Benefits of Hiring Ex Forces

By Mia Gaitely

HR Consultant

Those that have served in the Armed Forces (being Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Forces and Royal Marines) would have gained a lot of experience and talent that is beneficial when it comes to your Business.

Below are some of the benefits hiring ex- military personnel offer to employers and Businesses:

  • Transferable skills – Whilst serving in the Military, serving personnel gain many qualifications which can be directly applicable or transferred into civilian roles.
  • Adaptability and resilience – Military personnel have had to work and adapt in many different areas and locations making them well suited for various industries.
  • Lower turnover rates – Many employers have reported increased loyalty, leading to lower rates of sickness absence and longer tenure.
  • Diverse roles – Veterans can fill a variety of roles from technical positions to leadership roles.

In the soft skills economy, where many businesses currently face difficulties, veterans really shine. These traits, which have been developed during years of military service and are now highly sought after in many industries, range from leadership and resilience to strategic thinking and poise under duress.

It is noted that a lot of Veterans, more than half took a job which was below their previous skill level, often because employers did not understand or recognise their experience.

What Can Employers do?

 Employers should think about revisiting their hiring procedures to make sure they continue to be accessible to veterans in addition to taking action to draw in applications. Employers should, for instance, refrain from using industry-specific terminology that veterans might not be familiar with, and the interview process should enable veterans to freely discuss their abilities and strengths so that employers can take transferrable talents into account.

If an employer already employs ex-military members, speaking with them could be beneficial. To prevent hiring procedures from unintentionally discouraging veterans from seeking for jobs or from showcasing their genuine qualities in their applications or interviews, hiring managers may benefit from specific training or direction.

For more support on how we can help Businesses Hire and Retain Veterans see HR Consultant Mia Gaitely’s blog Supporting Employers – How We Can Help Businesses Hire and Retain Veterans | Nockolds or contact one of our HR Consultants today on 0345 646 0406.