Survey ShowsVeterans Are Desirable Candidates For Civilian Workforce (NAPSA)—As U.S. companies continue to find new and innovative ways to conduct business, produce better products, offer the most r efficient customerservice, or unveil the latest gadget, one skill set employers look for is experience, or, more specifically, readiness. The U.S. military is a tremen- dous example of a “readiness incubator,” instilling within its members leadership, problem-solving and technical skills that translate well into private-sector employment. And the word is out among corporate America that hiring a military veteran is a good strategic move. An online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix in fall 2015 of more than 500 hiring managers found that 80 percent of those hiring managers have employed a military veteran, and approximately 82 percent recognize the ways in which the skills of employees or applicants with military experience are superior to those who have never served. Approximately two-thirds of hiring managers cited teamwork (69 percent) and responsibility (65 percent) among the top military skills that would contribute to the leadership of their organizations. “Military veterans are well disciplined and possess an incredibly strong workethic,” said Adam Such, University of Phoenix Military Relations vice president and retired Armylieutenant colonel. “Hiring managers have definitely taken notice of the skills that military membersbring to the civilian workplace as a result of their service, which is critical now that many of our nation’s service members are returning homefrom overseas.” This is good news for the 24,000 to 360,000 men and women who are transitioning out of the U.S. military each year. The rea- Companies tend to appreciate prospective employees who have a military background. son is simple: Corporate America is not only looking, but hiring more than just a few good men and women. The same University of Phoenix survey found that when compared with civilian counterparts, hiring managers noted that discipline and the ability to work both under pressure (47 percent) and as part of a team (43 percent) set veteran candi- dates apart. “These are individuals who served their country honorably. The discipline and hands-on experience they’ve learned in the military are qualities that are very much sought after and translate to civilian life,” said Such. “What’s more, hiring a veteran carries an intrinsic value to a company—former service members have faced and met challenges that few others have; they perform well under pressure, and their sense of purpose can serve as examples to others in the workplace.” Learn More For employers interested in learning more abouthiring veterans, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched Hiring Our Heroes, a program that brings together hiring employers with military job seekers through its Hiring Fairs held at more than 200 cities nationwide. Learn more at www.uschamberfoundation.org/hir ing-our-heroes.
