Available Jobs for Veterans | Veterans Preference
Federal jobs are available in all occupations for veterans. Veterans can take advantage of special emphasis civil service hiring programs including, Veterans Preference, the Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA), and the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA). In certain circumstances mothers of veterans and military spouses may be eligible for special appointing authorities or derived veterans’ preference.
The federal government has an outstanding record of employing veterans. Veterans hold a far higher percentage of jobs in the government than they do in private industry. In large part, this is due to laws providing Veterans’ Preference and special appointing authorities for veterans, as well as the fact that agencies recognize that hiring veterans is just good business.
The President issued an Executive Order in 2009 establishing a Council on Veterans Employment to enhance recruitment of and promote employment opportunities for veterans in the government with a goal of making the federal government a leader in promoting employment for veterans. In addition, 19 federal agencies, including all Presidential Cabinet-level agencies, plus a number of others, are required to establish a Veterans Employment Program Office responsible for enhancing employment opportunities for veterans within the agency.
The federal government has an outstanding record of employing veterans. Veterans hold a far higher percentage of jobs in the government than they do in private industry. In large part, this is due to laws providing Veterans’ Preference and special appointing authorities for veterans, as well as the fact that agencies recognize that hiring veterans is just good business.
Veterans should contact federal agency personnel offices directly where they are interested in working to find out about VRA opportunities. Complete a federal resume and forward it with a cover letter to selected agencies. A list of 141 federal agency web sites is available for you to use to contact federal recruiting sites.
Draft your federal style resume and send a cover letter with your application explaining that you are a VRA candidate and would like to be considered for an appointment. Send a copy of your DD-214 form, number 4 copy with your cover letter and application.
Follow up each submission with a phone call. It helps to call an agency first and obtain a name and address to which you can send an application. Send applications to every office and department that interests you for occupations of interest. Agencies do not have to hire through the VRA program. Only if your education and work experience meet their requirements, they have openings, and like what they see will they make you an offer. Be tactful and don’t be demanding.
Go to federal Job Outlook
Go to Federal Resumes
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