilizing available resources, your small business can successfully hire and retain these employees.
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