May is a month dedicated to honoring our service members' dedication, contributions, and sacrifices, both past and present. In 1999, the U.S. Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month to encourage our nation to publicly show gratitude for the service members who have served and continue to serve our country. It is a time to recognize and express our appreciation for their bravery and commitment to our nation's security.
It is also an opportunity to consider how we can support them when transitioning to a civilian career. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian life annually, making up 8% of the U.S. civilian population. Veterans are an amazing resource of talent with a wide range of high-demand skills, including leadership, self-determination, problem-solving, and a global perspective.
Read our tips below from our own Cindy Raleigh, Sr. Delivery Specialist in our Professional Division, to learn how you can give back to our veterans and make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.
Respectful Phrases and Actions
Understanding a veteran’s personal history, their feelings about their service, and any experiences with trauma is essential in choosing how to express gratitude.
Listed below are a few ideas to consider:
· Expressing Verbal Gratitude: A sincere “Thank you for serving our country.” can be powerful.
· Acknowledging Their Courage: Saying “We are grateful for your sacrifice and bravery to protect our freedom.” shows deep appreciation.
· Physical Gestures: Often, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are powerful ways to convey respect and thanks.
· Non-Verbal Cues: A respectful nod and eye contact can silently communicate your gratitude.
Career Assistance
As recruiters, to further show our appreciation, we can offer our professional skills and services, including the following:
· Translating Military Skills: Assist veterans in articulating their military experience in terms that resonate with civilian employers.
· Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Provide support in crafting effective resumes and cover letters that showcase the veteran’s skills and experiences.
· Job Matching: Identify job opportunities that align with the veteran’s skills and career goals.
· Interview Preparation: Offer guidance and coaching for interviews, helping veterans to understand what employers seek.
· Networking: Leverage our extensive networks to connect veterans with potential employers or industry contacts.
· Advocacy: Champion a veteran to a hiring manager, particularly if the veteran has faced challenges in securing a position independently.
This month, and every month, commit additional time to provide advice and services to past and present service members on resume content and format, enhancing LinkedIn profiles, job search strategies, interview coaching, and more.
Let's not forget that our veterans are an incredible resource of diverse talent, and remember to thank those who have served our nation so bravely!
BGSF can help in your transition to a civilian career! Whether you are looking for a permanent or contract role or need assistance with your talent search, we are here to help. Search our jobs or contact us today!
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