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Veteran Hiring

Federal hiring preferences, transition programs, and resources to give your civilian career the best start.

Federal Hiring Preferences

10-Point Preference

Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses/widows.

+10 points added to passing civil service exam scores.

5-Point Preference

Veterans who served on active duty (not National Guard or Reserve) during specific periods or campaigns.

+5 points added to passing civil service exam scores.

Disabled Veterans' Affirmative Action (DVAAP)

Agencies are required to have annual affirmative action plans for veterans with disabilities.

Agencies track and report hiring of disabled veterans annually.

Key Programs

VetPref

Federal hiring preference giving veterans an edge in competitive federal hiring.

Visit

SkillBridge

DoD program allowing transitioning service members to intern at civilian companies for up to 180 days before separation — while still receiving pay and benefits.

Visit

VETS TAP

Transition Assistance Program providing pre-separation career services, resume workshops, and federal hiring guidance.

Visit

Hire Heroes USA

Free career coaching, resume writing, and job placement assistance for veterans and military spouses.

Visit

American Corporate Partners (ACP)

Free mentoring program matching veterans with business professionals at major U.S. corporations for career development.

Visit

USAJobs

The official federal job site. Filter by "Veteran Preference" to see positions that give your preference a boost.

Visit

Civilian Resume Tips

  • Translate your MOS into civilian terms — use our MOS Translator tool
  • Quantify your leadership: "Led 12-person team" beats "team leader"
  • Remove military jargon — your civilian interviewer won't know what a "convoy NCOIC" is
  • Federal resumes are much longer than civilian ones — include all duties, education, and training
  • List your clearance level if you have one — it's a massive advantage for many roles
  • Work with an accredited VSO or career coach before your first civilian interview
  • SkillBridge is free and gives you 6 months of real-world civilian experience before ETS
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