In a tight labor market, veterans can help solve your workforce woes.
Many employers look to veterans as a pool of potential employees. Now they can be rewarded for their efforts. The U.S. Department of Labor is accepting applications for the 2019 HIRE vets Medallion Award Program, which recognizes employers for their investment in recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation’s veterans. The award signals your commitment to veteran hiring and retention, letting potential applicants and clients know that you’re a veteran-friendly business. View the award criteria and apply here. If you haven’t get looked to veterans as potential employees, it’s not too late; and the benefits are numerous.
There are nearly one million unemployed vets across the US. They possess many skills that make them ideal job candidates:
· They are goal oriented.
· They are trained leaders.
· They take responsibility seriously.
· They know how to make decisions.
· They work well independently.
· The have a strong work ethic.
· They can help you organize.
· They receive education assistance.
· They know technology and understand globalization.
Hiring vets can save you money. The U.S. Government’s Special Employer Incentives (SEI) programs lets employers hire a qualified veteran trainee at an apprenticeship wage. Employers also receive reimbursement for up to half of each veteran’s salary to cover certain supplies and equipment, additional instruction expenses, and any loss in production. There are also numerous tax incentives to hire veterans, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Returning Heroes Tax Credit, and the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit. These can provide companies with an annual incentive of up to $9,600.
To target veterans as job candidates, consider advertising open positions on veteran-specific job boards such as vetjobs, military.com, and GIjobs. These can enable you to reach thousands of veterans in your area.
Veterans are similar to other hires, and their time in the military should be considered the same as any other job on a resume. Interviewing them about their experience should focus on the skills they gained in the armed forces. Questions to help uncover this include:
· What technical skills were you trained in that you will use in this job?
· How many years have you been using these skills?
· What soft skills did you gain in the military that you might be useful in this job?
Veterans have tremendous experience that they can bring to your organization. Consider reaching out to this demographic to solve your workforce shortage issues.
