What Kind of Jobs Can Veterans Get?

Hiring Preference

The United States Code gives certain veterans preference in hiring for government positions. Not all veterans qualify for preference, but those who are eligible are divided into two categories based on disability. A veteran is assigned 5 points of preference if he was honorably discharged and his active-duty service qualifies. Qualifying service must have been for 180 or more consecutive days, any of which occured after September 11, 2001 or between January 31, 1955 and October 15, 1976. Service between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955, as well as between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992 is also eligible. Anyone who served "in a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized" is also eligible for 5 points of preference. Veterans who have a service-connected disability or who have recieved a Purple Heart qualify for 10 points of preference. To find jobs that acknowledge veterans preference, search USAJobs (see Resources).

Many veterans obtained security clearances during their service. The clearances are often still valid after separation. The lowest grade of clearance, Confidential, lasts for 15 years. Secret clearances last for 10. Top Secret clearances must be reinvestigated every 5 years. Veterans with valid clearances are very valuable to civilian employers who require employees who are eligible for these clearances. A valid clearance saves the employer the expense and time required to file for a security clearance, and can make the veteran a preferred candidate for the position. Security clearances may be required for sensitive positions in the financial, education, and medical fields. To search for jobs requiring a security clearance, search ClearanceJobs.com (see Resources).

Military experience is job experience, and it should be treated as such. Employers often look favorably on the skills and discipline acquired in military schools. However, that doesn't mean that those employers understand military acronyms or terms. To get past the military terminology, use a "military to civilian" MOS translator, such as the one found on Military.com (see Resources section). Do not copy and paste the returned translator information directly. Be sure to include any supervisory roles you had, as well as any other experience that may apply. Tailor the experience listed on your resume for the specific job you are applying for.

The Department of Veteran's Affairs, known as the VA, operates the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess program. This program provides veterans with employment counseling, job training, job-seeking skills, resume development, apprenticeships, and even education. Veterans are eligible if they have recieved a discharge other than dishonorable, have a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent, or a memorandum rating of at least 20 percent. Eligibility lasts 12 years from the latter of either the military separation date or the date of notication of a service-connected disability. Applications are accepted online; use the "Apply On-line" link on the VR&E home page (see Resources).