Applying for jobs on usajobs and I dont have my DD214 yet, just got %'s for medical retirement. Any help please.

2015-08-14T15:03:11-04:00

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 14 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-08-14T15:04:58-04:00

Get a letter of service from your S-1 or personnel branch, it should help

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-08-14T15:08:27-04:00

I've know installation G-1's to issue Soldiers an unofficial copy of the DD214 for these purposes. I don't know if that is only installation driven or if the policy is derived from the Department of the Army.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Aug 14 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-08-14T15:11:38-04:00

Interesting, why don't you have you 214? My discharge was about 35 years ago, so I don't know how they do it today. Back then when clearing station, one stop was S-1 and one of the items they provided me was my 214.

As for your question, may I suggest when you do get the 214, you scan in the portion which doesn't have the reenlistment or separation codes if they could be construed as questionable. I recall some who did when I reviewed applicants and researched the codes on Google only to find that separation code left something to be desired. Can't believe getting discharged for drug abuse will get a position as a Pharmacy Technician, but surprisingly, it happens.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 14 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-08-14T15:12:22-04:00

What help are you needing for USAjobs? You can still claim veteran status for the extra 10 points but you will have to prove service if you want to get the extra points. The percentage letter from the VA goes under another category. (under/over 30% isanother 10 points). A smart HR person knows that a DD214 isn't necessary since you have the VA disability letter, but......

BTW, I just got a response for a job that I applied to 2 Years Ago! No lie. USAjobs is not known for being streamlined. The fastest response I have seen is 3 months.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Aug 14 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-08-14T15:25:48-04:00

I have never gotten a response for any job I've applied to on USAjobs.

Oh, that's a lie. I did once. I was working at USACE in Afghanistan and I had someone look at the application. They told me where I was in the pile, and it was low.

I have yet to crack the code for that system.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 14 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-08-14T17:04:34-04:00

Get your S1 off his/her dead ass and provide you with a letter of service until you receive your DD-214. Btw - I wouldn't put a lot of faith in USA Jobs. You're far better off using Linked In and going the contractor route, THEN land a govvie billet. Much faster. Quick question - does your position require a clearance and is it current? That's key.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Aug 14 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-08-14T17:11:01-04:00

You don't have to upload your dd214 unless the job you're applying to asks for it. Due to 214 has PII that shouldn't be disclosed if not required during initial phase.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 14 at 2015 9:20 PM

2015-08-14T21:20:18-04:00

It is important to keep in mind that often times jobs listed on USAJOBs are already spoken for. They are required by law to post these jobs even if a candidate is already selected.

The best way to find Federal jobs is to check with the HR office at whatever agency you want to work for. That way you can find out what the real availabilities are, what they need, and whether you have the qualifications.

Also, review all the different preferential hiring rules. Some are very generous...

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 15 at 2015 3:54 AM

2015-08-15T03:54:01-04:00

As others have stated, try and get a Statement Of Service letter. I had to get one when I was in the process of being hired for my first job post-Navy, because I was technically still on active duty: on Terminal Leave and House Hunting/Job Hunting TDY.

Also as others have stated, it's extremely difficult to actually get a job from a USAJOBS posting!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-08-15T10:51:48-04:00

Get a letter of service from your personnel office. That works until you receive your DD-214. USA Jobs are going to be hit and miss. I applied for tons of jobs and eventually I got lucky and got a decent job. If you are service connected that also helps getting you in. If you have a rating from the VA, they can give you a letter. If you are still in the process of separating, get copies of all your medical records. Keep a copy for yourself and the other goes to the VA for your disability claim. File your disability claim as soon as possible. Make sure you declare everything medical that you can. The VA may give you a 0% for it, but if it comes back later, at least you already have it written down from the VA and would be easier to get it increased. It also depends on the job that you are applying for and where you are applying. You may also want to look at contracting jobs. Indeed.com is a good start as well. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-08-15T10:58:07-04:00

I just looked at your profile and noticed you in health care. Just a thought, have you looked at working for the VA? You can go to there HR department and ask if they any openings. The VA does hire vets with disabilities/service connected.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 15 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-08-15T15:21:51-04:00

I had my CC do a letter showing my service dates, that was accepted for many jobs on USAjobs, most of which I was referred for and one I was hired for.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 16 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-08-16T20:52:18-04:00

Did you get a VA rating?

Response by COL Michael Bolluyt made Aug 17 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-08-17T12:07:34-04:00

I am unable to see the other responses currently. Someone has probably already responded, but the office that does your final out can provide you with an interm DD214 used for job hunting.

Response by CPT Jonathan Wade made Aug 17 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-08-17T12:20:17-04:00

Complete a resume. Search for jobs in and out of your scope of work that u are able to equate with based 9n military experience Be creative and apply. Use linked in and network with other transitioned members that may be able to get you hired. Start early and now. Don't rely on the Army transitioning process to help u find a reasonable job. The system is broke.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Aug 17 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-08-17T12:33:46-04:00

As several others have mentioned, you can get the letter of service from your S1/admin clerk. As for USAJOBS, I went a different route. Just after applying at ClearanceJobs.com, I started receiving several job offers and accepted one within a month of applying. I've been working on Government contracts for the VA and the Navy since January. If you have a security clearance, this is a good route to consider.

Good luck with your search!

Response by MSG John Bukoffsky made Aug 17 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-08-17T12:56:34-04:00

How does a reserve retiree get a Replacement DD214?

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 17 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-08-17T17:00:09-04:00

Good luck with USAJobs I literally applied for the civilian version of what I was doing for 10 years and I never even heard anything. And that was with my 70% disability and letters of recommendation from the Adjutant General of the Army.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Aug 19 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-08-19T15:36:09-04:00

if you didn't receive your DD-214 log into Benefits and order it there. it takes about 2 days then it will be up. you can also go to the national archives website and order a physical copy of all your records also.

Response by SGT Tom Kelly made Aug 20 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-08-20T12:48:28-04:00

SSG Dinkle....As for your DD214....I think 1SG Blout has a good suggestion......given that....I have been out for some time now (1997)....look I have helped a great deal of veterans develop resumes and land roles of opportunity in the private sector and government roles.....that said....my recommendation would be to develop a process approach to developing a job hunting plan as well as a marketing plan that addresses....what you want to do and how much you want to make. Develop a list of skills/attributes/accomplishments/KPI results etc. I can send you a great resume format that has benefited others. Several places you will want to post to includes, Careerbuilder/Monster/Indeed.com/Recruitmilitary.com. There are some sites on the web that are not very responsive (job producing) in a timely manner.....USAJObs is one of those....I would recommend using Indeed.com/Recruitmilitary.com & linkedIn.com. Furthermore, I would suggest going to indeed.com....pull up some position descriptions that are of interest to you....pull up positions that are above that level.....what you would be doing is considering your skill sets given what the role of interest requires....the key would be to fill in the gaps if they exist with development needs...i.e. training.....In addition, you will want to network with veterans and personnel in the field you are interested....link with them on LinkedIn, send messages, ask questions, develop story boards of your career highlights relative to skills/attributes/accomplishments/KPI results where you can gather intel and exploit the information to your advantage in every effort you execute. Seek out opportunities through networking with industry professionals, Here in Charlotte, there is a number of networking groups that get together at different intervals during the month. Some are professional, some are social....meet people, exploit the intel to your advantage. There are other ideas that I have deployed to assist me in finding a job.......since Ive written a book.....If you would like additional help or need to speak with me, message me and I can give you additional assistance.....no cost.....it is my pleasure.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-08-20T13:56:00-04:00

Thank you for everyone's responses and assistance.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Aug 24 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-08-24T23:37:20-04:00

Apply online to CDCR, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a Correctional Officer. It is in CA. 33 prisons across this great State. Great pay and benefits. Great retirement. Professional department, pays you to go to academy, houses you, and feeds you. Takes at least a year to land the job once you submit your online application. Pass the word to Soldiers as well. We like Military, military people have preference. Good luck and contact me if you have any questions.

Response by Cpl Clayton Poff made Nov 3 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-11-03T07:20:48-05:00

Get a copy of NaVOBA's Vetrepreneur® magazine and search for career opportunities there, Also go to vetbiz.gov, click on Search VIP for a Veteran-Owned Business find local veteran owned companies. As a recently retired LTC your relationships are your most sell able asset to companies that sell to the DoD . As always Pray, Plan, Do Act.

If you are medically retired contact local PTAC at http://www.aptac-us.org/ ,

Help for Government Contracting - APTAC - Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers...

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) provide expert Government Contracting help at little or no charge, through training, one-on-one counseling,

Response by SSgt David Marks made Sep 10 at 2017 11:53 PM

2017-09-10T23:53:37-04:00

My son was medically retired from the USAF. He had to wait about 3 months before he could get access on line to his DD Form 214 in order to print it out. Keep trying.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-05-22T10:47:41-04:00

What should the letter of service contain?