As a hiring manager, you’ve likely asked yourself: what qualities make up my ideal employee? Having previous experience in the role you’re looking to fill isn’t always enough. Perhaps you’re looking for someone who’s disciplined and goal oriented. Maybe you need someone who works well in a team and communicates effectively.
Sound like you? Well, it may surprise you to know that veterans are becoming increasingly popular amongst employers. As of 2014, the Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that there were 22 million military veterans in the United States alone, and many of these individuals are looking to make the transition from military to civilian life.
One of the toughest parts, however, is evaluating their applications. Many ex-military personnel don’t have a lot of experience outside their time on duty, and employers often find it difficult to connect the dots between their military roles and the position they’re applying for. If you’re ready to explore this group of promising candidates, here are some common terms to refer to:
Did you know? There are financial perks that come with hiring veterans. Read our guide on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).
Active Duty – Continuous duty, synonymous with “full-time”.
Base – Location where a military force initiates its operations.
Civilian – Any individual who isn’t on active duty.
Commissioned Officer – Comparable to a “manager” or “executive”.
Drill – Training in military operations.
Duty – An assigned task.
Enlisted member – Comparable to an entry-level employee or a supervisor.
Obligation – The agreed time one serves on active duty.
Reserves – Military personnel who are not on active (full-time) duty. Comparable to “on-call” work.
Having trouble hiring? HigherMe can connect you with hundreds of qualified job seekers – contact us at contact@higherme.com, or visit our Applicant Tracking System page!