Do you run a business? Are you considering hiring your next employee? Would you like it to be a veteran but need help figuring out where to start? In honor of National Hire a Veteran Day, here are a few tips and ways to connect with a past military member who is ready to expand their career in the civilian world.
Link up with a program like SkillBridge.
If you are hiring but need to train someone within the role, there is a new program called SkillBridge. This DoD-led program allows the last six months of someone’s active duty time to be used for on-the-job training while being paid and compensated by the military. You can apply to be a part of the program, and if approved, will be listed for eligible active duty retiring members to apply. Although this isn’t technically hiring a vet, they will soon be one, and you can train them without having to be responsible for their salary. After their 180 days are up, you can hire them on your budget.
Actively share that you are interested in hiring veterans.
Sharing that you desire to hire a vet may seem obvious, but spreading the news can help you find the right candidate for you, include it in your job listing, post it on social media, and mention it when you have conversations with others about the business opening. Talking to your local Veterans Affairs office about your open role can also help connect you to those seeking a new job.
Connect with VETS (Veteran’s Employment and Training Service)
VETS is a part of the Department of Labor that works to actively bridge the gap between veterans wanting to find work and employers who are hiring. They offer one-on-one assistance and have a PDF you can download with their best tips to help you streamline the process and hire help fast.
Attend a job fair at a local base.
Military bases often hold two job fairs a year, which attract a mix of military spouses, active duty, and veterans. Having a booth can help you connect with prospective employees and understand how to better attract vets and military-affiliated people to work with you both now and in the future.
Use wisdom when interviewing.
When hiring a veteran, use questions related to the job and ask what they can bring to the table regarding their experience with the job description and duties. Perhaps their experience in the military isn’t exactly what your job description is, but the military is more than just war. They learned how to work in teams, figure out the next steps under pressure (with and without everything they needed), and succeed. They moved states, and sometimes countries, with little notice and go to work quickly, which means all of these skills are now ready to help your business thrive.
All in all, this National Hire a Veteran Day, take a minute to explore the resources available so that whether you are hiring now or later, you’ll be ready to onboard your newest recruit.
Article sponsored by: uShip
About the Author
Aj Smit is the author of the book Red Thread: Weaving an Embodied Life of Joy, life coach speaker, glitter enthusiast, and professional weaver of Joy. She is a military spouse in S. Korea with a pup and houseplants galore. Aj has led various Red Tents, retreats, and workshops internationally over the last ten years to help others discover how to weave creativity and curiosity into their lives. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @TheJoyWeaver and TheJoyWeaver.com