VA hiring info?

As a veteran you will have preference over everyone else. On some job announcement, depending on how they (agency) fly it, you can be on top of the list. The only concern is being qualify for the position. I've seen some people get hire in less than 2 weeks from the time of interview until the job offer and I've seen where it takes over a year.

The most important part of the process if the interview, you have to be liked by the interviewer otherwise another candidate will be selected.

You have to fill out the SF 151 for employment. You can do this online at. http://www.usajobs.gov. If filling the paper copy, you can go the VAMC Human Resources and get a physical copy. Fill out in black ink. Be neat and thorough using proper grammar. Also, the application is way long. You can list up to five positions on the application. Fill in boxes with info that does not change and copy it; then us the original or copy to fill in the rest of the information that will change (like your address or phone num), always leave your signature line blank. A fresh signature is required, and copies will not be accepted. So, fill permenant info on original, make copies then fill in other i for on the copy and mail in with a fresh signature. When asked how much to be paid, always put a little less than the stated amount. It could be a typo; but if you say $16 but it’s really $15 they will not call you in for an interview. Check in every three months to keep your application active
If you put less for the pay, don’t worry, they will pay you the correct wages.

Apply for WG Positions, they pay more money than GS 4 - 6. WG/Wage Grade W/1 - W/3 and higher if your have an higher rank or is an Engineer. GS 10 or so equals out to about the WG Level 3.

Veterans do not have to wait three/Vested years to transfer out to another department; and or to make a Lateral transfer into another Government like State or City, if you’re job is similar to theirs. You gotta be tough skinned. Working for the VAMC can be very stressful, and the patients can attack you and you cannot defend yourself. They are Rank discriminative. Once they hate you, they will try to annihilate you off the face of the whole earth. Otherwise, the patients can warm your heart, and you can have a great career being just the right color and sex. You will 9/10 do very well.

5 - Point Vet Pref 40% lower
10 - Point Vet Pref 50% hirer

Federal positions can take several months from start to finish for the hiring process.