Most employers are dealing with a talent shortage while millions of veterans are transitioning to civilian careers every year.
According to the Department of Labor, there were more than 17.5 million veterans in the civilian non-institutional population, of which almost 8.2 million were employed in 2024. That’s a massive pool of experienced, trained professionals who’ve already proven they can handle responsibility, work in teams, and adapt to challenging situations.
But somehow, many companies are missing out on this talent. Maybe it’s because they don’t understand what veterans bring to the table, maybe they’re worried about cultural fit, or maybe they just don’t know how to reach this candidate pool effectively.
The reality is veterans bring skills, perspectives, and work ethic that can positively transform an organization. Plus, there are some serious financial incentives that make this an even smarter business decision.
Why Hire Veterans?
There are many reasons to hire veterans, including:
Ready-to-Work Employees
Veterans have already been through one of the most comprehensive training and development programs in the world. They’ve learned to work under pressure, lead teams, solve problems quickly, and adapt to changing situations.
These aren’t soft skills you can teach in a training program; They’re ingrained behaviors developed through years of real-world experience.
It’s Good for Business
Hiring veterans makes business sense. McKinsey research shows that companies with strong veteran hiring programs often see improvements in leadership development, team cohesion, and overall performance. Veterans don’t just fill roles; they elevate the teams they join.
Gain Diverse Skill Sets and Diversity
Military service brings together people from all backgrounds, races, and regions. Veterans have already learned to work effectively with diverse teams, which is increasingly valuable in today’s workplace.
And let’s be practical about this: veterans are often highly motivated to succeed in their civilian careers. They’ve made a major life transition and are invested in proving themselves. That level of commitment is hard to find in any candidate pool.
Benefits of Hiring Veterans
Adding veterans to your workforce provides benefits to the business, as well as to employers, including:
1. Proven Leadership Skills
Veterans have actual leadership experience. They’ve led teams in high-stress situations, which. This translates directly to the workplace. They know how to motivate teams, make decisions under pressure, and take responsibility for outcomes.
2. Exceptional Work Ethic
Military service instills a level of discipline and commitment that’s hard to replicate. Veterans show up on time, complete tasks thoroughly, and don’t quit when things get difficult. They understand that their work affects the entire team, not just themselves.
3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Military training teaches people to adapt quickly to changing situations and solve problems with available resources. Veterans are comfortable with ambiguity and can figure out solutions even when they don’t have perfect information or unlimited resources.
4. Team Collaboration
Veterans have extensive experience working in diverse teams toward common goals. They understand how to support teammates, communicate effectively, and put team success above individual recognition. This collaborative mindset can transform workplace culture.
5. Technical Skills and Training
Many veterans have technical training in areas such as cybersecurity, logistics, engineering, and project management. Military technical training is often more rigorous and practical than civilian equivalents, giving you employees who can hit the ground running.
6. Security Clearance Benefits
For companies that work with government contracts, veterans often come with existing security clearances. This can save months of time and thousands of dollars in the hiring process, while also expanding your ability to take on certain types of projects.
7. Significant Tax Credits
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides substantial tax benefits for hiring veterans, including disabled veterans. These credits can range from $2,400 to $9,600 per veteran hired, depending on their circumstances and length of employment. Without action from Congress, the tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025.
8. Loyalty and Retention
Veterans tend to be loyal employees who stay with organizations longer than average. They understand the value of stability and are less likely to job-hop, which reduces your recruitment and training costs over time.
9. Training and Development Readiness
Veterans are accustomed to continuous learning and skill development. They’re comfortable with structured training programs and often excel in professional development opportunities, making them valuable long-term investments.
How to Attract Veterans for Work
Veterans are no different than those already in the civilian workforce that your business might be looking to hire; you must meet them where they are. Here are some ways to draw the attention of veterans in the recruiting process.
Translate Military Experience
Don’t just look at job titles. Rather, understand what military roles actually involved. A logistics coordinator in the military might have managed supply chains worth millions of dollars. A team leader might have supervised dozens of people in high-pressure situations. Learn to translate military experience into civilian terms.
Partner with Veteran Organizations
Connect with local veteran service organizations, VFW chapters, and military transition programs. These organizations can help you reach qualified candidates and provide insights into effective veteran recruiting strategies.
Highlight Growth Opportunities
Veterans are often looking for careers, not just jobs. Emphasize advancement opportunities, professional development programs, and leadership tracks. Show them how their military experience positions them for growth in your organization.
Emphasize Team Culture
Veterans value teamwork and camaraderie. Highlight your company’s collaborative culture, team-building activities, and how employees support each other. This resonates with veterans who are familiar with strong team bonds.
Offer Flexible Scheduling
Many veterans continue to serve through the reserves or National Guard, and flexible scheduling makes it easier for them to meet those commitments. Just as important, a flexible schedule gives veterans space to access the resources they need while transitioning back to civilian life. Some have served in war-torn areas and may be attending therapy or seeking mental health support.
By building in flexibility and offering mental health awareness and services, you send a clear message: you respect their ongoing service and care about their well-being.
Provide Clear Structure
Veterans appreciate clear expectations, defined roles, and structured processes. Be specific about job responsibilities, performance expectations, and advancement criteria. Ambiguous job descriptions can be off-putting to veteran candidates.
Showcase Veteran Employees
If you already have veterans on your team, feature them in your recruiting materials and company communications. Current veteran employees can be your best advocates for attracting new veteran talent.
Participate in Veteran Job Fairs
Military bases and veteran organizations regularly host job fairs specifically for veteran candidates. These events provide direct access to qualified candidates who are actively seeking employment.
How Paycor Helps You Hire Veterans
Paycor’s talent acquisition solutions provide the tools you need to effectively recruit and hire veteran candidates. Our platform helps you post jobs on veteran-focused job boards, track applications from military candidates, and manage the entire hiring process efficiently. Here’s how:
- Our recruiting software includes features that make it easier to evaluate candidates with military backgrounds. You can create custom screening questions that help translate military experience into civilian terms, and use our applicant tracking system to manage the unique requirements of veteran hiring programs.
- The smart sourcing capabilities help you find veteran candidates across multiple channels, including specialized military job boards and veteran networks. This expanded reach ensures you’re connecting with qualified candidates who might not be active on traditional job sites.
- Once you hire veterans, our onboarding software helps ensure they transition smoothly into your organization. You can create specialized onboarding programs that address the unique needs of veteran employees and track their progress through the integration process.
- Our career management software supports the long-term development of veteran employees. You can create career paths that leverage their military experience, track their professional development, and ensure they have opportunities for advancement within your organization.
Take a guided tour today to see how Paycor can help you build an effective veteran hiring program that drives real results for your organization.