Career & Employment Resources

Veterans' preference gives eligible veterans an advantage in federal hiring. If you served on active duty and were separated under honorable conditions, you likely qualify. Here is how it works:

• 5
  5-Point Preference (TP) — For veterans who served during a war period or received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. Five points are added to your passing examination score.
• 10
  10-Point Preference (CP/CPS/XP) — For disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and veterans with a compensable service-connected disability. Ten points are added to your passing score.
• VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment) — Allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans without competition to positions at GS-11 or below. This is one of the fastest paths into federal service.

You will need a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) to verify eligibility. Upload it directly in your USAJobs profile.

• ●
  Translate military jargon. Replace terms like "platoon leader" with "team leader managing 30+ personnel." Civilian hiring managers may not understand military acronyms. Use our MOS Translator to find matching civilian job titles.
• ●
  Quantify your accomplishments. Use numbers wherever possible: "Managed $2.5M in equipment inventory," "Led a team of 42 across 3 deployments," or "Reduced maintenance downtime by 30%."
• ●
  Lead with transferable skills. Highlight leadership, project management, problem-solving, teamwork under pressure, and adaptability. These are skills every employer values.
• ●
  Use a federal resume format for USAJobs. As of September 2025, federal resumes are limited to 2 pages maximum. Include detailed descriptions of duties, supervisor info, and hours per week. Every word counts, so prioritize your most relevant experience.
• ●
  Security clearances on resumes. On resumes submitted directly to cleared employers, you may list your clearance level. On public profiles (LinkedIn, job boards), state only "Active security clearance" without specifying the level. Counterintelligence agencies advise against posting clearance details publicly, as it can make you a target for foreign intelligence recruitment.

Civilian interviews are different from military boards. Here are key strategies to prepare:

• 1.
  Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This maps naturally to military after-action reports.
• 2.
  Practice civilian language. Say "I coordinated logistics for a 200-person operation" instead of "I ran the S-4 shop for a battalion."
• 3.
  Research the company culture. Many companies have veteran employee resource groups (ERGs). Mention your interest in connecting with them.
• 4.
  Dress appropriately. Business professional for corporate roles, business casual for tech. When in doubt, ask the recruiter.
• 5.
  Prepare your own questions. Ask about team structure, growth opportunities, and what success looks like in the role. This shows genuine interest.

If you hold an active security clearance, you have a significant competitive advantage. Security clearances cost companies $5,000-$50,000+ and take months to process. Many employers will hire a cleared candidate over a more qualified uncleared one simply to avoid the wait and expense.

Important: Your clearance remains active for up to 24 months after separation. Act quickly to leverage this window.