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What does Veterans' Preference really do for us? I have been applying for jobs since graduating college (for the last 2 years) and I just can't get one. I have 2 degrees and almost 20 years in the military. I always elect to use Veterans' Preference on all of my job applications. So far, it looks as if employers see that and then throw the app away. Everyone else I know from my graduating class were able to get a job fairly quickly. They were not veterans. Should I just stop claiming to be a veteran?
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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Sometimes organizations already know who they want to hire and its an insider.
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SSgt David Izquierdo
True, if it's a promotional or transfer opportunity for an insider, it's hard to be selected as an unknown from the outside. Unless it's a very low level job, I haven't seen too many people in CBP, come straight from the outside into GS-11 or above positions.
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If you're talking about USAJobs there are tricks to it.
If there is a survey about your skills you have to put you are an expert at everything or you won't even get through the computer.
If your resume doesn't have the relevant experience for that (and all other positions you are applying for) explicitly listed in your most recent resume HR may not understand it and may not pass you off for the interview list.
Likely there may be someone in mind for that position and unless you are significantly better suited than them it will be tough for you to get selected.
I applied for hundreds of jobs on USAJobs when I got off active duty and I ended up with a hand full of interviews and an offer...that I turned down. The job I ended up taking was based on networking within the organization and finding the right fit. That team hired me on as a Contractor to keep me from taking the government job offer for another organization and I was direct hired into the organization within 6 months.
Networking is worth a thousand cold applications.
If there is a survey about your skills you have to put you are an expert at everything or you won't even get through the computer.
If your resume doesn't have the relevant experience for that (and all other positions you are applying for) explicitly listed in your most recent resume HR may not understand it and may not pass you off for the interview list.
Likely there may be someone in mind for that position and unless you are significantly better suited than them it will be tough for you to get selected.
I applied for hundreds of jobs on USAJobs when I got off active duty and I ended up with a hand full of interviews and an offer...that I turned down. The job I ended up taking was based on networking within the organization and finding the right fit. That team hired me on as a Contractor to keep me from taking the government job offer for another organization and I was direct hired into the organization within 6 months.
Networking is worth a thousand cold applications.
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SSgt (Join to see)
You're right about the skills survey. I'm an expert in stuff I might have done once, if ever. If I ever find myself doing open heart surgery in the field, it's USAJobs' fault.
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Col John Madison
You bring up a very valuable point...as many people don't know that all the data entries go through a word search screening, an algorithm for relevance to the job requirements and if they don't populate it with the appropriate verbiage, they won't even get a chance for an interview.
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Depends on where you are applying to. If your classmates are getting hired, have you asked what their resume looks like? Maybe it's more administrative than Veteran preference. Not sure how many civilian employers have veterans preference, but for federal positions it is point based and depending on your status determines how many additional points you get. Even with veteran points, people without job experience or skills required of the position will not get considered.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you for the response. I'll be the first to tell you that I do not have experience. I am mostly applying for starting positions within my field. All of my military experience has been with tracked vehicles. Since that was almost useless in the civilian world, I went back to school for what I really wanted to do. After graduating with a Computer Science degree, I realize this is what I want to do. So no, I do not have experience to be listing. As far as the point scale goes, I don't remember exactly what I have, but it isn't the minimum. I have been on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. I just wonder if it not only isn't helping, but actually HURTING my chances at getting into a career.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SSG (Join to see) - your resume is 99% of what an employer looks at. They only look at Military for discharge characterization and if there is intangibles or soft skills that would be nice to have. Spend the time on resume, building experience and certifications. the Veteran Preference is not some poison pill.
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SSG (Join to see)
Roger that, Sir. I have spent tons of time on my Resume and had it ran through the cleaners several times at my university. I am working on the certifications.
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LTC (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - If you're in IT certifications is all they want you to have. They don't care as much about your degree.
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