Hire Heroes to Combat Talent Shortage

Candidate scarcity is becoming an increasingly common challenge due to record unemployment lows. In addition to making changes in how they hire, many smart Hiring Managers are realizing the value of transferable skills – and that veterans, an often-overlooked group when it comes to stellar employees, have them in spades. In addition to possessing great technical skills, veterans also have many sought-after competencies that we look for in job candidates. Thanks to their prior military training and career, they have polished their skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving to a fine shine – not to mention their training on how to work under pressure was a bit more rigorous than many of their civilian counterparts. And that’s just a few of their many marketable strengths. Here are a few more:

1. High adaptability: veterans have a proven ability to learn new skills quickly and efficiently, which is very helpful nowadays, when we are constantly changing software, improving processes and evolving our best practices.
2. Strong leadership:as trained soldiers, veterans can calmly take charge when necessary, and then lead by example as well as through clear directives, motivation, and delegation.
3. Collaboration and diversity:nothing teaches teamwork as thoroughly as the military, where the mission and goal come first, and everyone must learn to work together successfully, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age – everyone is a valued part of the team and critical to the mission’s success.
4. Accountability:the military is legendary for cultivating a healthy respect processes, systems, policies and taking responsibility. Follow-through and ownership are vital skills in the armed forces.
5. Safety and health awareness:veterans are trained to be conscious and cautious of any dangers that can pose threats to them or those around them. They are comfortable with even stringent health and safety standards, and many are trained to remain calm when incidents, hazards, or injuries happen.

Even before Thanksgiving, there is a holiday in November that reminds us to give thanks – specifically to an amazing group of men and women. Veterans Day honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you work with or for a veteran, don’t forget to give them a salute!