This paper will describe the data obtained from the US Department of Veteran Affairs. The paper describes the general trend in the data obtained. Challenges facing war veterans in finding jobs will be outlined. The remedies to these challenges will then be explained in terms of assistance to war veterans by the federal government. Solutions to the poor interpersonal communication between recruiters and war veterans are will then be recommended.
Generally, their unemployment rate continues to fall as shown by graph one. It now stands at 6.6%, below the national unemployment rate of 8.1%. However, the unemployment rate for Gulf War II-era Veterans rose to 10.9%. Month to month unemployment figures appear to be volatile.
However, the long-term figures show a consistent decline in unemployment rates among veterans over the past two and half years. It is noteworthy that the unemployment rate among younger Veterans is falling over time. This can be attributed to improved economic performance. Pro- veteran policies and improved networking among veterans are also aiding in their job searches. Despite this, quite a number of returning war Veterans cannot find meaningful work (Bailey, 2012).
Veterans find it hard to land jobs partly due to employer concerns about their health and the suitability of their skills. Employers are finding it hard to decipher the equivalent civilian expertise acquired in a warzone that is applicable to the workplace. This is because veterans are having trouble explaining how their roles in the warzone fit to the civilian workplace (Yen, 2008). Roughly a quarter of veterans who find jobs earn less than $21,840 a year.
Poor job networks and lack of mentors on exit of warzones are to blame for the hard times facing veterans in job searching. Employers’ stereotypes about veteran’s suitability for jobs – technological skills, adaptability, educational background and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder – are also to blame for veteran’s woes (Mercer, 2012). War veterans with PSTD are facing even more stigma as employers are worried about their mental health (Salerno, 2012).
The federal and state governments have created programs that seek to aid veterans in finding jobs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill aids veterans in securing education and housing. Training in technical fields can be accessed through this program. Veterans are taking advantage of this program to gain training in fields that are marketable in the civilian workforce. The VRAP offers training assistance to veterans. It offers training to unemployed veterans. Through this program, veterans increase their employability (NACE, 2012).
In conclusion, increased networking with other war veterans and especially the seeking of mentorship from employed veterans can be pivotal in the chances of a war veteran being employed. Veterans need to learn better interpersonal communication skills in order to express themselves better during interviews. In addition, veterans should take part in programs such as VRAP and the Post 9/11-GI Bill that will increase their odds of being employed (NACE, 2012).
References
Bailey, L. (2012). Overall Veteran Unemployment Rate Continues to Fall; Post-9/11 Veteran Unemployment Long-Term Trend Still Downward. Vantage Point. Web.
Mercer, D. (2012). Returning veterans find job search a challenge. Associated Press. Web.
NACE (2012). Helping Military Veterans Overcome Job-Search Challenges. Spotlight for Career Services Professionals. Web.
Salerno, C. (2012). Military veterans with PTSD face employment challenges, stigma. The Capitol Record. Web.
Yen, H. (2008). Vets face challenge finding jobs, earning less. Associated Press. Web.