Jobs for Veterans.
By: Denise Gabbard

Many military men and women enlist when they are quite young and do not give much thought to what they want to do when their time serving their country is through. For some, military service becomes a way of life and they choose to stay and make a career out of it. For others, two years or four years seems like a lifetime and all they can think about is their discharge date. Regardless, whether those veterans are re-entering the civilian work world at 22 or retiring after 20 years of service, plans need to be made. It is important that our country ensure good jobs for veterans.

Veterans often have learned a lot in their military training that can be helpful in a civilian job as well. Many skills are transferable, such as computer and technology skills, medical training, or specialized mechanical or construction skills. Jobs for veterans are sometimes high demand jobs, and therefore, many veterans will transition into the workforce almost seamlessly.

Other veterans may need a helping hand to find a career which is a good fit for them after their military service is finished. There are places to begin the search for post-service employment that might offer better opportunities to find jobs for veterans, and be more veteran friendly.

One good place to look for jobs for veterans is the Veterans Administration itself. They have needs in many different areas that veterans are well qualified to fill, in a wide range of professions. Working with the VA gives veterans the chance to work with and make an impact on other veterans.

Other government agencies also offer lots of jobs for veterans. In those cases, there are special civil service testing programs available for veterans. These are two of the more commonly used programs:

Veterans Preference: This program allots additional points to the veteran on his or her civil service test. Five points preference is given to most veterans who served during any war. Ten points is given to disabled veterans. Many people are not aware that hiring preference is also extended to the spouse and dependent of active duty military members. Additionally, the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran is typically entitled to a ten-point preference, as they are if the military member died in service.

Veterans Readjustment Act: What this program does is enables the Department of Defense have jobs for veterans. They can appoint a veteran to the position without competition, and without being on the eligibility list. Use of this authority is discretionary, and no is specifically entitled to a VRA appointment.

Denise Gabbard is a Professional Writer and SEO and Social Media Consultant. She feels strongly about the need to support our veterans, and urges all vets to find out more about jobs for vets.