VETERAN HIRING: If a company states they are "Veteran Friendly," what is your initial reaction?

SFC Chad Sowash — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 11:39:41 -0500

Do you believe the organization...

Response by MSgt David Krones made Mar 2 at 2015 12:30 PM

MSgt David Krones — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:30:07 -0500

In my humble opinion, very few civilian sector companies who claim they are "Vet Friendly" in practice actually hire very few if any Vets. I worked for one such company for a number of years and they were not alone. Out of their more than 100 employees, on 3 were actual veterans. The actual numbers were less than one (1) percent. Not a good way to endear yourself to Veterans whom they claimed to support.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 12:33 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:33:00 -0500

When I see a company stating that they are "Veteran Friendly", it's generally because they are recruiting at a military-heavy event. They want as many applicants as possible in order to give themselves as many choices as possible when it comes to filling the position, so they will generally say whatever they feel is necessary to appeal to their audience at the time.

As to whether they actually treat veterans any differently during the hiring process and once hired...well, I tend to doubt it.

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Mar 2 at 2015 12:38 PM

TSgt Jack Manigold — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:38:34 -0500

I would say they are hiring vets to get the tax credit. After I got hired on by a so called military friendly company. I was hounded on a daily basis to fill out forms so the company could get the tax credit.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 2 at 2015 12:52 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:52:26 -0500

We need to provide help crafting surveys for "RallyPointers". For example, this one needs an intermediate choice between slight/moderate/extreme cynicism and abject naivete. Something like, "May be giving preference to vets or may be using 'Veteran Friendly' as a PR ploy."

I suspect that companies that are truly "Veteran Friendly" are well-known among veterans. The grapevine is well-known and used among those who have served. Also, the media has been known to publicize businesses for their good works, at least on slow-news days.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 12:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:57:40 -0500

As a National Guardsman the question on my mind is, "Are you NG/Reserves friendly, or just veteran friendly?" I'm not cynical enough to believe that companies don't care about vets at all, but I think there are very few that actually want NG and Reserves soldiers working for them.

Response by SFC Jeff L. made Mar 2 at 2015 12:58 PM

SFC Jeff L. — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:58:51 -0500

Having been on both sides of this issue, and having worked for more than one private-sector employer as a Military Recruiter I can tell you a few things from first hand perspective.

1. The tax break is negligible. If an employer is seeking to maximize it's return of investment this way, then it will be disappointed. Very few new hires actually qualify for this tax break because of the narrow parameters.

2. Companies genuinely see the value in hiring military veterans. The hard- and soft-skills that veterans hold and embody are truly desired by most companies and hiring managers.

3. As always, there are a few other factors that play into whether or not an individual gets hired. Actual skillsets, applying for jobs beneath or above their actual skillsets, the ability of recruiters to sell military candidates to the hiring managers, recruiter's ability to identify applicable skillsets from military-jargon heavy resumes. The list goes on.

We try to hire as many vets as possible while still getting the best candidate for the job. Sometimes it's a great fit, other times it isn't. There are plenty of recruiters out there with a military background who aren't military focused, per se, but will seek out a fellow vet when doing their due diligence for the hiring manager. I tend to take the company at face value when they say they are Veteran Friendly.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 2 at 2015 1:05 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 13:05:53 -0500

My first reaction tends to be one of skepticism, mostly because we have seen cases of companies getting "outed" for not being military friendly at all. I tend to think that companies that label themselves as this are more checking the box than anything. Or, it's as some way of driving sales of their product. I'm just answering with 100% honesty, and I wish I felt different...but I'm just so skeptical of people self-annointing as military friendly without HAVING THE PROOF to show all of us why they are saying that.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 1:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 13:38:33 -0500

I think there should be an "Other" radio button in this survey as I think there are some other motives that aren't listed. I am a bit skeptical of claims like this (but then again I am a bit of a natural skeptic), as there are some companies who don't really back up what they claim. And there are some companies who are legitimately "veteran friendly". I think that the "veteran friendly" tag is a starting point and that some additional research is in order to ensure the company backs up it's claim.

Response by LCpl Sam Brake made Mar 2 at 2015 1:53 PM

LCpl Sam Brake — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 13:53:48 -0500

I have spent the last 18 months designing and implementing workforce development programs for transitioning Service Members and veterans. In my experience, roughly 20% of the companies I have worked with are truly hiring veterans for the right reasons i.e. leadership, professionalism, discipline, attention to detail, loyalty ect.. All of the companies initially say they are 'veteran friendly' but 80% fail to back up theirs claims.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 2 at 2015 2:21 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:21:28 -0500

I personally think companies hire vets to check a block and make them feel good and as angle to be invited to job fairs near military installations. Due not get me wrong there are several companies out there that do it for the right reasons but others do not.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Mar 2 at 2015 5:33 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 17:33:14 -0500

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Mar 2 at 2015 6:02 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:02:25 -0500

It means they've got a good HR person who will interview veteran's and bring us in at the lowest possible rate and have higher expectations for us than any of their other employees.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 2 at 2015 6:13 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:13:35 -0500

It's striking to me the amount of companies that really lack the time and resources needed to do veteran outreach. This is a different era of veteran hiring. To use an analogy, you could consider many vets to be NFL franchise players these days...still on this rise in career progression, excellent leadership qualities, many times multiple degrees and tons of valuable real world experience. Hiring vets isn't just a PR issue anymore, it's a smart business decision and will impact the bottom line for decades at companies who hire smart. I think it's clear by one phone call with a recruiter at any level as to how serious the company is about veteran hiring. Those companies who get it, have trained and equipped their staff appropriately. Those that don't, will fly the vet friendly flag which fools no one but those that don't understand what it takes to effectively recruit and grow military talent.

Response by SPC Sherrie Chapman made Mar 2 at 2015 7:14 PM

SPC Sherrie Chapman — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 19:14:44 -0500

Hires veterans

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Mar 3 at 2015 12:48 PM

CPO Bernie Penkin — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:48:36 -0500

Not sure I believe it. Went to a military styled jobs fair a while back. If Inwas a truck driver or heavy equipment operator I probably would have had a job regardless of my veterans status. I have an IT degree and the one firm that had IT related jobs stressed the importance of applying through their veteran portal. They also said that their veterans advisor would personally contact me before the close of business that day. Never heard from them again. The firm was US Bank.

The CEO of Starbucks made news a few months back about his plan to hire a large amount of veterans to fill mich needed positions in the company. Had an active application for an IT job there as well. Shortly after the announcement, I received a rejection email. From what I can
tell Stsrbucks either wants veterans for Baristas or potential store owners.

Response by GySgt Robert Navarro made Mar 12 at 2015 2:52 PM

GySgt Robert Navarro — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:52:56 -0400

I have yet to receive an interview from a company that is stating "we hire veterans". If you do not already have the specific jobs skills certification for the position they are hiring for, they don't want you.
Majority of the companies use "we hire veterans" very loosely.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Mar 18 at 2015 1:13 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:13:53 -0400

Personally I have not had any luck with companies claiming to be hiring veterans or calling themselves veteran friendly.
Even at USAJOBS I have been snubbed for being hired, and yes I have sought the assistance of the Wounded Warrior hiring "professionals" with both Naval Air and Naval Surface offices. Almost 1 year now and all I get are out of office replies when asking for updates, I call their phone and leave a message only to never be responded to.
Using veteran status and disability of 30% or more preference and still not being hired or even called for an interview.
I used a professional resume writing service that is provided by Career Builder offered to DeVry Alumni, I graduated April 2014.
I am not sure where to turn to because when I tried to talk to the VA Counselors where I live all they do is tell me to fix my resume.
I have little to no faith in the veteran friendly companies.

Response by MAJ Randy Gregory made Mar 18 at 2015 2:13 PM

MAJ Randy Gregory — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:13:11 -0400

Walmart for one has a specific graphic of a Captain leaving the service to manage a store, yet I was told from the HR reps during the interview that they specifically hire from within. Also, that I was overqualified for the Assistant Store Manager training program (quote - "There is no place for me to put you that you won't overshadow the current manager".) but not qualified (no retail background) to enter as a Store Manager. That's a neato place to be... Why the add campaign and commercial? Awesome - if I want to go from Company Command to stocking shelves and I "prove" myself I may someday be an Assistant Store Manager in Training! Where do I sign up for that? Please, these companies just say that stuff to check the block.

Response by 1st Lt Karl Kratt made Mar 18 at 2015 3:01 PM

1st Lt Karl Kratt — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:01:51 -0400

It's kind of a mixed bag. Yes, there are companies who do it to check the box. There are companies that genuinely like hiring vets. And there are companies who say they hire vets and then don't do jack squat.

Here are a two companies that genuinely like to hire vets:
Alaska Airlines
Southwest Airlines

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 18 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:24:24 -0400

My initial reaction to something so vague is not about what the statement means to me--it means nothing--rather, "what does 'veteran friendly' mean to YOU"?

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Mar 18 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSG Everett Wilson — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:25:54 -0400

This was the attitude of my last place of employment, We support Veteran's, when there was a Veteran App. Day, it was don't push it and Vet id wasn't the proper form. When I had a back-to-back deployment I was told that I was gone to long and I really couldn't come back to work. When it came time for advancements it was put out that veterans will be given first choice, when I applied I was told that they really needed someone who wasn't in the military and for the fact I deployed wasn't in the best interest in the company. One my last deployment I was told that I could only come back as a new hire and my DD214 was not the correct form (so I brought in other 214's, which was the same form), but the format of the DD214 was not correct. Then I was questioned about drill weekends, this unit here isn't drilling this weekend why do you have to go to this city for drill. then I was informed that it was either the guard or work for the company and I couldn't do both. When I was terminated it was sorry but you should have came home in a box!
When I have applied to places that claim to be Veteran friendly, and I state that I can save them in taxes by hiring me, I'm told that we can hire a couple of illegals and save more.
Personally I feel if a business states it Veteran friendly, its all a public relation deal to make them look good.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 3:44 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:44:15 -0400

In addition to the civilian companies that claim to be vet friendly, I've also had negative experience with contractor companies that claim to be "disabled veteran owned" and friendly towards vets, but even if they do hire, they tend to look negatively on employees that need time away from work to fulfill military obligations(Guard/Reserve)....

Response by MAJ Rory Williams made Mar 18 at 2015 5:45 PM

MAJ Rory Williams — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:45:50 -0400

I want to believe the advertisement and take them for an honest organization putting faith in their word, but at the same time - I know it's probably the opposite at worst and maybe some vets get hired at best. I'm in the process again of job searching now that I'm retiring and I have gotten the, "something on my forehead," look quite a bit.

Response by SGT Michael Bell made Mar 18 at 2015 5:48 PM

SGT Michael Bell — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:48:43 -0400

More like, they are sure they will get a tax break for doing so!

Response by Cpl Scott Clark made Mar 18 at 2015 9:30 PM

Cpl Scott Clark — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:30:13 -0400

Many companys get a TAX WRITE OFF for hiring Veterans.
The last company I worked for got $14,000 a year for each Veteran.

Response by SSG Jocephus Duckworth made Mar 19 at 2015 1:10 AM

SSG Jocephus Duckworth — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 01:10:24 -0400

These so called veteran friendly companies who like to hire veterans is a bunch of BS. As a combat veteran served 4 tours to Iraq it seems like it us against them ( combat veterans/ Civilians) . With that axis I rather be back in Iraq for another 4 tours then dealing with these fake as so called veteran friendly company's who claims to hire veterans.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 12:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:31:35 -0400

I have never been hired for a position due to my veteran status. Perhaps smaller businesses might see the benefit of hiring a highly skilled and trainable employee. But for large corporations with giant recruiting and HR departments, they only ask about our status in order to report to the government how many veterans have identified themselves during the hiring process, IMO.

A few years ago I had an experience with my HR representative when she found out I was a vet. She proceeded to lambast my perceived management style would be based on her experience with her own father and how he behaved, being a former Marine DI.

Fortunately, nothing came from this conversation, but I did everything I could to avoid any conflict with her.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 19 at 2015 1:34 PM

SFC Charles S. — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:34:19 -0400

I see it as a Marketing tool rather than a action Statement.

Response by SrA Justin Thompson made Mar 19 at 2015 4:51 PM

SrA Justin Thompson — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:51:38 -0400

I honestly believe its a PR stunt. Makes them feel good. I've applied for many jobs claiming to be "Veteran Friendly" and have been told, their are other MORE QUALIFIED than you. For a fast food restaurant!? Please...

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Mar 19 at 2015 6:37 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:37:07 -0400

My experience has been that being vet has had little, if any, influence on any job I ever applied for. The experience I received in the military was most helpful though.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Mar 19 at 2015 7:08 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:08:34 -0400

I tend to lean towards the skeptical side, every time I see one of those signs and look for positions the requirements are way out there. It is usually impossible to find an entry level position, and I almost feel like I'm better off just finding a personal connection to refer me rather than trying the companies military recruiter.

Response by SFC Edward Nicholson made Mar 20 at 2015 1:11 AM

SFC Edward Nicholson — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:11:00 -0400

There are companies out there that actually do hire Veterans. I work for Union Pacific and they are actively seeking Veterans.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2015 1:12 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:12:23 -0400

As CPT Aaron Kletzing stated, I am skeptical. I see it as marketing for their company or brand. If companies are really interested in helping, they will and do, and don't make a big production over it.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 1:25 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 01:25:12 -0400

I'm sure there are many reasons why a company would deceive, but stating It .... is better than a company with no veteran policy at all. My .02. A company sticks it's neck out whenever it mentioned anything pro-military. So, while there may be a check the box, EO motive, I honestly think they want to hire the very best in the industry, and face it, some veterans don't cut the mustard.

Response by SPC Jonathan Sellers made Mar 20 at 2015 2:04 AM

SPC Jonathan Sellers — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 02:04:34 -0400

It varies so widely from company to company, but if it's advertised, I would take it at face value. There are probably many veterans who work there already, and after one or two interviews, it should be clear if they are serious.

Response by TSgt Michael Freiberg made Mar 20 at 2015 7:29 AM

TSgt Michael Freiberg — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 07:29:07 -0400

it's all show....PR Just like what the VA is saying now. but if you look at there job ads that's not so. For every 10 ads 1 is for vets and 9 are for current employees. JUST PR....

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:39 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 23:39:42 -0400

It's my hope that they are really hiring veterans due to their Skills, knowledge, abilities and experiences and what they feel the veteran can bring to their organization. I have a feeling though that's not always the case and some are doing more as a PR stunt. I would hope though that more company's realize all the small things a veteran can bring to the team and in the Armys case how we live the Army Values everyday and how well that translates into being a well respected member of any team.

Response by Sgt Ryan Bowman made Mar 22 at 2015 10:55 PM

Sgt Ryan Bowman — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 22:55:39 -0400

I separated in 2009, during which time the economy wasn't exactly booming. I joined a job fair that was military specific and walked away with a hand full of very serious contenders. With no degree, I joined a medical company making a great living for my young family. (All 6 fortune companies that took the time to interview and host a meeting required a degree.. They all made me great offers based experience and training). They hold us to higher standards, just as the military does.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Mar 23 at 2015 1:32 AM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 01:32:59 -0400

Doesn't happen because most of their requirements exceeds what a veteran's has, be it, education or experience. And the most tantalizing thing about this is that the experience is something you can only get in the civilian work force, such as a particular specialization like PMP and industry certificates MCSE, CCIE, etcs.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 23 at 2015 4:52 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:52:11 -0400

SFC Chad Sowash, Veteran Friendly Companies are truly amazing and I am grateful for the opportunity to work for my employer AMSEC. They support the Veterans with over 90% former Vets on the workforce.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 11:49 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:49:22 -0400

I was hired by a military friendly business... But was never able to climb the ladder because of my apartment status... I had trained many managers above me to have their own franchise but was never promoted into my own franchise... Good enough to train higherbut because of my military commitment I was never given a store of my own.

Response by SFC Edward Nicholson made Apr 13 at 2015 3:25 PM

SFC Edward Nicholson — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:25:05 -0400

I work for Union Pacific Railroad and I am a Veteran with 25 years of service. They fall into that 23% category. 20% of its employees are Veterans or current Guard or Reserve members.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 13 at 2015 3:43 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:43:22 -0400

I am a skeptic..... You can talk whatever talk you want....let me see you walk the walk.

Response by SPC Jesse Bruno made Apr 13 at 2015 3:53 PM

SPC Jesse Bruno — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:53:12 -0400

companys also get a tax break for hiring vets

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 24 at 2015 7:04 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:04:46 -0400

I have to go with the "not" crowd although I've been seeing it get better very slowly. I had a reserve CDR canned by his employer for deploying. Company actually said in their go away letter it was because of his military affiliation. Problem is you can't get Justice to go to bat for you. They don't touch anything under $2-4 million so ignore the cheap ones (junior enlisted) and presume more skilled will get a job soon enough so it isn't worth their while either. I had a lot of personal frustration with the system trying to get support to address this issue prior to my retirement in 2003. I can only hope things got better.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 9:51 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:51:09 -0400

One of my employers claimed he was veteran friendly because he allowed me time off without pay to attend my two weeks active Reserve duty.

That is what he was required to do by law.

Response by SSG Jocephus Duckworth made Apr 29 at 2015 9:33 PM

SSG Jocephus Duckworth — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:33:29 -0400

No there's isn't veteran friendly employers it nay have been friendly veteran employers got Desert Storm but not for veterans who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I do t know what it takes to change that but these employers need to stop the favoritism and nepotism in others words hiring the Good O boys Club .

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 12:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:50:24 -0400

My experience is admittedly anecdotal, but when I spent three years looking for work, all I saw was claims to be Veteran Friendly. I couldnt even get an interview.

Response by 1SG Shawn Irwin made Aug 28 at 2015 4:56 PM

1SG Shawn Irwin — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:56:26 -0400

Nope. I am in the job hunt right now. Veteran friendly means you know how to take orders and will show up to work on time. HOWEVER, it means we want to hire you in one of our lowest positions we have and pay you like a civilian who just graduated High School.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 5:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 17:01:42 -0400

I have seen it way too often when it is something that companies say because they feel they have to. A true veteran friendly company sure doesn't have to hire veterans primarily but to make an effort to hire veterans and being accepting of the circumstances that comes with it.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 2:53 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 14:53:06 -0400

There's also the tax break incentives for companies as well.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/04/05/incentivizing-employers-hire-veterans-through-permanent-tax-credits

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 3:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 15:14:57 -0400

When I hear or see the "Veteran Friendly" moniker from a business, in regards to employment - I would think that means that when they interview a veteran, the person doing the interview (or someone on the interview panel) is either a veteran or real intimate with military career fields. While a veteran may avoid using "military" lingo - they still may not always be able to explain what they did in the military is applicable to the current job they are applying for. Having someone conduct the interview or on the interviewing panel, that understands the military jargon and can help "translate" the veteran's skills for his/her counterparts - in order to make a better educated decision on whether or not to hire the said veteran.

In reality - it's probably nothing like that, but if/when i'm a business owner, that's what it will mean for my company.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 6 at 2015 10:26 PM

SrA David Steyer — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 22:26:13 -0500

I get the impression they are not actually hiring but just making the claim. I see a lot of employers who are veteran friendly, actually have no jobs available and haven't for a while. In that case I doubt "veteran friendly" really means anything. There's just no jobs available and in that case maybe they are a great place to work for with minimal turnover? There was one company I got real hard on for claiming they are veteran friendly and not hiring, and they actually were at a job fair I went to recently. Didn't want to be a hypocrite or maybe I was being too hard so I talked to them. The recruiter got all mad when I told him I was not willing to relocate and if they had anything available locally because they have a big presence here. The recruiter handed me a piece of paper for a local job that closed two years ago. And this is a company that has done a lot of advertising claiming they are veteran friendly and they are all over the place locally so it is very odd nothing is available.

Locally, a lot of the employers who claim they are veteran friendly and are hiring a lot of veterans don't always have the skills they are looking for and are not willing to budge or even train. There are a lot of jobs that require sales experience locally and this may be limited to my location. You do not really get this if/when you are in the military, unless you were a recruiter. I am finding that very few employers are willing to train, and many of the employers at job fairs for service members and/or veterans, the employers or recruiters at these events do not know anything about the military. In addition I have seen some employers and ask myself "Why are you even here?" at a military job fair? I have seen employers at job fairs in the medical field specifically who are looking for doctors, nurses and psychiatrists. I worked in the clinic for many years, and almost every field I just mentioned I have yet to even hear of someone be out of work at all in those fields for more than maybe a month tops after they get out, and you are not going to find them at a military job fair as they have a job back wherever they want to relocate to, locally lined up or already recruited. I'm sure there are exceptions but I have yet to see it.

I see Walmart and I think Starbucks guaranteeing veterans a job and that is an awesome gesture, however those jobs do not pay the bills and in some locations, the store may not be hiring and it may not even be full time. I have applied to a few places that claim they are veteran friendly, but the same day I applied I have gotten denied.

Realistically at this point I might as well get back in shape and go law enforcement or go to trucking school.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Nov 27 at 2015 11:11 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 23:11:06 -0500

I've seen many advertising campaigns that toss around the word "veteran" and then find out they actually mean "active duty service members" (I don't live anywhere near a base so not much chance that they would have to make good)... So I'm a bit cynical...

Response by Maj Charles Miles made Dec 14 at 2015 10:00 AM

Maj Charles Miles — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 10:00:59 -0500

GI Jobs' Military Friendly Employer "MFE" rankings (google it) is a good place to find real military friendly employers as it's a data driven survey that takes into account the number of veterans hired each year, the total number of veteran employees, and the types of internal veteran programs offered, to name just a few of the factors. During my transition I experienced better results dealing with companies on this list. I now work for one of those MFE companies - ManTech with 45% of its employees being veterans. Always be cautious but don't be dismissive because there are a lot of great companies that hire lots of veterans and are truly military friendly.

Response by Cpl Mario DiPasquale made Dec 22 at 2015 9:58 PM

Cpl Mario DiPasquale — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:58:31 -0500

I think in most cases the company genuinely wants to hire veterans. However, I don't think they are equipped to be successful. When we get out of the military we go through SAPS & TAPS and receive an emense amount of information on how to present our military skills in a manner that someone without military experience can understand. Unfortunately, I think in many of cases, individuals who never served find it difficult to accept a 22 year old veteran may actually have that leadership skill the company they work for is looking for.
I believe companies that are truly looking to be veteran friendly should take the initiative to understand what exactly that means,and do it because they believe in our abilities as veterans and not just because of a tax break.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 2:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 14:11:07 -0500

Skepticism

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 24 at 2015 4:29 PM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 16:29:59 -0500

Yes. However most jobs I've seen from these companies is entry-level service jobs that pay very little. Maybe they have a good advancement and would better benefit a first term military member who plans to use their Post 9/11 GI Bill but for a 22 year Veteran with a family and obligations it might not be of much worth.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 2:27 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 14:27:42 -0500

I see the results of this survey and have experienced the truth of those results that it's hard to get companies that say they're Veteran Friendly to honor that commitment. My followup question would be, How can we change that? Because if anyone can, I believe we can...

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 8 at 2016 1:09 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 13:09:31 -0500

If the company has a good track record, excellent, if not they should be sued for false advertising. But, I would guess it as useful as this: "The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA 38 U.S.C. 4301-4335)"

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 10 at 2017 9:58 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:58:55 -0400

"VETERAN HIRING: If a company states they are "Veteran Friendly," what is your initial reaction?"
"what is your initial reaction?"
Marketing