Most employers advertise for the hard skills they seek when posting a job opening, but as many will tell you, they also look for unadvertised soft skills. Why? Because while having a post-secondary degree will many times fill the hard skills requirement, the soft skills employers look for are not taught in the classroom. And they know military service teaches the skills they need and want.
Leadership
Leadership in the military is unique in that not only is it taught in military training schools but is learned the moment one steps off the bus at boot camp. Recruits are rotated through the different leadership positions in their squad, platoon and company-level elements. From Team Leader to Company Commander, they get a taste of what it is like at each level of leadership. Their training is also unique in that they are taught not only when to give orders, but also when to take them to. This boots-on-the-ground leadership experience (often under austere conditions) is not taught in a classroom and employers know it.
Ethics
Military members live by a strong code of ethics and values that include loyalty, self-discipline, honesty and commitment and this code plays out in everything they do. And not surprisingly, this ethics code stays with them after getting out; it is deeply ingrained in their being. In one recent report, it found veterans are three times more likely to have integrity as a tool in their soft skills toolbox as their civilian counterparts – a skill that builds trust with both the employer and clients.
Adaptability
How many times did a mission not go as planned? Military members have the experience to think on their feet and adapt on the fly as conditions rapidly change. Research has found that having this type of ability learned from military service actually brings about changes in their brain that allows them to act quicker to uncertain and rapidly changing conditions than their non-military colleagues.
Diversity
The military is one of the most diverse organizations in the world. They have people from all races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. But because they all have volunteered to serve and must work together, they have learned to accept each other regardless of their differences. This acceptance translates to a better work environment for companies that have a diverse employee population.
Diligence
Military service teaches one to get up early, make their bed, go to physical training, eat breakfast, shower, dress and go to work. In many cases, this is carried out each day and finished before many civilians even get up. On top of that, many military members also work during their off time at getting a post-secondary education making their days even longer. The bottom line – veterans are not afraid of hard work.
Because these soft skills are usually not mentioned in a job posting, many veterans applying for jobs overlook putting these into their resume. To increase your chances of getting hired, work these soft skills, and others you may have, into your resume and cover letter as a way to highlight your soft skills training.
