When It Comes to Education, Here’s What I Look for When Hiring Veterans
7th August 2026
For former enlisted, I would look first for Good Conduct Medals.
Bringing veterans into your organization shouldn’t be a charitable act, or some abstract nod to patriotism. The sacrifices military service requires, even for a single enlistment, can demonstrate to savvy hiring managers that this individual knows how to successfully integrate into a group and improve it at every level. The military is not a status quo organization. I like to hire veterans because, time and again, they will outperform my expectations.
Whether in sales, estimating, field management, or administration, construction — my industry — is an unforgiving business. Projects have tight schedules, changing priorities, demanding customers, and little room for excuses. Success depends on people who show up every day, solve problems under pressure, and remain committed to the team when things become difficult.
Those are the exact characteristics the military develops.
They also beat into you the notion that The Mission Comes First. That is an excellent work ethic to offer an employer, and more than one employer during my working life have told me how much they appreciate it.