Posted on Sep 21, 2015
SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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For those of you that transitioned from military to GS. How soon did you start applying for employment before your ETS? Thank you !
Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338 TransitionImages %281%29 GS Civilians
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Responses: 16
SFC Stephen Smithers
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Several agencies are looking for Veterans and will direct hire if you qualify for the job. The VA and Federal Prison System.
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SGT Jay Culpepper
SGT Jay Culpepper
9 y
The BOP(federal bureau of prisons) will hire veterans like crazy. My institution(USP Atwater) just did a veteran hire fare, hired like 35 veterans on the spot. They're looking for more veterans also, if you want to relocate to central California, hit me up and I'll give you the contact info for a direct hire
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CPL David Muir
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6-12 months
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MAJ Contracting Officer
MAJ (Join to see)
9 y
+1 Six months is a good timeframe, Some agencies restrict applications so check the requirements down by the bottom. 2 months is bare minimum timeframe for a competed vacancy, expect to be off AD before you start which means no paychecks.

Also you can start your GS job while on Terminal leave so 6 months prior to start of TL.
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Sgt Crena Lieb
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I'm an HR professional and complete vacancy announcements that are posted on usajobs.gov. Each vacancy announcement will tell you what the agency requires. As a current military member you will need a statement of service stating your discharge status i.e. "Honorable" dates of service and any medals you are entitled to receive. It should be signed by a commanding officer. Not all vets receive veterans preference. You can see if you're eligible by looking at the Vet Guide. Make sure you're looking at jobs for status candidates if you have more than 3 years of military service. You will be eligible for a VEOA appointment. To answer your original question you're supposed to be within 120 days of separation in order to apply for federal positions. So agencies follow this rule but some don't screen you out if you aren't in that window. Good Luck!!!!
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