Most executive search services, also known as headhunters, are businesses that specialize in finding the right people for the right job. Usually these are high level executive type, or professional specialized positions of some kind. Essentially, executive search firms are hired by other companies to fill the needs they have available.
While these services look across the spectrum for potential candidates as they should, one area that could be particularly valuable is looking into more military veterans. Companies love to hire veterans not only for the PR and potential tax benefits, but because they are normally extremely disciplined, hard workers. Here are three qualities most veterans have that appeal to professional companies.
1.) Qualifications: The overall qualifications of your average veteran are astounding. In particular, employers say veterans bring the following five qualities to the workplace: self-discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, respect and leadership. As a veteran they have been put through rigors both physically and mentally demanding. Meeting a deadline, or selling a potential client on a product is a walk in the park compared to trekking over miles of desert, or carrying a wounded brother from battle.
2.) Leaders: It’s one of the five qualities, but it deserves a space of its own. Military transition recruiters tout it as their number one selling point. One of the biggest things companies look for in potential employees is leadership. They want to know they can leave you with a task or project and you can be successful. Not only in the work you do yourself, but having the ability to inspire those around you and coordinate an efficient team game plan. Executive search services should look at veterans whenever they’re in need of someone who’s guaranteed to be a strong leader.
3.) Security: An additional bonus for executive search services that hire veterans is the security bonus. Companies are constantly worried about improving and upgrading their security systems. It’s estimated electronic security spending is growing at a rate of 4.3% each year, and businesses without alarm systems are 4.5 times more likely to be broken into than those without. Avoid the robotics infiltrating the security industry and instead rely on a person who’s lived in an environment where security is crucial. Even if the job itself has nothing to do with security, having a veteran in the company means they’ll be there at your disposal if you want to get advice or recommendations.
