Remember Liam Neeson’s famous line in the 2008 thriller, Taken? “. . . what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.”
If you’re a veteran, you definitely possess very specific (maybe extraordinary) talents. But to the right employer, you’d be anything but a nightmare. In fact, to companies that require military type expertise, a second-to-none work ethic, strong leadership, teamwork skills and exceptional problem solving capabilities, you’d be a dream come true.
A good starting point for any vet looking for work is the VA’s JOBS home site, which features links to federal job boards like VA for Vets, VA Careers and Feds Hire Vets. However, the private sector is rife with opportunities for vets as well.
We’re about to take a look at some of the top private companies for veterans, as listed by Monster.com, and see just what makes them so vet-friendly.
Mantech International Corporation
Not only does ManTech recruit veterans independently, but they partner with veteran employment programs like Veteran Job Mission, Military Spouse Employment and Joining Forces.
The reason they’re so anxious to employ vets? Since 1968, ManTech has been providing the federal government with advanced technology for use in the fields of defense, intelligence, law enforcement, science, administration, health, etc., which makes veteran candidates especially sought after.
As of 2017, 47 percent of ManTech’s workforce and 64 percent of all new hires were veterans. The company’s stellar onboarding program is tailor-made for vets who are making the transition from military life to civilian and may account for the fact that so many of them feel right at home among its ranks.
Intelligent Waves
This veteran-owned small company is the perfect fit for tech-savvy vets, since its primary focus involves providing IT and communications support to the U.S. government.
With a veteran workforce of 47 percent, Intelligent Waves goes the extra mile to support ex-military staff by providing them with an Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and referrals for both mental and physical wellness, as well as educational programs that provide any any necessary job training.
Founder, CEO and veteran, Jared Shepherd, also established Warriors Ethos, a nonprofit geared towards helping transitioning vets and their families develop professionally through career planning and placement.
Lockheed Martin
This well-known aerospace firm partners with several nonprofits that support both active duty personnel and veterans, such as the USO (United Service Organizations), ACP (American Corporate Partners) and The Mission Continues.
Lockheed Martin employs a full-time recruitment team whose job it is to seek out qualified veterans, get them on board and aid them in their transition. Veterans can also take advantage of the company’s Military Connect service, which offers veterans career guidance, coaching, help with resume writing, etc.
Vets can also use the Military Skills Translator found on Lockheed Martin’s website, which allows candidates to define their military experience and be matched with open positions for which they may be best suited.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Like Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton also employs a full-time military recruitment team. Their VRCE (Veteran Recruiting Center of Excellence) is tasked not only with seeking out military talent, but helping to retain new hires by providing them with outstanding support and advocacy.
The company, which provides engineering services and technology consulting to governments, corporations and nonprofits, currently boasts a workforce that is over one-third military or ex-military and especially prides itself on the flexibility and benefits package it offers reservists.
Schneider National
For those who wouldn’t be averse to life on the road, Schneider National is currently the number one trucking and logistics company in the U.S. in terms of veteran hiring. With vets making up over 28 percent of its workforce, the company has a Credit for Military Experience program that can be convert relevant military training towards pay.
Schneider is also a member of the VA’s Military Apprenticeship Program, which allows eligible veterans to receive a monthly educational benefit from the VA (in addition to their Schneider check) during their first year of employment.
Seemingly Endless Possibilities
The companies covered here are only a portion of the companies Monster ranked in 2017, so don’t be discouraged if you didn’t find what you’re looking for here. There are scores of companies, both large and small, who are grateful for the chance to employ vets.
No matter what type of job you apply for, it’s always recommended to have your DD-214 handy as proof-of-service and experience. But in the event you’re one of the thousands of vets whose DD-214 has been lost, destroyed, stolen or never received, you don’t need to sweat it.
Veteran-owned DD-214Direct.com takes the pain out of getting your military records. Instead of going through eVetRecs, which requires you to print out a request form, sign it, mail or fax it in and then wait weeks (maybe months) for a response by mail, DD214Direct.com allows you to take care of the entire transaction on your device!
While our experienced team of professionals is busy pinpointing your records’ exact location; submitting your error-free, perfectly structured request (often submitting it by hand); and delivering your documents with unmatched speed (even by email!); you can spend your time thinking about your great future career.
