Creating job descriptions that are inclusive and appealing to veterans is an essential step in bridging the gap between military and civilian careers. You can better connect with this valuable talent pool by tailoring your postings to recognize military personnel’s unique skills and experiences. Here are strategies to help your organization craft effective, military-friendly job descriptions:
Translate Military Experience
Veterans often possess skills and experiences that align with civilian job requirements but may not immediately see the connection. To improve outreach, identify military-specific competencies—such as leadership, problem-solving or technical expertise—that align with the role. Avoid industry-specific jargon or acronyms that might create unnecessary barriers for candidates unfamiliar with civilian terminology. Instead, focus on skills and attributes that are universally valuable, ensuring your descriptions are accessible to a broader audience.
Emphasize Competencies
Traditional job descriptions often emphasize specific years in a particular role or industry, discouraging veterans from applying. Instead, highlight desired competencies and skills. For example, rather than requiring five years of manufacturing experience, you might specify proficiency in assembling and disassembling mechanical systems within a set timeframe. This approach recognizes the transferable skills veterans bring, regardless of the exact length of their professional experience.
Mission, Vision & Values
Veterans are often drawn to organizations with a strong sense of purpose. Use your job description to communicate how your company’s mission, vision and values align with principles such as service, dedication and teamwork. Demonstrating that your organization prioritizes these qualities can make your workplace more appealing to veterans and those transitioning from military service.
Insights from Veterans
Engage with veterans within your organization or consult local veteran advocacy groups to refine your job postings. These individuals can provide valuable feedback on language, structure and the relevance of specific competencies, ensuring your descriptions resonate with military job seekers. Additionally, incorporating military codes and titles in your postings helps veterans easily identify roles that match their experience. Tools such as the CareerOneStop Civilian-to-Military Translator can assist in this process.
Clear, Military-Ready Language
Many veterans face challenges deciphering civilian job descriptions, particularly when they’re filled with unfamiliar terms. Use straightforward, clear language and include keywords like veteran-friendly, military experience or transitioning military. These phrases signal that your company values military backgrounds and is open to candidates with diverse experiences. Providing detailed job descriptions that clearly outline responsibilities and expectations further ensures veterans understand the role without needing additional research.
Highlight Support & Development
Veterans value workplaces that offer opportunities for growth, mentorship and community involvement. If your company provides employee assistance programs, career development resources or veteran-specific mentorship initiatives, feature them in your job descriptions. Additionally, emphasize service and volunteer opportunities, such as paid time off for volunteering or partnerships with local nonprofits, to attract candidates who value giving back to their communities.
Ultimately, these practices help your company connect with veteran talent and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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