Supporting Veterans in the Civilian Job Market
It’s not just the battlefield that presents challenges for veterans; when they return home, many find the job market to be even tougher. Veterans often face hurdles such as resumes that are misinterpreted and hiring practices that overlook real-life skills and experiences. To combat this, RedBalloon and MilitaryHire are collaborating to assist veterans in finding not just any job, but the right mission as they transition out of military service.
“Employment is fundamentally a human activity, and we aim to make it feel human again. The veteran community, in particular, really needs that,” said Andrew Klapchetz, CEO of RedBalloon.
Craig Robbins, CEO of MilitaryHire, echoed this sentiment, noting a common misconception: “After 20 years of conflict since 9/11, many people assume that the veteran experience is uniform across the board. But that’s not the case at all.” It’s essential to recognize each veteran as an individual with unique experiences relevant to various industries.
Technology Aiding Transitions
Recently, RedBalloon expanded its capabilities by acquiring MilitaryHire, aiming to support around 200,000 military members and 700,000 Guard and Reserve personnel transitioning into civilian life annually. Their new recruiting software, dubbed “Fill in the Gaps,” integrates artificial intelligence to help job seekers and employers identify skill gaps and align their values. This is crucial, especially since many veterans worry that automated systems filter out qualified candidates.
Initial testing of this technology has shown promising results. Of 1,500 resumes reviewed, just 7% were classified as “perfect.” The rest needed significant adjustments; the system helps candidates refine their applications, offering them a second chance.
Army Colonel Brian McGarry, who transitioned to a civilian job just two weeks ago, shared his insights: “Employers often look at how a person can contribute in the short term, not just in the long run. I’ve had to rethink how I present myself.” Similarly, Army Major Kelly Spisak emphasizes the need for education about military roles in civilian settings, having worked at notable tech companies.
For veterans like Tasha Beckford, who recently secured a position in aerospace engineering, the core values from the Air Force play an essential role in shaping their identities in the workforce. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger now,” she said.
Advocating for Veterans
All three veterans, though at different points in their careers, share experiences of overcoming barriers and societal misconceptions. Spisak pointed out that while differences exist within military culture, the underlying skills and abilities are valuable in any workplace. “We can handle pressure; that’s a definite asset,” she noted.
“Adaptability is crucial in the military. We constantly improvise and learn new skills,” McGarry said. “It’s surprising that not all employers see how our ability to adapt is a strength.” He wishes employers would recognize this more.
Beckford adds, “We need to focus on the impact rather than titles. How I’ve managed teams and improved performance matters more than any jargon.” RedBalloon and MilitaryHire strive to restore a sense of humanity to the job search, emphasizing genuine connections over algorithms.
Klapchetz asserted, “AI can’t effectively judge qualities like work ethic and determination. That’s a significant gap veterans face. By fostering real conversations between recruiters and applicants, we can enhance the job-seeking experience.” Robbins reiterated this, stating that many veterans find automated systems to be impersonal and frustrating.
Encouragement for Veterans
With insights from veterans who have navigated their job searches, there’s a strong message of encouragement for those who may feel lost. Spisak emphasizes the importance of networking: “We need to leverage both military and civilian connections to move forward.” Even small steps can open doors.
As Beckford concluded, “Military training has instilled resilience in us. We can adapt to new environments. We just need a bit of patience during this transition.” McGarry advised veterans to reach out for help as they explore the civilian job market—there are many who are willing to assist.
