Samira Searcy, CPO, NDCCDP, MSML’s Post

🎖️ Empowering Veteran Talent: Key Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Veterans 🎖️ As someone who supports veteran job seekers every day, I see firsthand the unique strengths veterans bring to the workforce—adaptability, integrity, and commitment. This Forbes article highlights actionable steps companies can take, like using veteran-specific job boards, offering tailored onboarding, and promoting community engagement. Supporting veterans through their transition to civilian roles isn't just recruitment—it's about retention and empowerment. Let’s create workplaces where veterans thrive! #VeteranEmployment #HireHeroesUSA #VeteranTalent #HRStrategies https://lnkd.in/g_pRAtXA

🔍 Rethinking Hiring for Retired Service Members 🔍 As we build a future-ready workforce, it's time to revisit our hiring practices and make them more inclusive for retired or ex-servicemen. Veterans bring a wealth of skills—leadership, discipline, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure—yet they often face challenges translating their experience into civilian roles. To create a supportive hiring culture, let’s consider a few key changes: 1️⃣ Skills-Based Assessment: Move beyond traditional resume criteria and focus on the skills and competencies these candidates bring. Their experience is often diverse and adaptable, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into standard civilian job descriptions. 2️⃣ Transitional Training Programs: Develop mentorships and training pathways to help veterans adjust to corporate environments. A small investment in understanding their language and expertise can lead to long-term success. 3️⃣ Inclusive Job Descriptions: Tailor job descriptions to be more inclusive, highlighting transferrable skills and welcoming military experience. Specific language can make a big difference in how veterans view job postings. 4️⃣ Encourage Internal Advocacy: Create a support system within your organization that champions veterans. Peer support groups, diversity initiatives, and veteran-specific programs can foster a sense of belonging. Let’s rethink hiring culture to unlock the immense potential of our veterans. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also brings unique perspectives and leadership strengths that every team can benefit from. 💼👥 #HiringCulture #VeteransInBusiness #CareerTransition #InclusiveHiring #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #TalentAcquisition #Veterans #hanswahini #Hanswahinirecruitment #hanswahiniconsultants #WorkWithVeterans #NeverTooLate

I'm grateful to be among the finalists for the 2024 U.S. Forces in Business Awards (https://lnkd.in/dDw6dJtj). Per the awards website: Veterans comprise approximately 8% of the U.S. adult population and each year a further 200,000 service members leave the U.S. Armed Forces, forming a talent pool rich with transferable skills and values gained in a world-class training and operational environment. However, establishing a meaningful second career after military service can be challenging, with visibility of role models and awareness among employers of the veteran talent pool historically lacking. A study by ZipRecruiter and the Call of Duty Endowment found nearly one-third of veteran job seekers are underemployed, meaning they’re employed at a level beneath their experience and capability, a rate 15.6% higher than non-veteran job seekers. Stereotypical portrayals of veterans in mainstream media, TV and film can fuel negative misconceptions which create and exacerbate the challenges facing military service leavers. Research by Hill & Ponton found that veterans are more than five times more likely to report a lack of job satisfaction than non-veterans, an issue linked to underemployment. Since launching in the UK in 2018, the Forces in Business Awards has led the way in promoting a more positive and accurate representation of veterans, as assets to companies across all sectors. Through a grand showcase of talented veterans driving business success, the Awards demonstrate the enormous value employers gain by embracing this talent pool. Over the past seven years the Awards have recognized the post-military achievements of over 1,500 veterans and reservists at award ceremonies attended by thousands of employers. This year marks the inaugural USA edition of the Awards program, which attracted hundreds of nominations. The vast breadth of talent in the U.S. Armed Forces community is evident through the large variety of industries represented on the shortlist. Dubbed 'the Oscars of veteran employment', the Forces in Business Awards arrives in the USA with a track record of not only boosting opportunity for people who served their country, but also promoting the economic advantage gained by Military Friendly employers. This year’s winners will be revealed on 21 November at a glittering Award Ceremony at the Hilton Washington DC / Rockville Hotel. Jummy Olabanji, co-anchor of NBC's News4 Today, the number one morning news show in Washington, D.C., will host the Award Ceremony and introduce a special program of guest speakers, award presenters and entertainment.

Did you know that May is National Military Appreciation month? As we take time to honor our veterans and their service, let's remember that there's no better way to show our appreciation than by hiring them. But sometimes, veterans struggle to capture the interest of employers as they transition to civilian life. As the granddaughter, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and wife of veterans, I've seen firsthand the challenges they face. But I've also witnessed the incredible value they can bring to a company. One of my career highlights was helping a retired Navy Admiral land a Building Maintenance Supervisor role. Despite initial hesitation from my client, I convinced them to give him a chance. He went on to have a successful 15-year career with the organization. So, how can we better recognize the skills and experience that veterans bring to the table? One tactic I've found effective is to ask specific questions during interviews that help uncover their transferable skills. By going through the job description line by line with the candidate, we can better illustrate their experience and help them prepare for the interview. Share your interview questions and success stories of veterans who have found meaningful work after their service. Hiring veterans not only strengthens our businesses, but it also helps support those who have sacrificed so much for our country. #NationalMilitaryAppreciationMonth #Veterans #HiringVeterans #TransferableSkills #SuccessStories

Military.com has released its list of the Top 25 Veteran Employers for 2025, highlighting organizations committed to supporting veterans in the workforce. Top three things you should know: 1. Dedicated Veteran Recruitment Teams Companies on this list prioritize veteran hiring by maintaining specialized recruitment teams. These teams understand military backgrounds and can effectively translate military skills into civilian roles. This approach ensures veterans find positions that align with their expertise. 2. Diverse Industry Representation The list features employers from various sectors, including government agencies, defense contractors, healthcare, construction, and media. This diversity offers veterans a wide range of career opportunities, allowing them to leverage their skills across different fields. 3. Commitment to Employee Development These top employers not only hire veterans but also invest in their professional growth. They offer programs and resources aimed at developing employees' skills, ensuring long-term career advancement and satisfaction. Exploring these organizations can provide valuable insights and opportunities for veterans seeking meaningful civilian careers. #VeteranCareers #MilitaryTransition #TopEmployers https://lnkd.in/e2y3VA7C

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be a daunting task. Veterans face unique challenges in the job search process, but with the right strategies, they can successfully navigate this transition. Here are seven essential job search strategies for military veterans: 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤: While military terminology is second nature to you, it's often unfamiliar to civilians. With only approximately 6% of Americans having served in the military, most recruiters won't understand military jargon. Translate your experiences into language that civilian employers can easily understand. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: Break down your military roles into relatable tasks and responsibilities. Highlight your leadership in logistics, project management, or technology by detailing specific tasks and technologies. This will improve the readability of your resume and help you get through applicant tracking systems. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Emphasize your ability to lead and inspire, not just give orders. Employers value those who can build consensus and work across organizational lines. Showcasing your leadership skills in complex environments can set you apart. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭: Transitioning to the civilian world requires a shift in mindset. As my friend AJ Yolofsky, Esq. CEPA, a former Marine turned attorney, suggests, understanding civilian organizational behavior is key. Recommended reads include "𝘛𝘩𝘦 7 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" by Stephen Covey, "𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦" by Dale Carnegie, and "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘳" by David Maister. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬: Utilize both mainstream and veteran-specific job boards. In addition to Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, check out VetJobs and RecruitMilitary. Many employers specifically seek veterans for their unique skills and work ethic. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Remind potential employers that hiring you can be cost-effective. U.S. military retirees can relocate for free within the U.S. upon retirement, potentially saving the employer moving costs. Additionally, employers may qualify for tax credits for hiring veterans. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: U.S. veterans are protected against employment discrimination under laws such as VEVRAA, ADA, and USERRA. Understanding these rights can help you navigate the job market more confidently. Consulting with an employment attorney can provide further clarity. By applying these strategies, veterans can effectively translate their military experience into valuable assets for civilian employers. Your skills, discipline, and leadership are highly valued in the civilian workforce. #Veterans #JobSearch #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #LeadershipSkills

At #ASRCFederal we recognize the strength and capability required to support those who serve and are committed to recruiting and hiring military spouses throughout our workforce. This #militaryspouseappreciation day, my team and I want to share a few tips to help with what can be a challenging job search: 🔎 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: Identify companies with a national presence and ideally support Military Spouse Employment initiatives. While searching openings, utilize keywords such as “remote” or “hybrid” to find flexible career opportunities. ✍ 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your most competent and enjoyable skills and translate them to a professional setting. Life experience and soft skills included! 🙂 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Create a LinkedIn profile, join online military spouse groups, and connect with top veteran employers and veteran community organizations. ✔ Join #ASRCFederal’s 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Connect with our recruiting team, share your skills and experience, and you’ll be notified of career matches across our family of companies. Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gR2UndjZ

Supporting Veterans in Transitioning to Corporate Roles: A Strategic Approach Companies play a crucial role in supporting veterans as they transition from military service to corporate careers. Here are key strategies to effectively support veterans in this transition: - Career Development and Training: Offer career coaching programs that provide personalized guidance on career planning, resume development, networking, and interview practice. These programs help veterans translate their military experience into civilian job requirements. - Certification and Licensing Assistance: Provide resources or partner with educational institutions to help veterans obtain necessary certifications or licenses for civilian roles, ensuring their skills align with job requirements. - Creating a Supportive Environment: Establish veteran affinity groups to create a sense of community, allowing veterans to connect with colleagues who share similar experiences and providing a platform for support. Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate veterans' needs, reducing stress during the transition period. - Enhancing Cultural Competency: Train managers and HR professionals to understand military skill sets, translate them into civilian roles, and foster an inclusive work environment that values veteran contributions. - Leveraging Veterans' Skills: Focus on veterans' transferable skills and capabilities, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, to unlock their potential within the organization. - Networking and External Resources: Collaborate with veteran organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran employment offices to connect with veteran job seekers and provide additional support. By implementing these strategies, companies can create a supportive and inclusive environment that benefits both veterans and the organization. #Veterans #CareerDevelopment #Inclusion

  At #ASRCFederal we recognize the strength and capability required to support those who serve and are committed to recruiting and hiring military spouses throughout our workforce. This #militaryspouseappreciation day, my team and I want to share a few tips to help with what can be a challenging job search: 🔎 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: Identify companies with a national presence and ideally support Military Spouse Employment initiatives. While searching openings, utilize keywords such as “remote” or “hybrid” to find flexible career opportunities. ✍ 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your most competent and enjoyable skills and translate them to a professional setting. Life experience and soft skills included! 🙂 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Create a LinkedIn profile, join online military spouse groups, and connect with top veteran employers and veteran community organizations. ✔ Join #ASRCFederal’s 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Connect with our recruiting team, share your skills and experience, and you’ll be notified of career matches across our family of companies. Follow this link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eEXuFyqv

Ever consider why veterans make extraordinary employees? My recent session at the Veteran Talent Academy revealed all. I just attended an eye-opening session at the Veteran Talent Academy, and I'm blown away by the wealth of knowledge shared. If you're in HR, recruiting, or leadership, this is a must-attend program! Here's what we covered: • Effective strategies for onboarding veteran talent • Best practices for retaining our heroes in the workplace • Crafting compelling messages for veteran job seekers • Exploring veteran-hiring educational and award programs • Valuable veteran-community support resources The insights gained are invaluable for any organization committed to supporting our veterans as they transition to civilian careers. I'm leaving this training more inspired than ever to champion our veterans in the workplace! Let's all commit to making a difference in the lives of those who've served our country. Have you attended similar training or implemented veteran-focused initiatives in your workplace? I'd love to hear about your experiences! #VeteranHiring #WorkforceInclusion #VeteranSupporters #HiringHeroes #VeteranTalent Who is with me in committing to support our veterans in their civilian careers? Drop a yes in the comments if you're in!