Hiring? Don’t Overlook This Potential Talent Bonanza
by Jay Selanders
The looming drawdown in U.S. military forces will mean more veterans entering the work force. Here’s why you should consider scooping them up—and fast.
Last May, President Obama shared his plan to withdraw all but 9,800 American troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and pull out the rest by the end of 2016. This plan would make our military the smallest in size since WWII, subsequently leaving hundreds of thousands of men and women scrambling for jobs.
What does this mean for Kansas City employers? More applicants for jobs, yes, but if you’re wondering how a potential candidate’s extensive training in the military can translate to your particular job requirements, the answers might not seem so clear.
Veterans face many challenges when returning home. Finding work is clearly one of them, often because employers aren’t sure how veterans’ military skills translate to the civilian world.
But employers who hesitate to hire veterans are missing out on an untapped pool of talent.
While a former fighter pilot or sniper may not appear to have the obvious skills one might consider for a management role at a company, he or she has had extensive training and developed extremely desirable leadership qualities. Like the example of the fighter pilot and sniper, most veterans:
• Understand the importance of continued training (or professional development).
• Know how to take orders and pass down directions.
• Understand—and respect—authority.
• Possess discipline and integrity.
• And have an eye for detail.
Suddenly, the fighter pilot and sniper seem a perfect fit for management. Those qualities are crucial skills employers look for when hiring the right people for their team, and they also happen to be entrenched traits among military members.
The same is true of Millennial veterans. While some employers worry about hiring this younger generation of workers—common complaints are that Millenials have a poor work ethic and need constant positive reinforcement—employers can rest assured: Millennial veterans have been trained well, they know how to lead and they know how to follow orders.
Veterans aren’t just categorized by age and experience. There are also those who are done with their military service and those who choose to stay in the National Guard or Reserve. The latter, which I’ve been a part of for more than 30 years, is an especially interesting group of candidates because we essentially work a full-time and part-time job.
And while there are weekends and weeks during the year when those in the National Guard or Reserve are called to duty, employers are receiving the benefits of their off-site experience. The leadership skills these men and women achieve while serving their country will translate to their full-time jobs. At the same time, when you hire someone who is in the Reserve or National Guard, you know you’re getting a hard-working and dedicated employee—one who takes both commitments seriously.
Clearly, hiring veterans is smart for many reasons, but did you know your company could actually receive recognition for its support of this unique group of men and women? On a national level, Home Depot is a great example of a company that offers many programs to attract and retain veteran employees.
And locally, the City of Shawnee is doing exemplary work. They are one of 30 finalists for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the Department of Defense’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
As you look to expand, rebrand or open a new business, consider the veterans in our hometown for your team. Their experience, however different from ours, carries with it undeniable assets and strengths that will no doubt enhance your company and boost your bottom line.
If you’re interested in recruiting veterans for current or future employment opportunities, there are several organizations to contact: We Hire Heroes, The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Show-Me Heroes, and Hire Veterans to name just a few.
Col. Jay Selanders is managing partner at the Kutak Rock law firm in Kansas City, and Vice Commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing for the Kansas Air National Guard.
P | 816.502.4617
E | jay.selanders@kutakrock.com
Return to Ingram's July 2014