Why Veterans Make Great Hires

Honoring members of the military means not only reflecting on their exemplary service, but also appreciating the talents and skills of veterans in the civilian workplace. Their discipline, communication skills, teamwork, and  problem-solving abilities are just some of the reasons why veterans make great hires, and especially for sales positions.

Shining a light on how military skills transfer to corporate America is Brian Armstrong, a Marine Corps veteran who now serves as Wells Fargo’s head of military recruitment.

Having led the safe transport of equipment and security protection forces, on top of serving as a small unit leader overseeing the well-being of fellow Marines, Armstrong acquired skills that easily transfer to everyday business during his military career. And his experience is not unique to him, but shared amongst the hundreds of thousands who transition out of the military to civilian careers each year.

“In the military, you have to be able to think on your feet,” Armstrong said. “We [veterans] span the breadth of the United States, and we can leverage our unique, diverse perspectives to react and deliver under pressure. Add this to the soft skills we gain during service, and I think veterans are an extremely attractive demographic for employers.”

In fact, many companies in recent years are catching onto the value veterans bring to the workplace, with veteran employment rates trending upward over the past 10 years, according to Department of Labor Statistics. Veterans bring a unique set of skills and qualities that make them particularly effective in sales positions. Their military training instills a high level of discipline and a strong work ethic, which are essential for meeting sales targets and deadlines. Veterans are accustomed to working in high-pressure environments and can remain calm and focused, making them adept at handling the challenges and rejections that often come with sales roles.

Moreover, veterans possess exceptional communication skills. Their experience in the military requires clear, concise, and effective communication, often in complex and stressful situations. This ability to communicate well is crucial in sales, where building relationships and conveying value to clients are key components of success. Veterans are also highly trained in teamwork and leadership, enabling them to collaborate effectively with colleagues and lead sales initiatives.

Additionally, the problem-solving skills developed in the military are invaluable in sales. Veterans are trained to think quickly and strategically, adapt to changing situations, and find solutions to obstacles. This makes them resourceful and proactive in identifying and seizing sales opportunities. Their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement also drives them to constantly seek ways to enhance their performance and achieve their sales goals.

“It’s not just about supporting veterans, it’s also about how veterans can help a company. Their ability to thrive in differing environments and circumstances makes them agile and serious-minded in their endeavors,” Armstrong says. “Obviously we’re not in a military situation in our typical workplace, but I suspect many veterans, like I do, take their corporate roles seriously, the same way they’d get prepared for a mission.”

To learn more about Wells Fargo’s military recruitment initiatives, and its more than 170 years of supporting military veterans and their families, visit wellsfargojobs.com. Read more about why veterans make great leaders here .

Employers can reflect on how making their workplaces more inclusive to veterans can help both their community and their bottom line. Their unique experiences and attributes align especially with the demands of the sales industry, positioning them for success and making them valuable assets to any sales team.