Blog Post: Governor Crist has proclaimed November to be “Hire a Veteran Month”

Jobing.com has been proud to partner with Airman and Family Readiness Center, Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshop and Workforce Tampa to promote hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers.  In honor of those who have served our country please take a few moments to review some of the advantages your organization will gain by hiring veterans.

1. Accelerated learning curves
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.

2. Leadership
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation, and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and inclusion in action
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, and economic status as well as mental, physical, and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for prochiring and training dedicated veterans for new careersedures
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and globalization
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of health and safety standards
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property, and materials.

10. Triumph over adversity
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina, and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determination.

Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance will host a Veterans Resource Career Fair on Monday, November 9, 2009.  This event will offer local veterans an opportunity to meet with employers, training institutions and community organizations offering resources for veterans.  There will also be several seminars to assist veterans in accessing their benefits and navigating the federal hiring system.

Find out if your organization is eligible for tax credits under the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and monetary incentives to offset the cost of hiring and training dedicated veterans for new careers through the Brave Veteran Initiative.  Veterans Representatives will be on hand at the event to provide more information on these tax credits and incentives.  Please call or email Bobby for more information on how to participate!  We'll see you on November 9th. 

Bobby J. Wise
Local Veteran Employment Representative II
Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance
2001 E. Cherry Street
Plant City, FL 33563
Telephone: 813-930-7619
Fax: 813-757-9012
wiseb@workforcetampa.com