Northwestern Mutual wants to recruit returning veterans to careers in financial services, the company announced today.

The campaign will include a new Web site (www.northwesternmutual.com/military) and an increased presence at military veteran career fairs.

Veterans returning from deployment since September 2001 have a 10 percent unemployment rate compared to 7.2 percent for the general population, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,.

Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual says it has found that many veterans facing the difficult employment environment see a compelling and desirable option in pursuing a career as a financial representative.

“Former soldiers are finding their skills highly transferrable to careers as financial representatives,” says Steve Mannenbach, vice president of field growth and development at Northwestern Mutual. “Given their strong leadership qualities, discipline, motivation and desire to help others, we have seen that military veterans are exceptional candidates.”

The recruitment Web site includes financial career opportunities for veterans and training and development opportunities.