MFRI applauds companies who focus on hiring veterans, spouses

November 18, 2013  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Starbucks coffee company recently joined a growing number of U.S. employers who have announced new hiring strategies that focus on hiring veterans and military spouses. To assist both large and small employers with similar hiring goals, and veterans who are seeking employment, the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University just released its second edition of "Matching Quality Employees with Quality Employers."

The report helps employers better understand the benefits of hiring veterans and military employees. It also provides advice for military members who are looking for work.

"Current service members and veterans continually tell us employers don't understand their skills," said Stacie Hitt, director of MFRI's Education and Employment initiative. "Our report describes the perceptions of both veterans and employers as they shared their mutual interest in matching valuable skills with meaningful employment."

The MFRI report details desirable workplace skills developed through military training such as organizational behavior, leadership and supervision, interpersonal communication, psychology, sociology, and accounting.

MFRI learned from employers that 80 percent experienced no problems after hiring someone with military experience. Major employers across the country, like Starbucks, are taking notice. In addition, the Seattle-based company understands the benefits of the military family unit, vowing also to focus hiring on military spouses.

"I applaud Starbucks and other employers who recognize how the diverse background and experience of serving in the military can translate into a strong work-ethic and like-minded mission for success," said Hitt.

There are steps both sides should take. Employers should get "veteran competent" and learn how a member of the military could be the ideal job candidate. Military members need to keep their skills sharp and learn how to best present their qualifications to a potential employer. MFRI’s report lists resources to help both.

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Writer: Liz Evans, 765-494-2084, lizevans@purdue.edu

Source: Stacie Hitt, 765-494-2448, hitts@purdue.edu

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