Gain Immediate Recognition. Your Veteran Status is Critical in Securing Interviews and Building a Community
Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life often face challenges in finding employment and building professional networks. However, research shows that when veterans are
identified as such, they gain significant advantages in the job market and networking opportunities. This “war of recognition” highlights how veteran status can be a powerful asset when leveraged effectively.
The Power of Veteran Identity in Job Applications
Studies have demonstrated that employers are more likely to respond positively to job applications from candidates identified as veterans. A 2020 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 64% of organizations actively recruit veterans, recognizing the unique skills and experiences they bring to the workforce [1]. This proactive approach translates into tangible benefits for job-seeking veterans. “According to Completing the Mission: Best Practices for Recruiting and Hiring Veterans, a report based on a survey of 1,075 HR professionals conducted earlier this year by SHRM and the SHRM Foundation and sponsored by USAA, an overwhelming majority of HR professionals (90%) agreed that hiring veterans is appealing to their organization.” [12]
When veterans clearly identify themselves on resumes and applications, they increase their chances of securing interviews. A survey conducted by LinkedIn showed that job applications highlighting veteran status are more likely to be viewed by recruiters compared to non-veteran applications.
“Many companies who aren’t federal contractors are still serious about hiring veterans. They recognize the value that former military members bring to their organizations and go to great lengths to recruit them. These companies are likely monitoring their recruiting efforts in order to ensure they are effective and give applicants the opportunity to voluntarily disclose their veteran status on their application.” [2]
This increased visibility can be a crucial first step in the hiring process.
Networking Advantages for Recognized Veterans
The power of veteran recognition extends beyond job applications to networking opportunities. Veterans who identify themselves as such in professional settings often find it easier to connect with fellow veterans and veteran-friendly organizations. LinkedIn’s data reveals that InMails (LinkedIn’s messaging system) sent by veterans to other veterans have a higher response rate compared to the platform average. This increased engagement demonstrates the strong sense of camaraderie and willingness to help within the veteran community.
The Impact of Veteran-Specific Email Addresses
One particularly effective way for veterans to leverage their status is through the use of veteran-specific email addresses. Services like the Veteran Email Program provide veterans with email addresses that include military branch identifiers (e.g., @Army.Vet) [4]. These email addresses serve as an immediate signal of veteran status in all communications.
The impact of these veteran-specific email addresses is significant:
- Increased email open rates: Emails sent from veteran-specific addresses have been shown to have open rates up to 40% higher than those from generic addresses.
- Enhanced networking opportunities: When reaching out to other veterans or veteran-friendly organizations, these email addresses create an instant connection and increase the likelihood of a response.
- Improved job application success: Recruiters and hiring managers are more likely to notice and prioritize applications from email addresses that clearly identify the sender as a veteran [6].
Building a Strong Veteran Network
The recognition gained through veteran identification leads to stronger professional networks. Veterans who actively engage with other veterans and veteran-friendly organizations often find themselves part of a supportive community that can provide valuable career opportunities.
Veteran-focused networking events and job fairs have become increasingly common, with many large corporations hosting their own veteran recruitment initiatives. For example, Amazon’s Military Recruitment program has hired over 40,000 veterans and military spouses since 2011 [7]
Veterans Need Each other and they Respond to Each Other
In the “war of recognition,” US military veterans have a powerful advantage when they openly identify their status. From increased interview opportunities to enhanced networking connections, the benefits of being recognized as a veteran are clear. By leveraging veteran-specific email addresses and actively engaging with the veteran community, former service members can turn their military experience into a valuable asset in the civilian job market.
As more organizations recognize the unique skills and perspectives veterans bring to the workforce, the importance of veteran identification in professional settings will likely continue to grow. For veterans navigating the transition to civilian life, embracing and showcasing their veteran status can be a key strategy in achieving career success.
The Veterans Email Program provides full-featured email addresses to active-duty and military veterans of the United States. The Veterans Email Program performs no tracking. Your Veteran Email Address represents the branch in which you served; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Space Force with a .Vet (Veteran) extension.
Citations:
[1] https://usveteransmagazine.com/usvm/veterans-unemployment-rate-lowest-monthly-average-in-20-years/
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-companies-ask-you-veteran-caleb-roberson
[3] https://military.ggu.edu/blog/the-importance-of-networking-for-veterans
[4] https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/docs/veterans_in_workplace_final_report.pdf
[5] https://oneillcareerhub.indiana.edu/resources/how-to-increase-your-networking-email-response-rate/
[6] https://vacareers.va.gov/career-guidance/veterans-and-transitioning-military/
[7] https://www.nvti.org/2024/02/02/from-the-bureau-of-labor-statistics-the-employment-situation-of-veterans/
[8] https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/what-it-means-be-protected-veteran-job-application.html
[9] https://www.vetrafi.com/articles/building-your-network-as-a-military-veteran
[10] https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/docs/em_goodemployees.asp
[11] https://journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v10i1.513
[12] https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/talent-acquisition/shrm-report-highlights-barriers-and-solutions-for-veteran-hiring