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Applying for civilian employment after your transition can be a
little daunting; and it can be fraught with uncertainty. If you're
looking for a job and not sure of what employment programs veterans
qualify for, or how to get your resume to military-friendly employers,
check out these frequently asked questions from veterans, originally
posted on the Department of Labor's website.
Question: I have service-disconnected disability. Are there special programs for me?
Answer: The Veterans' Employment and Training Service
(VETS) offers information on a variety of programs specifically
designed to assist veterans in employment and other issues.
Q: How do I find out if I qualify for veterans' preference?
A: Veterans' preference is available to certain
categories of veterans when applying for jobs with the federal
government. Eligibility requirements and other regulations dealing with
veterans' preference are regulated by the Office of Personnel
Management. States may also have their own veterans' preference
regulations for state and government jobs.
Q: Where can I get information about veterans' preference in federal hiring?
A: The Office of Personnel Management administers and
interprets the laws relating to veterans' preference. Information is
available on their website at www.opm.gov.
The Department of Labor has developed a Veterans' Preference elaws
Advisor system that contains information related to enforcement of
veterans' preference. The Veterans' Preference Advisor is at www.dol.gov/elaws/vetspref.htm.
Q: I will be discharged from the service in a few months. How do I prepare for civilian life?
A: More than 111,000 transitioning service members
take advantage of a 3-5 day Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
workshop offered at 174 military installations nationwide. TAP
workshops give information on finding jobs in the civilian labor force
and benefits and services available to veterans and their families.
Recently legislation was passed that allows military personnel within
one year of separating from the military service and service members
within two years of military retirement the opportunity to attend TAP
workshops. For further information, contact your installation Family
Support Center or military command. The e-VETS Resource Advisor is an
online tool designed to help veterans preparing to enter the job
market. It includes information on a broad range of topics, such as job
search tools and tips, employment openings, career assessment,
education and training, and benefits and special services available to
veterans.
Q: How can I get my resume to military-friendly companies?
A: Veterans can post their resumes on Military.com's job board
where military-friendly companies search for veterans or transitioning
servicemembers to fill their open positions. Or, veterans can contact a
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) employment representative or
Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) at a local employment
service office to find military-friendly companies.
If you have more questions about your transition and re-entry into the civilian workforce, visit Military.com's Veteran Career Network (VCN). The VCN offers a place to post your resume, find mentors for a specific career field, or employment.
