Posted on Jan 12, 2017
Why Companies Don’t Hire Veterans (And What You Can Do About It) – Eric Burleson
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http://ericburleson.com/why-companies-dont-hire-veterans/
RP Members and Connections check out this article on Why Companies Don't Hire Veterans (And What You Can Do About It) by one of our very own here on RallyPoint SSG Eric Burleson
Veterans may hem and haw about how company A has no appreciation for what veterans can bring or how company B has no respect for veterans, but the truth usually far simpler. Here are the three main reasons that companies don’t hire veterans.
My picture on the unemployment rate is not exact and is every changing - it's a picture to project the issue!
RP Members and Connections check out this article on Why Companies Don't Hire Veterans (And What You Can Do About It) by one of our very own here on RallyPoint SSG Eric Burleson
Veterans may hem and haw about how company A has no appreciation for what veterans can bring or how company B has no respect for veterans, but the truth usually far simpler. Here are the three main reasons that companies don’t hire veterans.
My picture on the unemployment rate is not exact and is every changing - it's a picture to project the issue!
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Edited 7 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
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The other problem I experienced because I was still in the National Guard many of the supervisors were pressuring me to get out. They felt I was disloyal because I was going away for training and schools. The corporate policy might be one thing but it the lower level mangers that can make life tough. I would not back down I was not afraid to take it to the next level. You need to be careful and really watch the small things they can use against you if they want to punish your membership in the military.
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SGT Anna Kleinschmidt
I have never witnessed that problem. But I have always had employers that appreciate the skills that veterans bring to the table.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I'm happy to say i never had that problem with My employer, they did support My membership in the Military and never even once gave Me any grief about it.
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I can honestly say that my Veteran status has never been the cause of me not getting hired.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
MSG (Join to see) I believe I can honestly say that as well. I was very lucky to have some very good and supportive leaders tha respected my service requirements to this country.
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GySgt William Hardy
While I can say the same thing, I also think that the attitude towards many of the young veterans today is different from the attitudes of the past.
I believe (no facts to back this up, just my experience.) that many employers are placed between a rock and a hard place with the new concept of citizen soldiers who are called to duty and absent from their civilian employment for long periods of time. When I first went from active duty to the reserve side, being absent a week here and week there was no big deal except that as a teacher, the school system had to pay me for up to 30 days for military service and also pay for the substitute. In other words, my state authorized "double dipping" to make up for the hardships encountered. Schools are often financially strapped and dislike spending the money they don't really have. All was well until I got called up for Iraq and my orders were for 18 months. The school was not happy with the long absence.
With the growing number of stories about soldiers with PTSD, many are not pleased to interview war veterans. They ignore the training we get in leadership and that we are normally more loyal than the common hire.
My personal experience was that the students and fellow teachers were all behind me, but the administration was not pleased at all.
I believe (no facts to back this up, just my experience.) that many employers are placed between a rock and a hard place with the new concept of citizen soldiers who are called to duty and absent from their civilian employment for long periods of time. When I first went from active duty to the reserve side, being absent a week here and week there was no big deal except that as a teacher, the school system had to pay me for up to 30 days for military service and also pay for the substitute. In other words, my state authorized "double dipping" to make up for the hardships encountered. Schools are often financially strapped and dislike spending the money they don't really have. All was well until I got called up for Iraq and my orders were for 18 months. The school was not happy with the long absence.
With the growing number of stories about soldiers with PTSD, many are not pleased to interview war veterans. They ignore the training we get in leadership and that we are normally more loyal than the common hire.
My personal experience was that the students and fellow teachers were all behind me, but the administration was not pleased at all.
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I took an hourly position at a company in the town I grew up in after retiring. While interviewing I was told repeatedly that I was over-qualified, to which I replied "you will eventually have a position that can use my experience, education and skillset." I assured the hiring and department manager that I was perfectly willing to work in a position that would be considered a demotion to most after serving 21 years. Until then I would try my best to be a model employee.
After starting I waited patiently, proving my value any chance I could, and eventually an opportunity opened up. That was 7 years ago.
For those who are near or at their transition into the civilian sector I would offer the advice to stay patient. You may have to knuckle under for while, but keep plugging away. Try not to judge too harshly on the current state of the company and people you go to work for. Saying the current boss is an idiot may win you some chuckles amongst your new peer group, but it will hurt you in the end. Be assertive without seeming cocky. Offer to help make improvements. Plant your seeds. Win them over.
It may take longer than you would like, but that is part of what you learned during your time in the military. Use your training. Be humble. Mentor others when you can and accept mentorship from others. Good things will happen.
After starting I waited patiently, proving my value any chance I could, and eventually an opportunity opened up. That was 7 years ago.
For those who are near or at their transition into the civilian sector I would offer the advice to stay patient. You may have to knuckle under for while, but keep plugging away. Try not to judge too harshly on the current state of the company and people you go to work for. Saying the current boss is an idiot may win you some chuckles amongst your new peer group, but it will hurt you in the end. Be assertive without seeming cocky. Offer to help make improvements. Plant your seeds. Win them over.
It may take longer than you would like, but that is part of what you learned during your time in the military. Use your training. Be humble. Mentor others when you can and accept mentorship from others. Good things will happen.
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SGT Anna Kleinschmidt
When I got out and went back to school I went out to look for a part time job. The first place I went in the guy said we are not hiring but we may be soon so give me your resume and go ahead and fill out this application. The whole time I was filling it out he was asking me questions about my resume and my military expirence. By the time I was finished he asked me when I could start and said he would be glad to work around my schedule. Within a month he had already given me a $1 raise.
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GySgt Kenneth Pepper
SGT Anna Kleinschmidt - Too many vets just assume a job will magically appear as if pre-destined. Unfortunately that is quite often not the case. Sounds like you got out there and made something happen. BZ.
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SGT Anna Kleinschmidt
GySgt Kenneth Pepper - you have to make sure you get the qualifications that the civilians require.
I went to the extra training and paid out of my pocket to challenge the boards while in the army to get the national regristration the civilian jobs required. They may be equivalent to civilian specialized jobs but you have to have the civilian certification to go along with. You may have to take classes go back to school when you get out. Most schools are online now and can be taken while on active duty! Even in the 90's with very slow internet I was able to take several classes even while deployed. You are your only true advocate. That is the most important thing I have taught all of my kids.
I went to the extra training and paid out of my pocket to challenge the boards while in the army to get the national regristration the civilian jobs required. They may be equivalent to civilian specialized jobs but you have to have the civilian certification to go along with. You may have to take classes go back to school when you get out. Most schools are online now and can be taken while on active duty! Even in the 90's with very slow internet I was able to take several classes even while deployed. You are your only true advocate. That is the most important thing I have taught all of my kids.
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GySgt Kenneth Pepper
SGT Anna Kleinschmidt - I went the Lean/Six Sigma Master Black Belt route. All paid for by Tuition Assistance before retiring and Post-9/11 GI Bill after. Took about 5 years altogether but was definitely worth it.
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