Monster (NYSE:MWW) and Military.com released the results of their most recent National Veterans Talent Index (VTI) report today, indicating that less than half of Post-9/11 veterans feel that they are able to effectively communicate their military skills and experience into a non-military setting.

Post 9/11 veterans currently make up nearly a quarter of the veteran workforce, and represent the most educated veteran population in the country. VTI results indicate that the unemployment challenge isn’t due to a lack of candidate skills or willingness of employers to hire veterans. The Employer Hiring Index, the section of the VTI measuring motivation to hire veterans, shows that over two-thirds of employers say they have special talent needs which a veteran candidate would be more qualified to fill than a non-veteran candidate due to their specific military experience.

Additionally, nearly all employers report veteran workers perform their job about the same or better than non-veteran workers, and rate veterans about the same or higher when it comes to specific attributes such as career advancement, job turnover and retention rate. The National VTI suggests the challenge continues to lie in getting veteran candidates over the initial “translation gap.”

“The recruiting landscape is complex, and while our research shows that employers inherently recognize the value of bringing veterans into their workforces, the biggest challenge continues to be aligning a veteran’s unique skills and experience to the requirements of an open job,” said Susan Fallon, vice president for global strategy and business development, Monster Government Solutions. “Bridging the Post-9/11 veteran employment gap starts with leveraging resources that help veterans better identify good-fit positions for their skills, experience and interests, then helping them more effectively communicate their qualifications and military-developed strengths to civilian recruiters and hiring managers..”

“Veterans possess a myriad of skills that translate very well to the civilian workspace, but what we are learning with the VTI report is that without assistance translating those skills, it is difficult for employers to see how a veteran candidates’ military skills might fit into a particular position,” said Jeffrey Quinn, vice president global Monster insights, Monster Worldwide. “At Monster and Military.com we work closely with veterans and have deep insight into their strengths and qualifications. By providing veterans and employers with the tools to translate their skills to the public sector, we can eliminate existing communications barriers and decrease the unemployment rate for this population.”

Monster and Military.com established the Veterans Talent Index in the fall of 2011 to provide an ongoing and quantifiable metric of employment conditions for the transitioning service member. The survey questions and the three main indices reflect economic improvements, the ebb and flow of veteran job confidence and search activity, and the expansion of employer awareness and veteran-focused resources.

The fall 2014 National VTI supports that a hiring commitment and the creation of veteran resources must continue in an effort to support the anticipated influx of veterans, particularly Post 9/11 veterans who are the fastest growing veteran population entering the civilian job market. To view the complete VTI report and results, visit http://www.about-monster.com/content/veterans-talent-index.

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:MWW), is a global leader in successfully connecting people and job opportunities. Monster uses the world's most advanced technology to help people Find Better, matching job seekers to opportunities via digital, social and mobile solutions including monster.com®, our flagship website, and employers to the best talent using a vast array of products and services. As an Internet pioneer, more than 200 million people have registered on the Monster Worldwide network. Today, with operations in more than 40 countries, Monster provides the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities globally. For more information, visit monster.com/about.

About Military.com

Military.com is the nation's largest online military destination serving over ten million members, including active duty personnel, reservists, guard members, retirees, veterans, family members, defense workers and those considering military careers. Military.com enables the 30 million Americans with military affinity to access information about their benefits, advance their careers, enjoy military discounts, and stay connected for life. Military.com develops efficient affinity marketing and communications programs for government agencies and companies serving this market. Military.com is a business unit of Monster Worldwide, Inc. More information is available at www.military.com.