Lists of military- and veteran-friendly companies are easy to find online. Some even come via federal programs. And while they may contain valuable information about worth businesses, they won’t answer the real question: Is the company in question the best one for you?
To match your personal and professional needs with your next employer, you’ll want to dig a bit deeper. Here are five questions to answer as you get started.
1. Go big, or go small? Not surprisingly, most companies on the national lists have a national footprint – and a large number of employees to go with it. They may have the resources and reach to meet many of your professional goals, but if you’re after a greater influence on a company’s overall direction – or even a partnership or ownership stake, en route to your entrepreneurial desires – you’ll want to think smaller.
2. Have you checked your network? Supplement your online research with a personal touch. Reach out to those in your network who’ve worked at or interacted with the companies you’re considering. Seek their first-person experiences.
Pay special attention to their thoughts on company culture and the onboarding process. They may offer confirmation that a business is one of the best for veterans, or they could give an unexpected rave review for a competitor.
Finished with school? You probably don’t have use for excellent education support. Keeping your TRICARE coverage? You might be less interested in the company health plan. Sort out which perks mean the most to you and your family.
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4. What about the big picture? Veteran-specific benefits are great reasons to consider working for an employer, but they shouldn’t be the only reasons. Do your due diligence in researching the rest of the company and how it stacks up to its competitors – you want an overall picture of your chance of success before making any decisions.
5. Are you moving too fast? Maybe you’ve received an offer from a company that meets most of your needs, but you’re holding out for a “dream job” or waiting to hear word from a more attractive employer.
It’s a tough decision to make – one that may be influenced by financial constraints. Click here for a thorough look at this part of your job search.
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Need more help with the process? Visit MOAA’s Transition and Career Center for more resources, the latest news, links to upcoming webinars, and much more. MOAA Premium and Life members are eligible for even more programs, including a one-on-one career consulting session.
(The original version this article was published in June 2021. It was last updated in March 2024.)
