Supporting Australian veteran transition: career construction through a person-environment fit perspective

Abstract

Despite military veterans being recognised as a rich talent pool for employers, evidence suggests that their capabilities are not fully utilised in civilian workplaces, with recent research indicating difficulty finding appropriate jobs and high turnover rates for this population. This study is underpinned by a person-environment fit perspective, and applies career construction theory to explore veterans’ perspectives of key challenges in their significant career transition from military service into the civilian workforce. It identifies ways for HRM professionals to improve integration and ultimately, retention. Interviews were conducted with 31 veterans from the Australian Defence Force who had transitioned from full-time service and had been working in civilian employment for at least six months but no more than three years. The research resulted in the development of a framework for veteran career transition that acknowledges the personal adaptation that occurs throughout this process and informs HR action required to attract and retain this valuable talent segment.