How interview questions for veterans can help recruiters expand talent pools

Some employers value the skills veterans gained during service, such as teamwork, problem-solving and experience in high-pressure environments. Some veterans have experience in areas such as cybersecurity or leadership, depending on their roles during service. Certain roles within the military involve specialist training, which may be relevant for some civilian positions. In the next section, we’ll explore 10 questions to ask veterans during the interview process, as well as what to look for in an answer.

10 interview questions for military veterans

In this section, we offer ten highly effective interview questions to ask veterans and help them demonstrate their unique skills.

1. Describe a time when your actions helped your team succeed

When determining which questions to ask a veteran during an interview, bear in mind that in military service, tasks are often performed as a unit. This question provides an opportunity to talk about what the candidate accomplished with their team and an opportunity to elaborate on their personal accomplishments. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to work well with others
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving with proven results

2. How did your time in service influence your current career goals?

Most veterans have operated under one or more military operations during their time in the service. By asking this question, the candidate has a chance to put their education and experience into the context of the job they’re applying for. What to look for in an answer:

• Examples of experiences relevant to the position
• Current career goals
• Demonstration of a clear career path

3. How does your work ethic compare to your peers?

Work ethic is a key aspect of military life, and promotion is often determined by a member’s performance and dedication to their assignments. The applicant’s answer often highlights their drive to perform well in a company setting. What to look for in an answer:

• Examples of going above and beyond expectations
• Recognition or awards received for performance
• Interest in career promotion opportunities

4. What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

This question enables candidates to highlight their leadership skills and significant achievements. It provides insight into what drives the candidate’s success and what they value most in their professional life. What to look for in an answer:

• Recognition or awards received
• An understanding of why the awards are relevant to the job
• Pride in accomplishments

5. How would you handle an unexpected situation at work

Many veterans develop experience working in challenging environments, depending on their role and training. It offers insights into their problem-solving abilities and adaptability. When evaluating responses, look for:

• Adaptability
• The ability to ask for help
• Calmness and maturity in the face of adversity

6. What type of work environment do you feel you thrive in?

The military is very structured and has strict expectations. This question helps interviewers determine whether a veteran’s work style aligns with the company’s culture. When evaluating answers, consider looking for:

• Examples of past workplaces and how they compare
• The desire for new challenges
• A positive outlook on change

7. What is the most difficult feedback you’ve ever received?

This question is important as it helps gauge how veterans handle both successes and setbacks. Asking about difficult feedback allows the interviewer to assess a candidate’s receptiveness to constructive criticism. When evaluating responses, consider looking for:

• Willingness to solve problems
• Accountability for mistakes or attitudes
• Ability to grow from negative experiences

8. Do you have personal experience with leading people?

Regardless of their rank, most veterans have spent some time leading teams. This question provides an opportunity for the interviewer to discover the candidate’s enthusiasm for leadership. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstrated history of leadership
• Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Confidence in ability to lead

9. How would you react if a coworker caused a major setback to a project you were working on?

In the military, if one person falls behind, it affects the entire team. This question enables the interviewer to gauge the candidate’s ability to handle setbacks. What to look for in an answer:

• Maturity and professionalism
• Ability to be patient with others
• Willingness to help where needed

10. Describe a time you accomplished a task using limited resources

Employers may be surprised to learn that resources are often limited in the military. This question provides an opportunity for a veteran to discuss a time they reacted in a relevant way during a high-pressure situation. What to look for in an answer:

• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Resourcefulness in stressful situations

Considerations when creating your own interview questions for veterans

Making hiring practices more inclusive to veterans can help to expand recruiter talent pools and bring a range of valuable skills into your organisation. Our guide to veteran hiring benefits explains these key skills:

• Health and safety training
• Resilience
• Leadership qualities
• Conflict management and de-escalation skills
• The ability to work effectively in a team
• Security awareness, including cybersecurity training
• Medical and first aid training
• Organisational and time-management skills

Recruiters can ask interview questions to explore both hard and soft skills more broadly. In the next section, we explore some considerations to take into account when drafting interview questions for veterans.

Start with inclusive language in a job description

If you’re looking to make your hiring practices more inclusive, start with the language used in your job descriptions. Businesses that participate in the Armed Forces Covenant often choose to highlight this commitment in their job postings and on public-facing platforms. For more details on the Covenant, visit the UK government’s website.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary commitment that some organisations choose to adopt. For more details, visit the UK government’s website. Participation varies across sectors, and some industries reference the Covenant within their own standards or expectations.

Some candidates may benefit from inclusive language and supportive hiring practices, regardless of background or circumstance. Using inclusive, welcoming language in job descriptions and interviews can help ensure all candidates feel supported throughout the hiring process.

Consult other team members with relevant experience

If a business employs armed forces and veteran professionals already, it can be very useful to discuss potential interview questions and job description ideas with them first. They can provide insights and real-world examples that help make your questions more pertinent and engaging for veteran candidates.

Look for unique skills

With skills gaps in areas such as cybersecurity and digital skills, it is beneficial to seek out the unique abilities and qualifications that veterans and military professionals may have, especially those with cybersecurity, first aid and safety training. Employers may find that some veterans’ training aligns with organisational skill needs.

Veterans often have unique skill sets that are highly transferable to roles in civilian workplaces. For businesses looking to expand their talent pool and close skills gaps, they may be especially valuable. When drafting job descriptions and preparing for interviews, employing inclusive language and consulting with team members who have similar backgrounds can make a significant difference.