Posted on Jan 25, 2016
When it comes to starting a new career in the Federal Government, how does Veterans Preference work?
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+5 points points for being a veteran. +10 for being a veteran with at least a 30% disability rating with the VA. Security clearances will help. Make sure you have met or exceed to some extent all the job and education requirements plus have a solid resume. If your area is saturated with vets, good luck.
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Officially, all applicants are racked and stacked on a point basis of how well they fit the qualifications. Then the Veteran points are added. In theory, you could be less qualified than a non-veteran but your vet's pref pushes you a few points above your competitor. However, in a position where a military position is being converted to a civilian position, there is usually someone already identified and the qualifications required will be written to fit that person. If you are thinking about fed service, particularly on a military post, you need to network like crazy. Write your resume to the qualifiactions as closely as possible.
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COL David Turk
Unless they recently changed the process, you are not totally correct. There are certain preferences (aside from points), that awarded to recently discharged veterans and ones with service connected and/or combat disabilities. These preferences will allow the respective vet to apply to certain postings that have applicant restrictions (e.g., such as, postings for prior civil service employees only).
It's been a while, and it could have changed, but this was the case 10-15 years ago,
It's been a while, and it could have changed, but this was the case 10-15 years ago,
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SMSgt Clyde Hunter
That is correct. Job postings can be written to identify particular qualifications and/or restrictions of who can apply. Many positions are restricted to current civil service employees, recently discharged vets, disabled vets, etc. Sometimes just stating no moving expenses authorized can be a restriction ensuring predominately local applications.
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A lot of your questions can be answered by visiting the USA Jobs website. This is your first stop toward a job in the federal government. If you do get a job with the Feds don't forget to buy your military time back as soon as you can.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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CWO3 Will Martin
You can also waste a lot of time submitting applications on USAJOBS and never be seriously considered for a position...unless you count generic rejection emails.
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For me, Veterans' Preference gave me 10 points to add to my USPS exam. They have to go down the list in score order, so I was near the top. It also gives you another level of protection from severe discipline, as you can appeal through the Merit Systems Protection Board.
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SSG James Bigbie
Management in the USPS is extremely erratic. Representation is also erratic. Even the same Union can vary between facilities.
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SGM Joel Cook
I have to say from personal experience that the USPS hiring is done on the buddy system not the way it is supposed to happen. When I retired I applied and went through the prescribed hiring procedure for local hire. It involved a one hour drive to interview, waiting, calling, asking with final we hired someone else. Turns out the person hired goes to the same church as I do. His wife is a good friend of our family. So told us how her husbands friend gave him preferential hiring criteria over the other at least 27 applicants for the job. For instance I had a bachelors degree he had an associates degree. I had 50% disability he had 10% disability. I had been a qualified Unit Army Mail Clerk for over 15 years he had no like experience. He got one of the jobs and I didn't. Why, because he was friends with the hiring manager.
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CWO3 Will Martin
My gut feeling tells me this happens a lot. If someone has the power to hire for a plum job, why would they waste it on a stranger when a family member or friend can be snuck in to take it?
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Be wear of organizations that ask you bogus questions like you are applying for a Budget job and they ask about Heavy Equipment Operations. I have seen the VA do that. Fkers!
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I was an independent contractor for an all lines insurance company my position was illuminated after 33 years
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Of course any veteran can get a job at the VA as a housekeeper. It’s a humble position but a way to get your foot in the door. But do try not to get stuck there. I’ve seen that happen more than a dozen times over. It’s been rumored that sometimes if the boss doesn’t like you, he/she can block you from moving forward.
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