I am looking at applying for positions at a VA Hospital. What would be the right time to start actually applying?

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:46:35 -0500

Dropped paperwork this week. 1 Mar 16 is the official retirement date. If all goes well, I should be on Terminal Leave/Permissive TDY on/around 10 Dec 15. I am looking at some positions with a VA Hospital and want to know when I should realistically start the application process? Availability is probably in the first week or 2 of January.....

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 12:04 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 12:04:47 -0500

I would say, from personal experience, the typical hiring process can take up to & over a year.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Mar 4 at 2015 1:44 PM

Maj Matt Hylton — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 13:44:09 -0500

According to USAJobs, if you want to use veteran's preference, you can only officially apply for positions within 120 days of your separation/retirement date:

" ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires the active duty service member to furnish a "certification" of active service. A "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the "certification" is signed. Agencies are required to accept, process, and grant tentative veterans preference to those active duty service members who submit a certification along with their job application materials. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave."

I had my letter in hand at 120 days out and started applying. I've officially only heard back on one of the jobs that I was not selected.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 4 at 2015 3:17 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 15:17:11 -0500

I would say three months out due to the fact anything further they may not consider you. I started applying when I was coming off Active Duty about a year out and was turned down by the Homeland Security because I was not available immediately. When I was ETSing the positions were no longer available.