Reasons for Hiring Veterans and How to Complete This Patriotic Mission

Anyone who runs a company knows that skilled, reliable employees are tough to come by. Many applicants lack the qualities that make for a dependable worker. Military veterans tend to be some of the best candidates available. The following explains why, along with tips on how to bring them on board.

Qualities That Come With Recruiting Vets

Having been in the military, armed forces graduates possess abilities many do not. As members of an organized system, they’ve internalized the importance of taking orders and following instructions. You couldn’t ask for better team players, a vital element for any organization’s success.

Similarly, soldiers who’ve held leadership roles become effective business leaders. They understand wielding power responsibly and take duties seriously. Accustomed to working under pressure, they’re comfortable making weighty decisions. Other qualities include independence and a strong work ethic.

Advantages That Come With Recruiting Vets

Veterans have considerable skills regarding health and safety protocols. Preparing to face life on the battlefield requires mastering all styles of medical emergency techniques. If your business involves heavy machinery or dangerous situations, the presence of one of these individuals is especially welcome when someone experiences an injury. Those with medical experience during their time in the military are perfect candidates for healthcare positions, including surgical assistants, radiologists, and respiratory therapists.

Veterans are also often comfortable using technology. Many roles in the armed forces involve computers, such as code cracking and drone surveillance. As such, they tend to be savvy at finding information online.

Students of virtual commerce say that, by the year 2040, 95% of all transactions will take place over the web. You don’t want your company to get left behind when it comes to Cyber sales. Someone comfortable with computerization can assist with this transition and will be a stellar pick to become your chief technical officer or IT specialist.

Additionally, your business can earn tax credits for hiring veterans. Ask your accountant about the Veterans with Services-Connected Disability rebates and unemployment tax credit possibilities.

Strategies for Recruiting Vets

Maybe you’re convinced hiring veterans is the right move, yet you aren’t sure how to do it. It’s essentially the same process as looking for civilian employees. Still, there are techniques and sensitivities human resources departments should utilize when placing the call.

Start by letting your local Veterans Service Organization know your interest. These organizations sometimes have job placement programs that will match you with applicants.

Follow this by making a hiring announcement through social media. One key to an attractive job listing is a graphical element. With an online photo editor, you can resize image for Instagram or any other social media platform so they’ll load fast and still look great. From there, uploading files to a variety of platforms is a cinch.

Create job listings that appeal to veterans. Emphasize why your opportunity is perfect for those with backgrounds in the armed forces. Increase comfortability with the prospect of working for you by correctly using Military Occupational Specialty codes. During interviews, refrain from asking about specific deployments or the official reason for discharge, thus sidestepping the perception that you’re probing for confidential military information or a disqualifying medical condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hiring veterans is one of the best moves a business leader can make. Those who’ve served are strong both mentally and physically, not to mention highly skilled. Search for patriots who can protect your company with the same vigor they defended the nation.

Helpful Resources and Ideas for Vets Looking to Become Entrepreneurs

About 200,000 service members begin their transition to civilian life each year. While there may not be enough military-oriented jobs available to employ every veteran, there are still plenty of opportunities for making a fulfilling, successful career. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and dream of working for yourself, then starting a small business might be the perfect path forward. By gathering the right resources and making good decisions along the way, you can put yourself in a position for long-term success. 

Vets Help Center gives veterans helpful information and advice on a variety of topics. Here is some practical guidance on how you can lay a solid foundation for your new small business.

Financial Assistance 

Thankfully, there are quite a few resources available to veterans for financial assistance. The best place to start is probably with grants, as you won’t be required to pay them back. However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have much luck with grants because loans and other types of funding can also help you to get your business up and running. 

Begin your research with the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC), which is managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and offers a variety of financing programs, among other things. Other options include—but are not limited to—the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, Street Shares Foundation, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.  

Training and Education 

There are also many agencies and organizations that specialize in providing veterans with business training and job training. The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), Boots to Business (B2B), and Entrepreneurship Boot camp for Veterans (EBV) are all worth looking into. And of course, you could always go back to school, which could prove invaluable for your business and career as a whole. Look into the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to figure out what your benefits are for covering the costs of education. 

Business Growth Information

Along with obtaining funding and training, it’s also essential to arm yourself with a variety of information pertaining to business growth. After all, you’ll need to understand how to build and scale your business if you are to experience long-term success. Research government agencies and private companies such as Zen Business that provide helpful information and programs that can help you learn things like how to create a solid financial plan, how to adapt your business operations during a pandemic, and how to take advantage of technology.

Business Ideas for Veterans

There are many types of businesses you can start that will allow you to make the most of the disciplines, skills, and knowledge you acquired in the military. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Restaurant owner

• Retail store owner

• Healthcare advocate

• Technology consultant

• Private security

• Self-defense training

Keep in mind that you don’t have to start a business that centers around your military-specific skills. At the very least, the discipline and self-determination required to serve in the military will prove to be a valuable asset, no matter what kind of business you start. 

Many employers covet the qualities that veterans bring to the table and are always on the lookout for veteran applicants. But if you want to work for yourself, or for some reason you haven’t been able to land a promising job, starting a business could be the best way forward. Look into all of your resources in terms of financial assistance, training, education, and business growth that can help you begin your business on solid footing. These resources abound, so continue your research to see what all is out there, and think carefully about the type of business you would like to run for the foreseeable future!

Are you looking for information and advice on how to navigate the world after service? Visit VetsHelpCenter.com today!