Seeking Veteran-Friendly Employers
How to Identify Veteran-Friendly Organizations
For Veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce, finding an organization that values their unique skills, experience, and leadership potential can be a mission in itself. While many companies claim to be "Veteran-friendly," how do you know which ones truly live up to the name? Understanding what it means to be Veteran-friendly and how to identify these organizations can make all the difference in finding your next career opportunity.
What Does It Mean to Be Veteran-Friendly?
Veteran-friendly companies value your background and see the potential you bring. No need to explain or defend your experience – they get it. These organizations know how your military skills translate to success in the civilian workforce and actively invest in helping you thrive. They recognize your strengths, support your growth, and create opportunities to maximize your impact.
It’s about working where your service is not just respected, but truly leveraged to deliver results.
What Makes a Veteran-Friendly Organization?
Veteran Hiring Programs: Focused efforts to recruit Veterans and military spouses, often through job fairs and networking events.
Tailored Onboarding: Supportive training and mentorship to help you navigate the transition to civilian work.
Growth Opportunities: A clear path for career advancement and leadership roles.
Shared Values: A culture that champions teamwork, mission focus, and integrity – qualities you already bring to the table.
When you find a company that actively supports Veterans, you’re less likely to feel out of place or undervalued. These organizations understand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian careers and are equipped to help you navigate the journey successfully.
Where to Spot Veteran-Friendly Employers
Some companies don’t openly advertise their support for Veterans, but there are key signs to look for.
1. Dedicated Veteran Job Boards
Some companies advertise open positions through Veteran-focused platforms. These boards often highlight employers who understand the value of military experience:
Hire Heroes USA: Connects Veterans with employers through workshops, training, and job boards.
MilitaryFriendly.com: Ranks organizations based on their commitment to hiring and retaining Veterans.
Viqtory’s GI Jobs: Provides a hub for Veteran career advice, job listings, and company profiles that cater specifically to transitioning military personnel.
2. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Alignment
Some companies list specific MOSs that align with the roles they’re hiring for, showing they understand how military skills translate to civilian jobs.
Example: A company hiring operations managers or supply chain specialists might mention Logistics Officers (MOS 90A) in their job descriptions.
3. Participation in Military-Focused Job Fairs
Organizations that participate in Veteran hiring events are typically invested in supporting military candidates. Look for events like:
Hiring Our Heroes job fairs sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Local and national military hiring expos like those hosted by RecruitMilitary or DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
4. Company Websites with Veteran Initiatives
Many companies have dedicated sections on their websites showcasing their commitment to hiring Veterans. Look for:
Employer spotlights or testimonials from Veterans who have successfully transitioned into civilian roles at the company.
Details about programs, mentorships, or employee resource groups specifically for Veterans.
5. Sponsorships of Veteran Job Boards
If you see a company featured as a sponsor on platforms like GI Jobs or Hire Heroes USA, that’s a strong indicator they’re invested in hiring military candidates. Sponsored posts and targeted listings are often curated specifically for Veterans.
What to Look for During Your Search
Here’s a quick checklist to identify Veteran-friendly organizations:
Do they list MOSs or actively translate military experience in their job postings?
Are they involved in military-specific hiring events or Veteran job boards?
Are they certified as SDVOSBs (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses) or affiliated with Veteran-friendly organizations?
Moving Forward
Finding a Veteran-friendly organization takes some research, but it’s worth it to join a workplace that values and celebrates your military experience. These companies see beyond your skills – they recognize your discipline, perspective, and proven leadership under pressure.
You’ve already shown you can lead. Now it’s about finding the right mission in the civilian world, and Veteran-friendly companies are here to help you thrive.
