This article originally appeared on Task and Purpose.
Whether you're a veteran in search of a job or an employer who is considering hiring a veteran to fill an open position, there is likely one question on your mind. What is it that makes veterans so special when compared to other job candidates?
It's not just the specialized skills that veterans learned while working for the military that make them different. The very nature of being in the military has given them attributes unlike those that people can gain through any other type of employment.
For those who are considering hiring a vet, knowing what these special attributes are can not only help you decide one of these individuals is right for your team, but also help you determine where the best placement for these individuals may be. And for veterans, knowing what these skills are, and how prized they are by potential employers, can better help you to build a resume and a cover letter that will make a lasting impression on potential employers.
1. Camaraderie: Teamwork is crucial for a business's success, but too few people in the workplace know how to really work together as a team. That's something that veterans know how to do in spades, because they have spent years not only cooperating with but relying on their team members to stay safe and complete crucial tasks. Camaraderie is a crucial part of the military experience and can be highly beneficial for employers who bring these skills into the workplace.
2. Communication: Veterans have the ability to communicate a message quickly, clearly and efficiently. Hiring a veteran can help to open channels for communication in your workplace, and it can facilitate the further openness and honesty needed to get work done, whatever that work may be. Employers place high emphasis on strong communication skills, no matter what type of industry in which they work.
3. Professionalism and respect: All too often, workers tend to forget that just because their workplace has a relaxed atmosphere doesn't mean they can get away with immaturity and unprofessionalism. That will not be the case with most veterans, who have come to value a high level of professionalism and respect in their workplace environment. While veterans may not emphasize this professionalism in their cover letter or resume, they can, and usually do, showcase it during the interview and hiring process, something which employers are sure to appreciate.
4. Ability to perform in stressful situations: Naturally most veterans have had to perform their jobs under some of the most stressful situations imaginable. That means they're less likely to crack under pressure, even on the busiest or most stressful of days in the workplace, which can be crucial for industries that work with tight deadlines or sensitive materials.
5. Problem-solving skills: Virtually every interviewer at some point will ask the question, "Tell me about a problem you've encountered in the workplace and how you've taken steps to solve it." Military members are in the unique position of having to work to solve problems almost every day, which means that veterans have unrivaled problem-solving abilities when compared to others in the workforce.
6. Leadership: Members of the military aren't followers; they are true leaders, and this is something that can be critical in the workplace. Above all else, employers should know that when they hire veterans, they are gaining employees with the leadership abilities to make real differences, to forge connections between team members, and to delegate tasks if they are in the position to do so.
Clearly, veterans have some incredible traits at their disposal, something that can make them a valuable asset as a part of any workplace team.
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