Veteran Job Search Resources
Essential tools, websites, and strategies to find the right civilian job. Leverage your veteran status and connect with employers actively seeking military talent.
Searching for the right civilian job after military service requires knowing where to look and how to leverage your veteran status effectively. This comprehensive guide covers the best veteran job search resources, employment websites, hiring preferences, and proven strategies to help you secure meaningful employment in today's competitive job market.
Essential VA Job Search Tools
Specialized platforms designed specifically for veteran employment
VA for Vets Career Portal
VAcareers.va.gov
Direct access to thousands of VA job openings across healthcare, IT, and administration
Key Features:
- Simplified application process
- Veteran preference consideration
- Student loan repayment programs
- Competitive federal benefits
Veterans Employment Center
veterans.gov/employment
Department of Labor platform connecting veterans with nationwide opportunities
Key Features:
- Job search by location and MOS
- Resume builder tool
- Military skills translator
- Interview preparation resources
CareerOneStop
careeronestop.org/veterans
Comprehensive job search assistance sponsored by the Department of Labor
Key Features:
- Veteran-specific job filters
- Local training programs
- Salary information by location
- American Job Center locator
USAJobs.gov for Federal Positions
Federal government careers offer excellent opportunities for veterans through special hiring authorities and preference programs.
Understanding USAJobs.gov
USAJobs.gov serves as the official federal government employment site listing all federal job openings. Veterans have significant advantages when applying.
- • Comprehensive federal job listings across all agencies
- • Advanced search filters by location, salary, and occupation
- • Saved job searches with email alerts
- • Application status tracking
- • Resume builder optimized for federal applications
Federal Resume Requirements
Federal resumes differ significantly from private sector resumes and require more detailed information:
- • Complete work history with supervisor contacts
- • Detailed duty descriptions with hours per week
- • Specific examples of accomplishments
- • Salary history
- • Educational transcripts and certifications
- • Volunteer experience
Navigating Federal Job Announcements
Federal job postings contain critical information you must understand:
Open Period:
Application acceptance dates
Series & Grade:
Job classification and pay level
Who May Apply:
Eligibility restrictions (CRITICAL!)
Qualifications:
Required and preferred qualifications
Veterans Hiring Preferences Explained
Understanding your competitive advantages in federal and private sector applications
5-Point Preference (TP)
Veterans who served during wartime periods or campaigns with authorized badges
Eligibility:
Active duty during specific wartime periods
10-Point Preference (CPS)
Veterans with service-connected disability ratings
Eligibility:
Service-connected disability
10-Point Preference (XP)
Veterans awarded the Purple Heart
Eligibility:
Purple Heart recipient
Veterans Recruitment Appointment
Direct hiring without competition, can convert to permanent positions
Eligibility:
Eligible veterans meeting criteria
30% Disabled Veteran
Special appointment authority for direct hiring
Eligibility:
30%+ disability rating
Documentation Requirements
To claim veterans preference, you must provide:
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release from Active Duty)
- SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference) if applicable
- Disability letter from VA if claiming disability preference
- Other supporting documentation as required
Top Veteran-Friendly Companies
Corporations with established veteran recruitment programs and military hiring initiatives
Technology
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Cisco Systems
- Oracle
Financial Services
- USAA
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- PNC Financial
- Navy Federal
Healthcare
- UnitedHealth Group
- CVS Health
- HCA Healthcare
- Kaiser Permanente
Retail
- The Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Walmart
- Target
- Starbucks
Transportation
- Union Pacific
- FedEx
- UPS
- Norfolk Southern
Energy
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- Duke Energy
- Dominion Energy
What These Companies Typically Offer:
- • Dedicated military recruiting teams
- • Military skills translation in hiring processes
- • Veteran mentorship programs
- • Veteran employee resource groups
- • Military leave policies for Reservists
- • Professional development opportunities
Job Fairs and Veteran Career Events
Face-to-face connections with employers actively seeking veteran candidates
Military-Specific Fairs
Events exclusively for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses
Industry-Specific Events
Career fairs focused on sectors like technology, healthcare, or skilled trades
Virtual Career Fairs
Online events allowing nationwide connections without travel requirements
Maximizing Job Fair Success
Before the Event:
- • Research attending employers
- • Prepare targeted resumes
- • Practice your elevator pitch
- • Dress professionally
- • Bring multiple resume copies
During the Event:
- • Arrive early
- • Prioritize high-interest employers
- • Engage confidently
- • Collect business cards
- • Take notes after conversations
After the Event:
- • Send thank-you emails within 24 hours
- • Apply for discussed positions
- • Connect on LinkedIn
- • Follow up on next steps
- • Add contacts to network
Online Job Boards for Veterans
Specialized platforms connecting military talent with veteran-friendly employers
RecruitMilitary.com
- Extensive veteran job postings
- Searchable employer directory
- Career fair information
- Franchise opportunities
Military.com/Careers
- Job search by military occupation
- Skills translator tool
- Salary calculator
- Company reviews
VetJobs.com
- Resume database for employers
- Direct employer connections
- Career counseling services
- Job fair participation
ClearedJobs.Net
- Security clearance positions
- Defense contractor opportunities
- Government agency positions
- Intelligence community careers
General Job Boards with Veteran Filters
Indeed.com
Use "veteran" keyword and veteran-friendly filters
LinkedIn Jobs
Filter by companies with veteran hiring programs
Glassdoor
Research employer reviews and veteran initiatives
ZipRecruiter
Customized veteran job alerts based on profile
LinkedIn Optimization for Veterans
Your LinkedIn profile serves as your professional online presence and networking platform
Profile Optimization
- Professional Photo: Use professional headshot (not in uniform unless seeking defense roles)
- Headline: Go beyond job title to showcase value proposition
- Summary: Tell your professional story emphasizing transferable skills
- Experience: Translate military roles into civilian terms with metrics
- Skills: Add 30-50 relevant skills with industry keywords
Engagement Strategies
- • Connect with 1st degree connections daily
- • Share and comment on industry content
- • Publish articles demonstrating expertise
- • Join relevant groups and participate
- • Follow target companies and engage
- • Use "Open to Work" feature for visibility
- • Request recommendations from supervisors
- • Customize your LinkedIn URL
Example Headline Transformation
Before:
"Former Military Officer"
After:
"Operations Leader | Process Improvement Expert | Veteran"
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the average veteran job search take?
Most veterans find employment within 3-6 months when actively searching and utilizing available resources. Timeframe varies based on job market, location, career field, and individual circumstances.
Should I include my military service on my resume?
Absolutely. Military service demonstrates valuable qualities like discipline, leadership, and commitment. However, translate military jargon into civilian terms employers understand.
Do I have to use veteran-specific job boards?
No, but they can be valuable supplements to your search. Use a combination of veteran job boards, general employment sites, networking, and direct employer contact for comprehensive coverage.
Are veteran hiring preferences guaranteed employment?
No. Preference gives you advantage over similarly qualified non-veteran candidates but doesn't guarantee selection. You must still meet all qualifications and compete effectively.
Can I apply for federal jobs before separating from military?
Yes. You can apply and interview for federal positions before separation. Most agencies will hold positions for reasonable transition periods.
Launch Your Job Search Today
Success requires strategy, persistence, and leveraging the extensive resources available to you
Your Job Search Action Plan:
- 1. Create and optimize your federal resume on USAJobs.gov
- 2. Register with 3-5 veteran-specific job boards
- 3. Complete your LinkedIn profile optimization
- 4. Identify 10-20 target companies and follow them
- 5. Sign up for job alerts matching your criteria
- 6. Register for upcoming veteran job fairs and events
- 7. Connect with your local Veterans Employment Representative
- 8. Join professional associations in your target industry
- 9. Schedule informational interviews with professionals
- 10. Apply to 5-10 positions weekly that match your qualifications
Veterans Employment Services
1-800-698-2411
Job search assistance and support
Essential Resources
- • USAJobs.gov/Help
- • CareerOneStop.org/finder
- • VA.gov/careers-employment
Explore More Employment Resources
Complete your job search toolkit with additional support and services