Removing employment barriers for veterans and military spouses

While navigating the claims and benefits process is critical, it’s only part of a successful transition out of the military. DAV knows that long-term wellness can hinge on the ability to support your family, build a meaningful career and stay connected to your community. Even for veterans who are already employed, growth doesn’t stop. Advancing your career and finding purpose in your work are just as important as landing that first job.

For too many veterans, entering the civilian workforce presents unexpected challenges. A résumé might not capture the full scope of your true abilities, and skills that are second nature in uniform don’t always align neatly with civilian job descriptions.

Military spouses face similar challenges. Frequent relocations, career interruptions and the demands of managing the home through constant transition can make it difficult to build and maintain a steady career path.

Veterans and military spouses are part of a powerful and often underrecognized talent pool. Our adaptability, resilience and strong sense of purpose are valuable traits in the workplace, even when those aren’t the requirements explicitly listed on job postings. We’ve heard from employers that they want to hire veterans but struggle to interpret military experience on a résumé or create pathways to connect with our community.

To help bridge that gap, we created The Veteran Advantage: DAV’s Hiring Guide for Employers of the Military Community. While the guide is written for employers, it centers on veterans and spouses.

Rooted in research and real-world experiences, this guide takes the conversation beyond good intentions to practical strategies for companies. We provide tools to determine the alignment between military and civilian roles, conduct effective onboarding, and build programs like mentorship or employee resource groups, which improve long-term engagement and job satisfaction.

The Veteran Advantage complements the other services offered through DAV’s employment program. Beyond the guide, DAV hosts nationwide job fairs and virtual hiring events. Every week, these events provide direct access to companies that are seeking to hire veterans and military spouses.

Additionally, DAV’s Patriot Employer program recognizes companies that have demonstrated a true commitment to hiring and supporting the military community. It helps employers showcase their support in ways that attract those who’ve served. Winning organizations tend to already practice many of the recommendations discussed in The Veteran Advantage.

As veterans navigate their career after the military, The Veteran Advantage offers a critical step—removing barriers to meaningful opportunities. When your skills are recognized and your potential is realized, you have a clear path to lasting success.