Most of us like to be that person who says “thank you for your service” when we meet a veteran, or anyone from a service that is dedicated to our safety and welfare. However, for most of us, other than a few reposts on social media, the gratitude stops there. What if there were a way for us and businesses to do something that really matters? Well, there is a really easy way for employers to show their appreciation: hire a veteran. And that’s what National Hire A Veteran Day is all about highlighting.
According to the Department of Labor, each year around 200,000 members of the armed services either retire or leave the services. Sure, these people are veterans who leave the services having lived many amazing experiences. But they also enter the job market with a lot of experience that is difficult to gain elsewhere.
Let’s be honest, there is nowhere like the armed services for developing highly sought after transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
Despite this, veterans find it difficult to land a job as civilians, with many finding it challenging to slot into the civilian job market. National Hire A Veteran Day was initiated in 2017 to encourage veterans to apply for civilian jobs. Also, to remind employers of the in-demand skills and ethics that armed services veterans have already developed throughout their career in some of the harshest environments.
2017 also saw Congress pass the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act). This introduced the HIRE Vets Medallion Program which offers employers the opportunity to earn a HIRE Vets Medallion award by employing veterans.
The program’s website says this federal award “recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.”
Remember, a job isn’t just the means to earn a livelihood. It’s the opportunity to contribute and feel part of something. To veterans, it’s important to feel part of a team working towards common goals. We can all identify with the need to feel useful, and having a job means feeling valued, and that is no different for veterans.
Some veterans return home with different needs due to injuries. EJAI Loves Homecare actually has a Vet Assist Program that helps them access our in-home care that can be tailored to their needs and schedule.
So if you’re an employer, consider whether a veteran might have the key attributes your business needs. If you’re a veteran, consider the following resources:
- tips and advice on hiring veterans
- employment and training opportunities
- apprenticeship.gov job-finder tool
- Career OneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center.
- USA Jobs
- VA Careers
- Clearance Jobs (for veterans with security clearance)
- list of employers with opportunities for veterans
- government job sites
Giving a veteran a job isn’t just about filling a vacancy, or showing gratitude. Employing a veteran is about recognizing a person’s skills and making the most of their experience that they have built up over years spent defending their country at home and abroad.
Despite the challenge of transitioning to the civilian job market, veterans have a lot to offer a prospective employer.
If you have a loved one who needs a little care and lots of smiles, contact EJAI Loves Homecare in Florida to discuss their in-home care service. The team is ready to take your call and go through the options to give your loved one the assistance they deserve to stay in their own home. Greater independence through compassion and quality care together at home.
EJAI Loves Homecare is waiting to tell you more
Seize the day and contact EJAI Loves Homecare today to see how they can help you and your loved ones