One group that has been hit the hardest by high rates of unemployment over the course of the recession and accompanying weak labor market has been veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Young veterans are completing their military service only to enter a job market where young people aged 34 and under are experiencing the highest rates of unemployment of any age group. HR professionals are uniquely positioned to help both active military personnel and veterans maintain or regain their foothold in the labor market. This SHRM report presents the highlights of the "Military Veterans: Transitioning Skills to the New Economy" conference and analyzes research data on employing military personnel and recruiting veterans.

Drawing on the principles and research from industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology and best practices from human resources (HR) management, this book will help civilian employers improve the way that they locate, hire, and retain military veterans and military spouses. Each chapter provides accessible guidance founded in research and data from leaders and experts to help companies maximize the benefits of veteran employees. This book offers a summary of best in class practices that will enable veteran employers and employees to thrive.

The definitive guide to hiring and retaining members of the military community by the foremost authority on the transition from military to civilian work-life. “This book helps give employers the practical tools they need to hire and retain our well-qualified veterans and fully utilize the skills they acquired while serving in the Armed Forces. From leadership and work ethic to managing diverse teams in high-stress environments, [the skills] our veterans bring to the workforce . . . can ultimately prove invaluable to an organization.” —Col. Brad Wenstrup, USAR, member of Congress “Hiring Veterans is a blueprint on how to welcome, support, and advance the military-connected community. It is a long-needed guidebook for employers that seek to become military-inclusive.” —Betsy Hubbard, vice president of programs, National Veterans Leadership Foundation “If you or your business leaders seek to leverage the skills and abilities of this nation’s military service members, Hiring Veterans is your guide.” —Sean Passmore, head of military talent strategic sourcing and enterprise military and veteran initiatives, Wells Fargo Bank, NA Veterans represent a real-time talent pool of experienced, trained, and dedicated professionals that, when properly harnessed, comprise an instant means of improving your competitiveness and productivity. Hiring Veterans covers important topics, such as how to successfully organize and staff a veteran support program; identify and recruit candidates; onboard, deploy, and retain veteran hires; capitalize on financial incentives for veteran employment; and apply for military friendly recognition programs.

When We Hire Military Veterans, Everyone Wins. In business, we need to hire candidates who are honest, loyal, committed to the organization's overall success, have a great work ethic, work well on teams, and perform well under pressure. Look no further than veterans of the US military forces for your best candidates.From Combat to Corporate Life focuses on the tremendous opportunity that corporations, companies, and organizations have to make veterans valuable members of their teams. It explains how military experience can translate to success in the civilian workforce and answers the who, what, why, where, when, and how of recruiting our nation's courageous defenders. You'll learn: - Why military veterans are ideal candidates in corporations- Why some companies don't hire veterans-and a list of those that do- Where to find military veterans- When and how to recruit veterans- Advice to veterans seeking civilian careers- Employment outlook of our industry and for veterans- Understanding the military culture and rank structure- How to make vets feel welcomeJim Petersen entered corporate America in 1983 while continuing a 22-year career in the US Navy and US Navy Reserve. He served as a submarine officer and retired with the rank of captain (0-6). Jim retired from a major financial services company at the end of 2018, having served in multiple positions in the field and the home office. He holds a BS degree from the US Naval Academy and two master's degrees from The American College of Financial Services. He is the first financial services manager to be awarded a PhD in financial and retirement planning from The American College. Jim is currently an adjunct professor, speaker, and author.

Operation Job Search is the ultimate guide for US military veterans seeking employment after discharge. It provides information about the civilian workforce, rubrics for navigating one’s career, and a list of essential resources to consult during the job search. Also included are sections dedicated specifically to suggestions and resources available to female veterans. Weiss explains that hiring managers and human resources directors hire veterans who make the effort to build a professional relationship. He discusses the importance of leaving the house and meeting employers at venues such as job fairs, trade shows, office parks, and even Starbucks. Weiss offers practical instructions and crucial tips, such as: Establish an operations center (home office) for job hunting Don’t be afraid to make cold calls Dress appropriately for job interviews and practice communicating in civilian-speak, not military jargon Target military-friendly companies that value the skills of returning military personnel If you are a US military veteran searching for a job, Operation Job Search will guide you every step of the way—from translating your skills into civilian-speak to negotiating your contract.

"Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs."

Many US military veterans have proven themselves in challenging life-and-death circumstances. Veterans have undergone rigorous training and built in-demand work skills. Yet many organizations remain unsure about how to locate and hire them. Retired US Marine Corps officer and veterans advocate Lt. Col. Justin Constantine details who veterans are and explains why and how companies should employ them. Though Constantine wrote his book when American unemployment was low, his counsel will be particularly meaningful during economic hard times.