Employment Resources and Services

As you prep for civilian employment, you’ll discover a world of organizations committed to hiring veterans. Learn about services and programs available to guide you on a new career path after you leave military service.

Active duty? Start with your pre-separation training

As you count down to your transition to civilian life, you’ll need to sign up for pre-separation training at least 90 days before transitioning out. Your branch’s Transition Assistance Program will get you going on your military-to-civilian job hunt.

Employment resources for active duty and veterans

Here are some top resources for setting yourself up for employment success. While these programs may reference veterans, they’re useful for every military person seeking a civilian job.

CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor

CareerOneStop is rich with tools and information on special programs for service members, veterans and military spouses. Review the special area just for veterans called the Veteran and Military Transition Center.

• Explore civilian careers, match your military skills to civilian jobs and start your military to civilian job search.
• Learn about going back to school for training and explore certificates, apprenticeships, licensing and degrees that will highlight your experience, increase your knowledge and make you more competitive in the job market.
• Get the resources and information you need for a successful job search including preparing for your search, networking, resumes and applications, interviewing and searching for openings.
• Find state-specific resources
• Discover more benefits and assistance for veterans

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is a virtual, one-stop online employment services website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. It is committed to helping America’s veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights. Topics include:

• Employment opportunities
• Programs and services for veterans, transitioning military and families.
• Registered apprenticeship occupations and careers
• Links to additional veterans opportunities

Veterans services and resources for employment

VA.gov connects veterans and their families with meaningful employment and career-development opportunities. Wherever you are in the transition process, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers many employment programs, services and resources for veterans:

• Receive educational and career counseling.
• Get one-on-one assistance as an eligible veteran.
• Explore federal career opportunities open to eligible veterans.
• Visit the Veteran Readiness and Employment page for service members with a service-connected disability — to get help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and skills coaching.
• Other services may be provided to assist veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
• Learn about Transition Employment and Economic Impact programs including:
  • The Transition Assistance Program
  • Veterans Economic Communities Initiative

Start your own business with VA.gov and the Small Business Administration

• The robust SBA website has tools, information and how-to’s for starting and growing your own small business — from creating a business plan to exploring to government contracting.

• VA can guide you through the process of registering as a veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned business.

Hiring Our Heroes from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities. Services at the site include:

• Hiring events across the country
• Digital resources

Federal jobs for veterans

Feds Hire Vets is a government-wide veterans’ employment site from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It’s designed to be a one-stop site for finding employment within the federal government. By working for a federal agency, you can continue to serve your country. What’s more, your military service counts toward a civilian pension.

Feds Hire Vets provides information for veterans, transitioning service members and family members. You can connect with:

• One-on-one assistance in applying for federal jobs at local American Job Centers.
• Tips on applying for federal positions.
• The Veterans’ Preference program — which awards points during the application process, giving veterans an advantage in job placement. See this site for preference ratings.
• A link to USAJobs search, which has federal employment opportunities around the world.

This is just the beginning of all the resources and services available. Think of job hunting as your mission. The good news? You have a deep bench of teammates who want you to succeed.