Veterans Employment Resources
Find meaningful career opportunities. Select your status below for tailored information, or explore general resources further down.
Military Job to Civilian Career Translator
Discover civilian career opportunities that match your military experience and skills
Works with MOS (Army), AFSC (Air Force), Rating (Navy/Coast Guard), or MOS (Marines)
Popular Military Jobs to Search
Select Your Status
Future Service Members
Plan your future career: explore military jobs & skill development.
Transitioning Out
Prepare for civilian work: utilize TAP, translate skills, build your resume.
Veterans
Find job opportunities, leverage hiring preferences, and access VR&E.
Military Families
Resources for spouses: MyCAA, MSEP, license transfer assistance.
Career Resources for Veterans
Find job opportunities, access training programs, and leverage resources designed for veteran employment.
Veteran Job Search Platforms
Explore job boards and resources specifically focused on connecting veterans with employers seeking military experience.
Veterans' Preference & Hiring Authorities
Understand how Veterans' Preference works in federal hiring and other special hiring authorities for veterans.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Learn about VR&E (formerly Voc Rehab) services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including job training and placement assistance. VR&E provides up to 48 months of benefits for education, training, and employment support to help you achieve your career goals.
General Employment Information & Resources
Understanding Veteran Employment Opportunities
Learn about the unique advantages and resources available to veterans in the civilian job market.
The transition from military to civilian employment can be both exciting and challenging. Veterans bring valuable skills, experiences, and perspectives to the workplace, but may face obstacles in translating military accomplishments into terms that civilian employers understand.
Fortunately, there are numerous programs, resources, and laws designed specifically to help veterans find meaningful employment. These range from federal hiring preferences to specialized job training programs and career counseling services.
Veteran Employment Advantages
- Veterans' Preference - Priority consideration for federal government jobs
- Tax Credits for Employers - Incentives for companies that hire veterans
- Skills Translation - Programs to help convert military skills to civilian equivalents
- Protected Status - Additional rights under USERRA and other employment laws
Career Pathways for Veterans
There are several common career paths that leverage the skills and experiences gained during military service:
- Federal Employment - Government positions with veterans' preference
- Defense Contractors - Companies that value military experience
- Public Safety - Police, fire, emergency management roles
- Healthcare - Building on military medical training
- Entrepreneurship - Starting veteran-owned businesses
Interactive Career Tools
Military Job to Civilian Career Translator
Discover civilian career opportunities that match your military experience and skills
Works with MOS (Army), AFSC (Air Force), Rating (Navy/Coast Guard), or MOS (Marines)
Popular Military Jobs to Search
Official Employment Resources
VA Employment Services
The official VA employment portal offering job search tools, career counseling, and resources for veteran job seekers.
- Resume building assistance
- Career counseling services
- Job search resources
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
VETS - Department of Labor
The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps veterans prepare for and find meaningful careers.
- Employment workshops
- Transition assistance programs
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Federal employment resources
USAJobs Veterans Portal
The official federal government job site with special hiring paths for veterans in federal service.
- Veterans' preference in hiring
- Special hiring authorities
- Federal job search filters for veterans
- Application guidance for former military
Veteran-Friendly Job Search Tools
In addition to government resources, there are many specialized job search platforms specifically designed to help veterans find employment. These platforms often partner with employers who are committed to hiring veterans and understand the value of military experience.
These tools often include features to help translate military skills into civilian terms, connect with veteran-friendly employers, and access career coaching specific to veterans' needs.
Hire Heroes USA
Free, personalized career coaching, job sourcing, and resume preparation for transitioning military members, veterans, and military spouses.
Connect with Hire HeroesLinkedIn for Veterans
LinkedIn offers free premium career accounts to veterans, helping them connect with military-friendly employers and build professional networks.
Get Premium AccountAmerican Job Centers
Local resource centers that provide in-person employment assistance, including help with resumes, interview skills, and job placement.
Find a Center Near YouMilitary Transition Programs
The transition from military to civilian life is a significant change that requires preparation. Recognizing this, the Department of Defense, VA, and other organizations offer structured programs to help service members prepare for civilian employment before they leave the military.
These transition assistance programs provide training, resources, and support to help service members develop job search skills, explore career options, and connect with potential employers. Many include components focused on education opportunities, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Mandatory program for service members preparing to leave the military, providing career guidance and transition planning.
- Pre-separation counseling
- Career planning workshops
- Benefits briefings
- Employment preparation resources
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E)
Help for veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for and find suitable employment or live independently.
- Job training and education
- Employment accommodations
- Resume development
- Job-seeking skills coaching
Helmets to Hardhats
Connects transitioning service members with training and career opportunities in the construction industry and building trades.
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Training programs
- Union jobs in construction
- Career path development
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Many veterans choose to pursue entrepreneurship after their military service, leveraging the leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills they developed during their service. Veterans own nearly 2.5 million businesses in the United States, representing about 9% of all U.S. businesses.
Several programs and resources are specifically designed to help veteran entrepreneurs access capital, develop business plans, and navigate the challenges of business ownership. These resources can help veterans turn their business ideas into successful ventures.
Veteran Business Outreach Centers
The SBA's Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) provide entrepreneurial development services to veterans starting or growing a business.
- Business plan development
- Concept assessments
- Mentorship opportunities
- Training and counseling
Boots to Business
An entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the SBA as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program.
- Introductory entrepreneurship courses
- In-depth business planning instruction
- Guidance on accessing capital
- Resources for market research
SCORE for Veterans
SCORE offers veteran entrepreneurs access to free business mentoring, workshops, and resources to help launch and grow their businesses.
- One-on-one business mentoring
- Specialized veteran workshops
- Business plan templates
- Access to funding resources
Job Search Tips for Veterans
Translate your military skills
Convert military jargon and experiences into civilian terms that employers understand. Focus on transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Build a professional network
Connect with other veterans in your desired field, join professional organizations, and attend networking events. Many jobs are filled through personal connections.
Prepare for different interview styles
Civilian interviews often differ from military assessments. Practice answering behavioral questions with specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Understand your veteran benefits
Take advantage of veterans' preference for federal jobs, tax credits that make you more attractive to employers, and educational benefits that can help you gain additional qualifications.
Consider additional training or education
Use your GI Bill or other educational benefits to gain civilian credentials, certifications, or degrees that complement your military experience and make you more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about veteran employment and career transitions.