HR Question:

In trying to expand our recruiting efforts, we are interested in reaching out to veterans as possible applicants. Can you recommend resources and strategies to recruit veterans?

HR Answer:

Developing a targeted strategy to include veterans in your recruiting process is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 17.9 million veterans in 2023 – nearly seven percent of the total adult population. Particularly for organizations struggling to fill open positions, this is a significant portion of the potential labor pool that should not be overlooked. The key is knowing where and how to best connect with them.

Resources and Strategies to Recruit Veterans

Veterans, with their top-notch training, work ethic, and leadership abilities, are highly sought after. Luckily, there are a variety of recruitment strategies and resources that employers can use to attract this in-demand population. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Utilize the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

The U.S. Department of Labor VETS Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinators (RVECs) provide access to dedicated regional employment coordinators who assist with locating and attracting service members, veterans, and spouses seeking employment.

We recently used this resource for one of our clients who was facing challenges in filling various key positions within their organization stemming from high turnover and a lack of qualified candidates. As their recruitment partner, we connected with the appropriate RVECs to find the best candidates for the jobs. We’re happy to report that this valuable connection ultimately led to helping our client fill many of those key roles with veterans. In turn, it contributed to staff retention as they were no longer overburdened with compensating for the work of unfilled positions.

Additionally, the RVECs can assist should you need help in better understanding veterans’ needs, developing your veteran hiring initiatives, or addressing skill gaps.

The DOL also provides a very handy employer guide to hiring veterans, which includes veteran demographics, best practices to attract, train, and retain veterans, and federal, state, and other resources to use in your veteran recruitment process.

Partner with Veteran Organizations

Collaborate with organizations committed to the inclusion of veterans in the workplace. Some examples include the Military Officers Association of America, Hire Heroes USA, and Army Reserve’s Private Public Partnership.

Highlight your commitment to hiring veterans

It’s important to demonstrate a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for veterans in your workplace. For example, veterans often possess qualities and skills that can positively impact team performance and organizational culture. However, those attributes can sometimes get lost in translation between “military speak” and typical terms used in many workplaces. It’s a smart move to help veterans see how they can use their special skills and talents to make a meaningful impact in your organization. Share success stories of current veteran employees and promote your company’s veteran-friendly policies on your website, social media, and in your job ads.

Ultimately, you want veterans to easily see how they can be successful in your organization and to think of your company for their next career move. To further support that goal, consider applying for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program which recognizes employers for their commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation’s heroes.

Advantages to hiring veterans

Among the many benefits of hiring veterans, a key one is its potential to strengthen your bottom line. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit for employers who hire and employ individuals from certain targeted groups (including qualified veterans) who have faced significant barriers to employment.

Additionally, veterans contribute to a diverse workforce, fostering innovation and team cohesion. Companies that actively hire veterans also tend to enhance their brand reputation, as they are seen as supporting national service members, which can boost employee morale and the company’s public image.

Employers who leverage the extensive resources available to recruit, develop, and retain this exceptional group are well-positioned for a high return on their investment.

Thank you to Tracy Walker, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, and Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Business Strategy and Quality, for sharing their expertise in this HR Question of the Week.

A successful recruitment process is much more than just posting an ad. It requires a targeted message, the right resources, and a significant amount of candidate engagement. Are you overwhelmed with your recruiting? Our on-demand recruitment services and flexible pricing options can give you the support you need, no matter where you are in the process. Visit our Outsourced Recruitment page to learn more, or contact us today!