Four Steps to Build a Veteran Hiring Strategy That Actually Works

`Veterans are some of the most capable, dependable hires employers can make, but too often, veteran hiring strategies begin and end with a checkbox.  At RecruitMilitary, our mission has always been simple: to connect employers with the military community. For decades, we’ve helped companies connect with mission-ready talent through career fairs, an expansive job board, and direct outreach.  

Now, we’re building the future of veteran hiring.  

RecruitMilitary’s proven veteran talent recruitment methods, combined with Findem’s innovative AI technology, offer a more efficient and effective way to reach military community talent. 

RecruitMilitary’s Veteran Talent Source (VTS), powered by Findem Copilot, equips employers with next-generation tools to match veterans to roles with greater precision and speed.  

Because hiring veterans shouldn’t be hard – it should be effective. Here’s how to build a veteran hiring strategy that actually works:  

Step 1: Understand What Veterans Bring to the Table  

Veterans bring unique and in-demand skills to the workforce, including discipline, adaptability, teamwork, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. Yet civilian job descriptions often miss the mark in recognizing this kind of value.  

To build a meaningful hiring strategy, start by:  

• Understanding how military roles translate to civilian skills.  
• Focusing on attributes, not just job titles or past employers. 
• Looking for problem-solvers and culture builders – not just keyword matches. 

This is where many traditional sourcing tools fall short.  

RecruitMilitary’s VTS helps identify and surface candidates based on attributes like leadership, strategic thinking, and continuous learning – things every organization needs, and veterans offer in spades.   

Step 2: Build a Veteran-Specific Sourcing Pipeline  

You can’t hire veterans if you don’t know where they are or how to speak to them.  

Here’s what works:  

• Post on military-specific job boards to get in front of thousands of veteran candidates actively looking for their next mission. 
• Attend in-person and virtual career fairs, where you can meet candidates face-to-face and tell your company’s story.  
• Craft job descriptions with military-friendly language; avoid jargon, emphasize purpose, and clearly outline the impact of the role. 

It’s possible to build a robust talent pipeline in a matter of weeks simply by showing up where veterans already are and speaking their language.  

Step 3: Use Technology That Matches More Than Just Resumes  

Veterans often have skill sets that don’t translate neatly into corporate job titles. That’s why AI-powered matching is so important.  

With VTS, employers can:  

• Source candidates based on thousands of data signals, not just resumes. 
• Find attribute-based matches, such as leadership, loyalty, and problem-solving. 
• Surface candidates who might otherwise get overlooked. 

RecruitMilitary’s partnership with Findem helps employers move beyond reactive hiring and start building a pipeline that’s always aligned with their mission.  

Step 4: Don’t Just Hire – Retain  

Hiring veterans is just the beginning. A strong strategy includes retention from day one.  

Here’s how to set up veterans for success:  

• Offer a structured onboarding experience that acknowledges the transition from military to civilian life. 
• Assign mentors or peer connections who understand the challenges of integration. 
• Provide clarity in expectations, communication, and culture. 

Veterans thrive in environments that value purpose, structure, and contribution. The more intentional you are during the hiring process, the more likely they are to stay, grow, and lead within your organization.  

The Bottom Line

Veteran hiring isn’t just about filling roles – it’s about building teams that are resilient, driven, and ready for impact. With the right strategy, tools, and partners, it’s more than possible. It’s powerful.  

If you’re ready to create a hiring process that actually works for you and for those who’ve served, we’re here to help.  

Learn more about our employer solutions or get started with a custom hiring strategy today.