Title: Five Tips that Employers Can Use to Find Veteran Talent
Introduction
Hiring veterans can bring a multitude of benefits to organizations, including discipline, teamwork, adaptability, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic. However, finding and attracting veteran talent requires proactive efforts and a strategic approach. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips that employers can use to connect with and recruit veterans for their organizations.
1. Connect with a Regional Veteran Employment Coordinator
The U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) has Regional Veteran Employment Coordinators across the country. These coordinators work with employers to understand their hiring needs, develop action plans, and connect them with federal, state, and local resources. Whether you run a small local business or a national conglomerate, these coordinators can provide you with veteran hiring best practices, enabling you to find the talent you need to succeed.
2. Reach out to the VETS State Director
In every state, VETS has dedicated staff members who promote relationships within the local community. These individuals can provide valuable information on job fairs, hiring events, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and more. By establishing a connection with the VETS State Director, you can tap into their expertise and network to enhance your veteran recruitment efforts.
3. Speak with your Local Veterans’ Employment Representative
The Department of Labor operates over 2,400 American Job Centers nationwide, many of which have staff specializing in veterans’ employment. Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives can assist you in matching the skills you’re seeking with veterans’ resumes, post job opportunities, and even personally refer qualified veterans to your organization. Leveraging their expertise can be instrumental in finding the right candidates for your vacancies.
4. Start an apprenticeship program for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses
Registered Apprenticeship Programs offer a talent development model that can help attract, train, and diversify your workforce. By creating an apprenticeship program specifically tailored for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses, you can tap into a skilled and diverse talent pool. Additionally, these programs are linked to the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, allowing employers to connect with separating service members at no cost.
5. Apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award, the only federal-level veterans’ employment award, recognizes employers for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining veterans. By receiving this award, your organization demonstrates its commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. Applying for the award and potentially receiving it not only showcases your dedication but also enhances your reputation as a veteran-friendly employer.
Conclusion
Finding and attracting veteran talent requires deliberate efforts and utilizing the resources available from organizations like the U.S. Department of Labor VETS. By connecting with Regional Veteran Employment Coordinators, reaching out to the VETS State Director, utilizing Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives, starting an apprenticeship program, and applying for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, employers can enhance their recruitment strategies and tap into a pool of highly skilled and reliable veteran talent. Embracing veteran hiring not only contributes to the success of your organization but also supports those who have served our nation.