Veteran Characteristics
Use these key phrases in the job responsibilities to give veterans confidence that they are qualified and are able to perform the functions of the job.
- Leadership skills
- Ability to work in teams
- Ability to work in a matrix environment
- Problem solver
- Communication skills
- Supply chain and logistics
- Supervise, lead and follow
- Train and mentor subordinates
Remember, put your most-desired skills first, in order of importance. Highlight the critical characteristics of the candidate you want, and don't list too many requirements.
- Organized
- Influence and persuasion
- Respect for procedures
- Integrity, loyalty and service
- Diversity and inclusion training
- Mission aptitude
- Meet growth expectations
- Building and growing relationships
- Innovation
Well-written job requirements and duties will encourage a veteran to think, "I'm qualified! They want me!"
- Process improvement
- Human capital management
- Equipment management
- Independent worker
- Self-starter
- Attention to detail
- Strategic planning
- Delivers results in a challenging environment
- Flexibility
- Adaptability
The Do's and Don'ts:
We've made a short list of do's and don'ts for writing job requirements for veterans:
Do: Use direct, straightforward language.
Poor Example: Elevate the conversation with customer to the strategy level within assigned area of responsibility
Better Example: Communicate with the customer at a strategic level
Why?
Veterans are used to direct, specific communication. They are often careful when using words that may have more than one meaning.
Do: Eliminate unnecessary words; be succinct.
Poor Example: Ensure the required resources are available in the right location at the right time to meet current and future customer demands
Better Example: Allocate resources appropriately
Why?
Veterans are not accustomed to flowery or verbose language, so using it may result in their becoming frustrated with the job description. (This often goes for non-veterans too!)
Do: Avoid business-speak, jargon and unfamiliar acronyms.
Poor Example: Ensure execution of the LAMP framework to identify the most critical initiatives and relationships
Better Example: Learn company system to identify the most critical initiatives and relationships
Why?
Business jargon can be intimidating to anyone, and veterans may not understand it because they haven't had the industry experience. Spell out acronyms where possible and explain jargon.