When it comes to starting a new career in the Federal Government, how does Veterans Preference work?

Comrades,
To answer your question "Veterans Preference work?": Zero to little help! Unless, you are part of a solid network.

Realistically, the are two types of hiring actions. Internal and External. The are direct hire programs that target specific audiences such a recent graduates but I am not aware of any of those programs that target any veterans except for those with a 30 percent or higher disability rating from the VA. An internal listing targets existing employees, to apply for one of these positions an existing employee only has to a one year a the next lower grade or higher. So a GS12 with 1 year of service can apply for GS13 and below positions. For military there is at least one special provision called the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act that allows veterans covered by certain service dates to apply for internal recruitment even though they are not currently employed as Civilians. When you apply you will complete an assessment of your skills as it relates to the position in USA Jobs. For several competencies, you will rate you knowledge and experience for that skill from none through I am considered an expert. Based on your answers CPOL will score your questionnaire and assign a score. Depending on the position there will be a qualifying score. Since applying for the position requires a veterans advantage in the form of the VEOA, I don't believe you get any additional veterans preference points. In addition to answering the questions, you will be uploading a resume and possibly a cover letter. Those resumes and cover letters will be forwarded to the hiring activity if you score from the assessment is high enough. The selecting official and probably a board will review and score the resumes. Applicants will be ranked based on their resumes and then the selecting official may make a selection (plus alternate selections in case the primary declines the position) or he may conduct interviews of a certain percentage of top scoring applicants. If the selecting official does interviews, all applicants must be asked the same questions and the answers are scored. Based on the interview scores the selecting official will make a selection (plus alternate selections). External follows similar process except the position is open to all US Citizens, for this I believe you get your 5 or 10 point bump when determining whether you will be referred. With external lists 30 percent disabled veterans must be selected first.

When I got out of the USAF I swore NEVER to work for government again. I thank God I kept that promise. Government is not a good employer.

I’m a disabled Vietnam

In 1973 Veteran preference was in my view the best at that time , you went into EDD and only vets could apply for job referrals up to 9am , it gave us an edge so badly needed

Supposedly you're awarded extra points on your evaluation scale so you wind up with a higher probability of being called for an interview.

Does not work! I have applied to several positions with various agencies that I met all the qualifications for and have been turned down by every one of them...

Administration

I was honorably discharged from the army in 1992. I'm a desert Storm vet. Seeking a career withe the federal government. I currently work as an automotive technician.

Some one please tell me how Veteran Preference works, I am Army Retried and disabled Vet. But can not get a job at VA or GS