When we think of diversity and inclusion, culture, race, gender, disability, sexuality, age, and nationality come to mind, but there’s a hiring group that encompasses all of these varying classifications – veterans and military spouses. In the latest episode of the DE Talk podcast, our new Community & State Outreach Administrator Kim Lott sat down with VetJobs Diversity Officer Denise Lewis to discuss this diverse group, what they bring to the workplace, and how employers can better serve them through equity, inclusion, and accessibility practices. Let’s dive in for a taste of the conversation, but be sure to listen to episode seven for more great tidbits!
Kim Lott:
How do you support employers seeking veteran candidates? Tell us about that.
Denise Lewis:
The one thing that we have is we do have an employer team. One, employers can always go to our website and check out our services. But if we have an employer that needs that additional assistance, we do have an employer team and our recruiters who our employers can talk to directly.
But the one other thing that we offer to employers is that we have one of the largest and most diverse candidate pool. And this is really vital to federal contractors who have to meet a certain diversity quota. So, our candidates are skilled, vetted, and ready.
And oftentimes, employers are paying thousands of dollars for positions for military recruiters and liaisons. And for us, at a minimal, and sometimes not even an any fees, we’re able to help employers, especially organizations that are smaller organizations. We’re really set up to really help those employers.
Kim Lott:
Nice. Now, since 2020, there has been a greater push in the employment scene for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforces. How has VetJobs been working with employers to help promote those efforts through hiring veterans?
Denise Lewis:
Well, it’s mostly not about diversity. It really is the skills that all veterans bring into an organization. And that is character traits, not just veterans, but military spouses, and those who are loyal, have respect, value service, honor, integrity, personal courage, resilience, and longevity. And that’s what employers are getting when they hire military-affiliated veterans and spouses.
Again, we work with employers to ensure that they are offering equitable employment opportunities, salary and promotion opportunities. We just don’t accept any employer.
We do have a conversation with them to make sure that, “Hey, this is who our candidate base is. Are you meeting our criteria as an employer?” especially as we talk about inclusivity.
Kim Lott:
Absolutely. There needs to be some reciprocity there.
Denise Lewis:
Exactly.
Kim Lott:
They’re getting some great candidates, like you said, and the ones that can pivot.
Denise Lewis:
Exactly.
Kim Lott:
They can roll with the punches and go with the change you know? So, any employer can benefit from that on their team. Share with us the work you’re doing at VetJobs to position veterans going into the civilian workforce as part of diversity and inclusion hiring programs…
To learn more about VetJobs’ initiatives and how employers can expand their efforts to illustrate their programs and inclusive culture, listen to the full episode – and stay tuned for more great content coming to the DE Talk podcast in the coming weeks! Subscribe to our emails or sign up for SMS notifications to ensure you never miss a new episode!
