How to Unlock Veteran Potential in the Civilian Workforce
In a recent interview with Veteran CEO Magazine, RecruitMilitary CEO Tim Best and Findem’s Head of Veteran Initiatives Heather Haag offered an in-depth look at how military leadership principles and emerging talent technologies are reshaping the future of the veteran-hiring landscape.
Veteran Skills Are a Business Advantage
Military service builds leaders who excel in fast-moving, complex environments. Best emphasized that veterans bring strengths employers consistently need—adaptability, teamwork, mission focus, and problem-solving—but these attributes are not always visible in traditional hiring processes. The most forward-thinking companies shift toward skills-based hiring to uncover this deeper potential.
Veterans are often high-performing salespeople, more likely to hold managerial roles, and more likely to remain in positions long-term—creating a strong business case for investing in veteran talent.
“This is not a flag-waving effort,” said Best. “Veterans deliver measurable results.”
The challenge? Veterans’ leadership, adaptability, and mission focus are often under-recognized in standard hiring funnels, leading to underemployment—even among highly skilled candidates. Understanding how these skills translate into civilian roles is the first measurable step toward improving both veteran outcomes and business performance.
Understanding Underemployment & Career Advancement
Findem and RecruitMilitary analyzed 1.5 million professional profiles and found that a significant percentage of veterans report being underemployed—working in roles that do not fully match the skills they developed during service.
Contributing factors include:
- Difficulty translating military experience into civilian language
- Differences between military and corporate promotion structures
- A lack of organizational mission or alignment for veterans in certain environments
Best explained that veterans who understand and navigate these dynamics can accelerate their career progression.
“Veterans often bring two to four years more experience to a role, but may be less likely to get promoted unless they proactively engage with the opportunities around them.”
RecruitMilitary’s Veteran Talent Source, Powered by Findem
Modern hiring environments increasingly rely on AI-driven tools to see talent more clearly. The Veteran Talent Source (VTS), powered by Findem, helps employers translate military experience into civilian skills with greater accuracy.
Rather than replacing human judgment, these tools enhance it—offering both IQ (data-driven clarity) and EQ (human connection) benefits to hiring teams.
“Recruiters are going to see veterans for who they really are,” said Best. “That’s a complete paradigm shift.”
This capability is especially valuable in technical fields—engineering, cybersecurity, operations—where veterans often have significant hands-on expertise even without formal degrees.
The Long-Term Value of Veteran Talent
Data shows that veterans are more likely to stay at a job for four or more years compared to non-veterans. With turnover costs rising, retention is a critical advantage.
“There is a real business case here,” said Best. “Veteran talent is already in your workforce, and investing in it drives innovation, revenue, and stability.”
Strategic Takeaways for Employers & Veterans
For Veterans
- Build a strong digital profile to showcase your skills
- Be proactive in pursuing promotions and new opportunities
- Use tools that translate military experience into civilian language
For Employers
- Treat veteran hiring as a strategic talent initiative
- Recognize that veterans excel in leadership & technical roles
- Use AI tools to uncover skills not visible on a traditional resume
Listen to the Full Interview
Learn how AI-powered insights help employers better understand, empower, and advance veteran talent.