Approximately 19 million veterans in the United States make up about 10% of the adult population. These veterans spent years going to work each day to protect our country and our freedom, making personal sacrifices along the way. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude. This alone is an excellent reason to hire a veteran. It’s a small way to say, “thank you.”
It’s also good business. Whether it’s for a temporary or permanent position, each new hire has the potential to influence the dynamics of the company’s workforce and the level of service and production offered to the consumer. In addition, veterans have many positive traits and skill sets that can impact a company’s culture for the better, making them an asset to their future employers.
Traits and skills commonly brought to the hiring table by the men and women who have served in the military include—
Quick learners
Active service military members are often called upon to learn new skills quickly and efficiently. They must also be innovative and quick to problem-solve. These honed skills continue to be incredible assets in civilian life. Considering that a hard skill’s average life span and relevance is about five years, this rapid learning ability is invaluable.
Strong team players
Service members spend a lot of time working and living together — often in less-than-pleasant conditions and sometimes in the face of great danger. They recognize the importance each person brings to the team and the overall mission. Despite hailing from different walks of life — different races, gender, socioeconomic backgrounds, or ethnicities –they have learned how to come together and work as a team.
Duty and accountability
Military personnel recognizes the weight of responsibility that comes with their service. They understand what it means to be accountable to those ranking above them for the success of their missions. It taught them to take responsibility for their actions and to fulfill their duties. These lessons in duty and responsibility translate into employees who will meet expectations and get the job done.
Leader and follower skills
Their military experience taught them the leader/follower relationship dynamics, and that one cannot function without the other. They understand the skill sets that make a good leader because they’ve either been one or followed one. Likewise, they know what it takes to be a good follower.
Strong work ethic
The military is known for its discipline, structured routine, hard work, and drive for excellence. The culmination of these expectations and the above traits – innovative learning, teamwork, accountability, and well-developed leader/follower skills – create a strong work ethic that can benefit both the vets and their future employers as they pursue career opportunities post-military.
Add Veterans to Your Team
Veterans bring many positives to the hiring table. At A.R. Mazzotta, we salute our nation’s veterans, and we welcome the opportunity to match their compilation of skills and experience with our clients’ open positions. Making mutually beneficial employment connections via skills assessment is our number one goal. So, give us a ring today and see how A.R. Mazzotta can be the solution to your hiring needs.