Boost Retention and Performance: Why You Should Hire Veterans

The tech industry is evolving rapidly, with 71% of tech workers considering changing jobs in 2024, according to the Indeed Tech Talent Trend Report. This dynamic landscape underscores the importance of finding and retaining highly skilled professionals. While some sectors face uncertainty, the demand for skilled professionals continues to surge. By 2026, the U.S. could face a shortage of over 1.2 million software developers.

While companies scramble, a valuable talent pool often gets overlooked: veterans.

Why Veterans Are Ideal for Tech

Veterans possess the tech skills, adaptability, and leadership qualities needed to thrive in today's fast-paced tech world. Forget the stereotypes; veterans are highly skilled and digitally literate.

• Tech Savvy: 77% of veterans have the digital skills needed for in-demand tech jobs (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation).
• Strong Soft Skills: Veterans are more likely than non-veterans to have essential soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. In fact, 86% of tech employers agree that soft skills are equally or more important than hard skills when evaluating candidates, according to Indeed.

Military training emphasizes tech skills, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Veterans are used to high-pressure environments and tight deadlines. They're leaders and team players – exactly what tech teams need. They also come prepared with a strong educational foundation: over a third of veterans have a Bachelor's degree or higher, and less than 5% lack a high school diploma.

Transferable Skills

Worried that military experience doesn't translate to civilian tech jobs? A Northeastern University article outlined the top transferable skills for veterans entering the workforce: leadership, financial responsibility, effective communication, and technical skills. Here's how those skills translate:

• Cybersecurity: Military cybersecurity pros protect sensitive data and defend against attacks – skills needed by every company today. 
• Data Analysis: Veterans analyze intelligence and make data-driven decisions – perfect for business analytics and data science.
• Project Management: Veterans oversee complex operations and logistics – essential for managing tech projects.

Organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hiring Our Heroes, and VetJobs offer programs to help veterans transition into tech careers, providing training and support.

The Business Case for Hiring Veterans

Hiring veterans isn't just about filling roles; it's about building a better company.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Veterans bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to the table.some text
  • Women in Tech: According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, women now make up 10% of the veteran population and 20% of new recruits. This growing demographic offers a valuable opportunity to increase female representation in tech, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to your teams.
  • Diverse Perspectives: 30% of veterans identify as minorities.
  • Disability Inclusion: Veterans with disabilities are a valuable source of talent. Organizations like Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans provide resources and support.
  • Military Spouses: Military spouses are a highly skilled and often underutilized talent pool. Many possess advanced degrees and valuable experience, making them excellent candidates for tech roles that offer flexibility, such as remote or hybrid positions.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to veterans can boost your employer brand.
  
  
• Financial Benefits: 
  • Tax Incentives: The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides tax benefits to employers who hire veterans. The amount of the credit varies based on the veteran's category and wages paid.
  •  Reduced Unemployment Costs: Hiring veterans and military spouses contributes to reducing overall unemployment costs, which benefits businesses by strengthening the overall economy and creating a larger pool of qualified candidates.
• Increased Retention: Studies show that veteran employees tend to have higher retention rates than their civilian counterparts. For example, a 2023 Linkedin Veteran Opportunity Report found that veterans stay with their initial employers 8.3% longer than non-veterans. 

How to Recruit and Retain Veteran Talent

Ready to tap into this incredible talent pool? Here's how:

• Translate Military Skills: Use tools like the Military Skills Translator to understand how military roles align with civilian tech jobs.
• Partner with Veteran Organizations: Connect with groups like Hiring Our Heroes or RecruitMilitary to find qualified candidates.
• Create a Veteran-Friendly Culture: Offer mentorship programs, support networks, and resources to help veterans thrive.
• Prioritize Upskilling: Provide opportunities for veterans to expand their skill sets and stay ahead of the curve.
• Optimize Your Online Presence: Make sure your company has a strong online presence and a user-friendly careers page to attract top talent, including veterans.

For veterans looking to transition into the tech industry, we've created a comprehensive guide with resources and advice: From Military Service to Tech Success: A Veteran's Guide to Career Transition. Share this valuable resource with veterans in your network or those you are looking to hire.

Conclusion

Veterans are a valuable asset to the tech industry. Their skills, experience, and commitment to excellence make them ideal candidates for a wide range of tech roles. By prioritizing veteran hiring, companies can gain a competitive edge, build a stronger workforce, and contribute to a more inclusive tech industry.

Looking to connect with top veteran talent in the tech space? Links Technology specializes in IT and technical staffing, with a focus on matching qualified veterans with rewarding career opportunities. Our experienced recruiters understand the unique skills and experiences veterans bring to the table and can help you find the perfect candidates to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our veteran staffing services.