Veterans have put their lives on the line for our country, so we must do everything we can to help them transition back into civilian life. But unfortunately, many veterans struggle to find jobs after they leave the military. There are several reasons for this, but some of the most common include the lack of understanding from employers.

CBS News stated that a lack of resources, being underemployed, and not holding a four-year college degree are several of the issues preventing veterans from obtaining well-paying employment. Cultural gaps and a lack of integration between Veteran care programs are the other factors.

We will explore the reasons why veterans struggle to find jobs and what can be done to help them. Stay tuned!

Why Do Companies Not Hire Veterans?

Employers may see veterans as being too “by the book” or old-fashioned. Some other harmful stereotypes veterans face are an inability to handle anger or post-traumatic stress. One way they can work to dispel these damaging assumptions is by preparing for interviews ahead of time.

Many veterans have a wealth of experience and skills to offer employers, but they often struggle to find a job that matches their experience level. There are many reasons for this, but some of the most common factors include the lack of understanding from employers, the difficulty translating military experience into civilian terms, and the prevalence of PTSD and other mental health issues among veterans. These concerns might make it difficult for veterans to perform well in interviews or even stay employed.

One way to help veterans find employment is by connecting them with programs that assist veterans in transitioning into the civilian workforce. These programs can provide resources and support, making the process easier and less daunting. Additionally, networking with other veterans can also be helpful as they may have insights and advice to share.

What is the Most Common Job for Veterans?

Recent data shows that the most common job for veterans is a career that fits their life goals, whatever they may be. The data on veterans in the workforce is split up into many different categories. The most common industry veterans work in is management with 26 percent, production with 20 percent, and transportation with 17 percent.

The most common jobs for veterans are:

• Government Job- A lot of veterans, 25%, according to the Navy Federal study, take up government jobs after their service. And it makes sense- there are plenty of perks like good benefits and preferences in the hiring process. There’s also always room to move up the ladder in a stable government job.
• Information Technology- This is a fast-growing industry that veterans are perfect for. The skills veterans learn in the military- like working with complex systems, critical thinking, and leadership- translate well into IT.
• Sales- Sales occupations are ideal for outgoing veterans who enjoy interacting with others. Veterans often have an advantage in sales because of their ability to build trust quickly.
• Law Enforcement- Many veterans go into law enforcement because it’s a natural extension of their military service. Veterans often have the skills and experience that police departments seek, like firearms training and emergency response experience.
• Defense Contracting- Veterans often work in defense contracting because it’s a way to use their skills and experience from the military in the civilian world. Veterans often have an advantage in this industry because of their security clearance. While many veterans find successful careers after their service, many struggles to find a job
• Health Care- Many veterans enter the healthcare field as a means to give back to their society. Veterans often have the skills and experience that hospitals and clinics are looking for, like teamwork and leadership.
• Transportation/Warehousing- Veterans often find careers in transportation or warehousing because it’s a way to use their skills and experience from the military. Veterans often have an advantage in this industry because of their ability to operate complex machinery.
• Retail- Veterans often find careers in retail because it’s a way to use their customer service skills. The three most common things veterans love about their careers are consistency, pay, and advancement opportunities.
• Financial Services-  Veterans often find careers in financial services because it’s a way to use their math and problem-solving skills. Veterans frequently have an advantage in this industry due to their financial management skills.
• Education- Teaching isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. And it comes with great perks, like shaping young minds and having a set work schedule. Many veterans find careers in education because it’s a way to give back to their community.
• Software Developer-  Software developers design and improve software for clients or organizations to complete specific tasks. The professionals responsible for developing software programs identify the user’s needs, design and create the system, and provide continuous maintenance and fixes. Veterans often find careers in software development because it’s a way to use their computer skills. Veterans often have an advantage in this industry because of their ability to work with complex systems and their knowledge of the military system.

Why Are Some Veterans Unemployed?

Veterans are unemployed for several reasons. One reason is that employers don’t always understand or value the skills veterans can bring to the civilian workforce. Veterans also often have difficulty translating their military experience into civilian terms, which can make it hard for them to interview well. Furthermore, many veterans have PTSD and other mental health difficulties, making it difficult to remain employed.

Who is the Largest Employer of Veterans?

With over 68,000 employees, the Postal Service is one of America’s major employers of veterans. In addition, the organization has minted more than 140 stamps to commemorate the nation’s military history; some of these include Service Cross Medals. The United States government is the largest employer of veterans, with more than 2.2 million veterans currently working for various federal agencies. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest component of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), employing over 377,000 individuals.

The Department of Defense is the second-largest employer of veterans, with more than 1.4 million currently on staff. In addition to these large employers, many small businesses and nonprofits are devoted to hiring veterans. These organizations typically have a mission of helping veterans transition to the civilian workforce and providing them with purposeful careers.

How Many Veterans Are Homeless?

It is estimated that there are nearly 40,000 veterans who are homeless on any given night. This number has been declining in recent years, but veterans still make up a disproportionately large percentage of the homeless population. Veterans often struggle with homelessness because of mental health issues, substance abuse, and the difficulty of transitioning from military to civilian life. Additionally, many veterans don’t have family or social support systems to fall back on, which can make it hard to get back on their feet after experiencing homelessness.