Tommy Jones on understanding the value of military-learned skills

It’s not uncommon for employers to have misconceptions about veterans when it comes to their hiring, according to Tommy Jones, head of military and emerging talent programs, Verizon. 

WorkingNation sat down with Jones in Atlanta at the Warrior Community Integration Symposium – an annual convening of veteran-serving organizations hosted by America’s Warrior Partnership. 

Jones says companies often don’t understand the skills that veterans can bring to a job. “It’s just connecting the dots. Getting the hiring managers and the decision makers together so that they can really see what type of talent is out there.”

He offers this advice to service members leaving the military, “If I was transitioning out today, the first thing I would say is – spend 95% of your time networking and 5% of your time applying. Tell your story. Be confident in your abilities.”

Learn more about Verizon’s military initiatives.
Learn more about America’s Warrior Partnership.