What Veterans Look For in an Employer

Just like everyone else, veterans have hopes and expectations when deciding on their next big career move.

Craving to work with a company they can thrive and grow with is often at the very top of their checklist of must-haves while choosing which employer to commit to.

But what else do they need?

Well, according to one of America’s leading veteran recruiting sources, iCIMS, there are incredibly specific future career desires trending within the veteran community. While conducting a study, they discovered many from this community prefer the following company characteristics:

Supportive company culture

Those in the military have been highly fortunate by consistently working with team members who always have their back. Even if they don’t really like each other, there’s a general understanding that no one will be left behind.

Therefore, it’s only natural that working for a business with a supportive community is a desired company trait. This goes far beyond simply getting along. Positive mindsets, showing mutual respect and caring for the general well being of employees are elements many veterans consider essential to companies in order to bring out optimal performance levels.

Clear advancement track

A dead-end job rarely excites future employees, including former military members. Company benefits like on the job training and promotion opportunities motivate former service members and encourage them to consistently improve.

Though these are perks that are often taken for granted while serving their country, they still fully recognize the importance of having them after transitioning into the civilian workplace. In fact, businesses that do not provide the options for upward mobility may be overlooked entirely.

Purpose and meaning

General labor warehouse positions and similar jobs that don’t offer much in the way of career satisfaction don’t usually make it to the top of Veteran’s lists. Sure, they may have to take one or two of those types of jobs while searching for a more fulfilling job, but it’s almost never a part of their end game.

After all, their last job consisted of dedicating their time to keeping loved ones safe and serving their beloved country. At the very least, a company that adds to the lives of others is viewed as necessary.

Flexibility

Leaving active duty with an honorable discharge does not always mean leaving the military entirely. For some, working with an employer who understands that those serving in the reserves may be occasionally deployed is an absolute must.

It’s important to know that your boss supports you as you continue to serve your country. Being hassled about reservist obligations or feeling stressed out about treatment from your boss can affect job performance and general well being. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this is a major factor for some while job searching.

Mentorship

The title of a veteran is often synonymous with the word leader. The military allows you to learn from those in your unit and encourages you to study those who’ve come before you in history.

Having potential mentors in a company and the understanding that, in time, they will mentor others as well is important to those who have served. It shows them that even though they are civilians now, they will not have to do it alone and are still part of a valuable team.

It’s safe to say that those who have served in the military have a unique way of viewing the world. However, as you can see, veterans look for a lot of the same things that non-veterans do from potential employers. They don’t require a lot of extras, but they do look for the company that best fits their needs. For more information or for help with your hiring needs, visit us here.