A veteran job seeker converses with recruiters at a DAV job fair.

Veterans spend years developing leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, resilience and technical expertise during military service. The challenge for many job-seeking veterans is describing those traits effectively to a civilian employer.

DAV is helping close that gap.

In March 2026, we released an updated version of The Veteran Advantage: DAV’s Hiring Guide for Employers of the Military Community to give employers practical ways to reduce barriers and create workplaces where our military community can thrive.

To illustrate key points in the hiring guide, our three-part podcast series explores how veterans and employers can better understand one another and create stronger connections from the job search through long-term career success.

Together, the guide and podcast series offer practical advice for employers looking to recruit and retain veteran talent, while helping veterans navigate the job market.

Episode 1: Translating military skills into civilian opportunity

Veterans bring valuable technical and transferable skills to the workplace, but those abilities can be overlooked when employers don’t understand military job titles, terminology or experience.

In the first episode, we explore how employers can look beyond unfamiliar terminology and recognize skills such as leadership, adaptability, teamwork and discipline. We also discuss how employers can connect with the military community through the DOD SkillBridge program, DAV job fairs and more.

Veterans can learn how to translate military experience into language that resonates with civilian employers.

Employers can learn how to identify relevant skills from unfamiliar military titles and acronyms.

Episode 2: Building a veteran employee resource group

Leaving the military often means leaving behind a built-in community of shared experiences and support. Finding that sense of connection in a civilian workplace can make a meaningful difference.

In the second episode, we look at how veteran employee resource groups, or ERGs, can create opportunities for mentorship, professional development and connection while giving veterans and military spouses a stronger voice within their organizations.

Employers don’t need a large veteran workforce to start an ERG. With leadership support, a clear purpose and committed participants, an ERG can start small and grow along with the community it serves.

Veterans can learn what it takes to build a veteran ERG from the ground up.

Employers can learn how to build and support a veteran ERG that strengthens the workforce and improves retention.

Episode 3: Connecting employers with veteran job seekers

Many employers say they want to hire veterans. But veterans need clear evidence that the commitment extends beyond a recruitment slogan.

In the final episode, we explore how employers can build trust by showing up in the military community, connecting through organizations and programs veterans already know, and making job opportunities more accessible to people with military experience.

We also look at the role veteran employees can play in recruiting. Hearing from someone who has successfully made the transition and built a career within an organization can tell a veteran job seeker more than a “military-friendly” label ever could.

Veterans can learn how to find evidence that an employer understands military experience and gives veterans opportunities to succeed.

Employers can learn how to build trust in the military community through authenticity and organizational practices.

A meaningful career can be an important part of building the next chapter after military service. But success often depends on veterans and employers understanding one another.

Bridging that gap is at the heart of DAV’s hiring guide and this podcast series.

Whether you’re supporting a veteran’s transition, building a more military-inclusive workplace or planning your own next career move, DAV can help.

Watch the podcast series, explore The Veteran Advantage and share our resources with anyone who might benefit from military-focused employment services.