Webinar Series Helps Companies Hire Returning Military

Returning Military Members Struggle with Civilian Transition

This year, the state of Iowa expects to welcome back almost 3,000 soldiers from tours of duty around the world.  Many of these military members will be looking for new employment opportunities, but do not know how to communicate their new skills. 

To help local employers, business owners, hiring managers and HR directors, an online seminar series has been scheduled to cover topics such as translating the military resume, where to find veterans, and the business case for hiring military members.  This series features Lisa Rosser, founder of The Value of a Veteran and thevalueofaveteran.com.  

The series started March 1, but will accept new registrations for its remaining three webinars.  The next webinar is March 15 at 8:30 a.m. 

Michael Coleman, a local IT professional and retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Marine Corp, says he’s seen too many military members grow frustrated with the civilian job market.

“Employers struggle translating background and skills from the military world to a more widely understood format,” said Coleman.  “These vets understand commitment to an organization; have learned to operate in adverse conditions; and have had incredible responsibility, including life and death decisions.  These are nearly the exact characteristics some companies complain about not being able to find very often.”

Each webinar lasts 90 minutes and starts at 8:30 a.m.  In the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, webinar ‘watch events’ are held at the new Iowa City National Guard Armory.  Local speakers and networking opportunities will be provided each morning after Rosser’s presentation.

For more information on these events, companies should click here.