At this time of year, many small businesses reflect on their growth, challenges, and the people who make their success possible. It’s a time for gratitude—and an opportunity to embrace practices that strengthen teams while giving back to those who have served. One powerful way to do this is through skills-based hiring, particularly focusing on veterans.
Veterans bring a wealth of skills to the workforce, honed through years of service, dedication, and adaptability. For small businesses, hiring veterans isn’t just a patriotic act—it’s a strategic decision that can lead to stronger, more resilient teams.
The Value Veterans Bring to Small Businesses
Transitioning from military service to civilian life isn’t always straightforward for veterans. Traditional hiring practices, which often emphasize degrees or specific industry experience, can overlook the leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities veterans possess. Skills-based hiring bridges this gap by focusing on what candidates can do rather than what they’ve done in specific roles.
Veterans excel in areas critical to small business success, including:
- Leadership: Many veterans have led teams in high-pressure environments, making them effective managers and mentors.
- Adaptability: Military training fosters resilience, enabling veterans to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced settings.
- Technical Proficiency: From logistics to IT, veterans bring hands-on expertise that translates seamlessly into various industries.
For small businesses, these qualities can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. A veteran hire is often not just an employee but a leader, a strategist, and a problem-solver rolled into one.
Skills-Based Hiring: A Win-Win Approach
Skills-based hiring evaluates candidates on their abilities, experiences, and potential rather than rigid job qualifications like a college degree. This approach is especially beneficial when recruiting veterans, whose transferable skills might not fit neatly into a traditional job description but are invaluable in practice.
By adopting skills-based hiring, small businesses can:
- Access Untapped Talent: Many veterans remain underemployed despite their qualifications. Hiring based on skills unlocks this vast talent pool.
- Boost Diversity: Veterans bring unique perspectives, fostering innovation and creativity within teams.
- Enhance Team Performance: With strong work ethics and a mission-driven mindset, veterans often inspire their colleagues to excel.
Thanksgiving and the Spirit of Giving Back
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and community. For small businesses, hiring veterans is a meaningful way to give back. By creating opportunities for those who’ve served, small businesses contribute to veterans’ economic well-being and their successful reintegration into civilian life.
Consider Butterball Farms, a small business that prioritized hiring veterans and second-chance candidates. Not only did the company see increased employee retention, but it also became a beacon of positive change in its community. Stories like this demonstrate how gratitude-driven practices can yield lasting benefits.
A Path Forward
This Thanksgiving, small businesses have a chance to align their gratitude with action. By embracing skills-based hiring, they can honor the sacrifices of veterans while building high-performing teams. Whether it’s through direct hiring, mentoring programs, or partnerships with veteran-focused organizations, the impact is profound.
As we gather around the table this holiday, let’s celebrate the contributions of those who’ve served and commit to creating opportunities that reflect our gratitude. For small businesses, hiring veterans isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move that strengthens teams, communities, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.