March 2005
Vocations for Veterans
An Inspection of Military-Friendly Employers and Web sites
By
President of Workforce Associates
and author of
NetWork: Maximizing Your Career Resources on the Internet
Available online and in print from Author House
Having just marked the 60th anniversary of Iwo Jima on February 19th, and considering America’s continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we need to reflect on the value and impact of our former and current veterans in the workforce. If you’re a veteran or a soon-to-be one, this article is aimed at you.
A new study by GI Jobs, the magazine for military job seekers, found that most employers were unaware that veterans have learned plenty of transferable skills through their military experience that segue neatly into civilian occupations. So the magazine analyzed the recruiting practices of Fortune 500 firms for reservists and those on active duty. The results are now available in a document called Top 25 Military-Friendly Employers 2004.
Here, for example you’ll find extensive information about some innovative programs operated by The Home Depot, the top military-friendly employer. In addition to specific military recruitment programs, Home Depot also targets junior military officers with management programs to help them transition easily from their leadership positions to equivalent jobs with the company. Thus far, 900 veterans have enrolled in Home Depot’s special program.
What is interesting is how many companies that make the coveted Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list (which we covered in detail last month) also are among the Top 25 Military-Friendly employers. For example, Union Pacific has been a Fortune 100 Best for its recruiting policies, and GI Jobs ranks it as #6 for its efforts that focus on veterans. United Services Automobile Association won #9 on the GI Jobs list, perhaps, in part, because it provides insurance and financial services to the US military community. USAA has also been a Fortune 100 Best four times in the last seven years, in part, due to its diversity recruiting and retention policies. Merrill Lynch, a Fortune 100 employer of choice for two years, ranks lucky #13 in the GI Jobs pecking order.
The same double billing applies to WW Grainger with a ranking of #16 and its high ratings in the Fortune 100 Best. Finally, MBNA is recognized as #24 in its accommodations for veterans, and has been a Fortune 100 Best Company throughout the entire 8 year history of the list. For veterans, these large companies with multiple locations are certainly excellent places to start your job search as a civilian.
A valuable resource for Army veterans, in particular, is the Web site PAYS, aka Partners for Youth Success. Here, veterans will find companies ranging from State Farm and Caterpillar to police departments, Time Warner, Best Buy, Goodyear, and the State of Wisconsin, who have committed to recruit them for their talents and skills. This site complements the Army Career and Alumni Program, which helps service men and women transition from the military to civilian positions. It is a comprehensive Web site for vets in transition, employers, and Army leaders.
HireVetsFirst.gov was developed by the President’s National Hire Veterans Committee to educate employers about the abilities of veterans in the civilian workplace. The list below, taken directly from HireVetsFirst.gov, demonstrates the special advantages that veterans can bring to jobs in the civilian sector:1. Accelerated learning curve
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter the workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real world situations.2. Leadership
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances.3. Teamwork
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity.4. Diversity
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.5. Efficient performance under pressure
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.6. Respect for procedures
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable any organization to thrive.7. Technology and globalization
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that companies of any size need to succeed.8. Integrity
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity can translate into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.9. Conscious of health and safety standards
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they are drug-free and practice personal health and fitness. On a company level, this can translate into protection of employees, property and materials.10. Triumph over adversity
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans likely have proven their mettle in critical situations that demanded endurance, stamina and flexibility.If you are a veteran preparing your electronic resume, use any/all of these ten key points above in your keyword section. Turn to HireVetsFirst.gov for job opportunities and numerous resources. It provides a "Skills Translator" to help you translate your military experiences into those that will be understood by civilian employers. In addition, it provides a directory of One-Stop Career Centers where veterans can find special counselors and services, plus a link to America’s Job Bank, where many veterans are already posting their resumes.
There are, of course, other job boards that specialize in employment opportunities for veterans, including two that were recently named 2005 User’s Choice Award winners by Peter Weddle: VetJobs.com and Vets4Hire.com. Other notable Web sites are:
MilitaryMatch.com MilitaryMatch.com is an online job board specializing in opportunities for transitioning military officers and enlisted healthcare professionals. All services are provided free to job seekers.
RecruitArmy.com A recruiting Web site for transitioning and veteran Army personnel and the companies that wish to hire them.
Toyota's Hire A Hero Program lists available jobs for former military service people at independently owned Toyota and Lexus dealerships.
Corporate Gray Online focuses on military transitions; free resume posting and relocation information.
DoD Transportal is designed to assist Service members leaving active duty. It contains extensive transition information, links and points of contact for programs and associations.
In summary, Uncle Sam wants you -- and needs you in this highly competitive and knowledge skills economy! We salute you for your willingness to serve your country. We value what you’ve learned from your military experience that will be useful to continue our country’s prosperity. As you can see, there are many resources for you in workplaces around this country. Already, progressive companies are realizing the transferable skills that you’ve learned and earned. They’re eager to sign you on to a new tour of duty!
Jane M. Lommel, Ph.D.
jlommel@WorkforceAssociates.com
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