Justin Constantine - From We Will to At Will: A Handbook for Veteran Hiring, Transitioning, and Thriving in the Workplace

Copyright 2018 Justin Constantine. All rights reserved.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for and is on file with the Library of Congress.

ISBN (pbk): 978-1-586-44507-2; ISBN (PDF): 978-1-586-44508-9;

ISBN (EPUB): 978-1-586-44509-6; ISBN (MOBI): 978-1-586-44510-2

Printed in the United States of America

FIRST EDITION

Each year, more than a quarter of a million former service members embark on a journeyboth literal and figurativeas they transition from the we will culture of the military to the at will reality of the civilian workforce. This handbook was designed not only to inspire us as employers to hire veterans, but to empower us to create organizational cultures where veterans can thrive. From We Will to At Will takes us on our own journey of cultural and organizational understanding as we transform our workplaces from veteran-friendly to veteran-ready.

Over the last few years, the SHRM Foundation has worked to create a measurable impact on the hiring and retention of former service members, gleaning valuable lessons along the way. Through partnerships and research, weve learned that, although veterans are a key element of a diverse and inclusive workforce, distinct challenges remain. Do veterans feel included, engaged, and capable of reaching their full potential in todays workplace? Too often, the answer is no. A sobering 65 percent of veterans depart from their first nonmilitary job within two years.

From We Will to At Will tackles this challenge head on, outlining a holistic approach that goes far beyond translating military rsums and applying particular interviewing techniques. While these fundamentals are an integral part of hiring veterans, this handbook goes much farther, providing case studies, call-outs, and data; state-of-the-art resources and tools for recruiting and hiring; and fresh insights into the veteran experience. It demystifies military culture, explores hidden barriers to inclusion, and presents new approaches for helping veteransand their familiescontinue their mission of service within our nations workplaces.

As SHRMs CEO, I met Justin Constantine in early 2018, and he impressed me immediately with his passion and willingness to collaborate to forge monumental change for working veterans. His own service to his country is neither measured by his time in uniform alone, nor defined solely by his heroic and inspirational experiences in combat. Like so many veterans in communities across our country, Justin is far from finished fulfilling his lifes purpose. From We Will to At Will is a testament to the humility, selflessness, and commitment that exemplifies a Marine officer. He has created a candid, straightforward, and vital resource for anyone looking to create a meaningful veteran-hiring programone that goes far deeper than goodwill and is rooted firmly in good business.

The journey From We Will to At Will is not as far as organizations and veterans may assume, and the rewards are immense for both. Tapping the talent of these uniquely prepared individuals enhances every workplace culture, and HR canand shouldlead these efforts.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM. He currently serves on the corporate board of Gallup and on the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami. He is an advisor to Safe Streets & Second Chances and a board member of Jobs for Americas Graduates. In a 2018 White House ceremony, President Trump appointed Mr. Taylor Chairman of the Presidents Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Justin:

To Dahliayou were the cornerstone of my recovery and have been an incredible partner over the last twelve years.

To my many friends and collaborators in the veteran spacethank you for your continued work to ensure our efforts and sacrifices are not forgotten.

I want to thank especially thank fellow veteran Andrew Morton. He and I have been connected for decadesfrom the rugby fields of James Madison University to both serving in Iraqunbeknownst to each other at the time. Reconnecting a year and a half ago, we joined in this effort to create this handbook and I could not have done it without him. Hes my brother in arms and my brother in this work.

Andrew:

Ive experienced no shortage of remarkable moments in my life, and collaborating on this effort ranks amongst all of them for three very specific reasons. First, it afforded me the opportunity to give back in some way to a profession that serves as readily as we do in uniformHR. Thanks to all of you for guiding so many of us to our next purpose-driven opportunity after our time in uniform is done. Secondly, it allowed me to reconnect with a life-long friend whos a hero. Justinthanks for your generosity, support, and friendship! Finally, it reminded me every day of how blessed I am to have the most amazing kids in the world. Luke, Catie, and Judethrough deployments in years past and late nights and weekends during this effort, youve always been there for me! You are my mentors and my inspiration! I love you will all my heart!