Veteran Employment: An Explanation of Rights & Resources

The United States is home to 16.5 million veterans, of which many have reintegrated into the civilian workforce. Despite the many contributions these veterans have made, statistically, they face numerous roadblocks in obtaining gainful employment. A solid understanding of veteran employment rights, as well as access to the necessary resources to land a job after serving, is integral in providing a successful career transition for these veterans. 

Key Points:

• Veterans have specific rights and resources under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) to ensure they receive a fair reemployment process.
• Veterans are entitled to their prior job and seniority status when returning to the workforce after serving in uniformed services.
• Employers must be aware of their obligations to provide jobs for veterans with health insurance and other salary-related benefits.

What Is a Veteran Employee Status and What Does It Imply?

When a veteran returns to civilian life, finding a more traditional W-2 job may be difficult. But there are built-in rights that every veteran has when searching for a new career, including:

• Veterans may be entitled to special benefits, assistance, and incentives when looking for work. 
• The federal Veterans' Preference Program allows certain veterans hiring preferences when applying for federal jobs. 
• A number of states have laws that require employers to give preference to veterans in competitive hiring processes. 
• Many states provide additional tax credits, training programs, and other resources to employers who hire veterans. 

Legislation Ensuring Veteran Employment Rights

The United States has a long history of protecting veterans’ employment rights. Over the years, a number of important pieces of legislation have been passed to ensure that veterans are afforded the same legal rights, privileges, and protections as other citizens who haven’t served in the military.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

The most significant piece of legislation related to veterans’ employment rights is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This act provides a number of important rights to veterans, such as the right to be free from discrimination in hiring and termination, the right to reemployment following a period of military service, and the right to maintain certain benefits. The USERRA also requires employers to make reasonable efforts to train and retrain veterans to help them adapt to changing job requirements while they are away on active duty. 

Veterans’ Preference Act

The Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944 is another key piece of legislation that grants veterans important job-hunting rights. Under this act, veterans must be given preferential hiring consideration for certain positions and must be placed ahead of other applicants for the same position, given equal qualifications. 

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act is a law that grants veterans preference in competitive and noncompetitive appointments to positions in the federal government. The VEOA outlines the application process for veteran applicants and establishes a veteran's preference for those applicants wanting to apply for a federal government job. The VEOA also requires federal agencies to report to Congress and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) any efforts to recruit, hire, and promote veterans.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities arising from their service in the military. This act requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, and to avoid any discrimination based on an individual’s disability. 

Do You Have to Disclose Your Military Experience in a Job Application?

No, you don’t have to disclose your military experience in a job application if you decide not to. However, it may be beneficial to use your military experience in your job application to convince the employer that you’re a suitable candidate for the position. Employers may appreciate the unique skills that veterans bring with them, such as discipline, problem-solving, organization, and more.

If you choose to disclose your military experience in a job application, you don’t have to share any details or specifics. You only have to provide a brief overview of the general roles and responsibilities you performed as a service member. 

Commons Challenges for Veterans Looking for a Civilian Job

Finding a civilian job after serving in the military can be daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you were discharged. There are a variety of common challenges that veterans face when transitioning to a civilian job, including:

• Inability to translate military positions into civilian jobs. The language and jargon of the military is unique and can be difficult to explain in a cover letter or resume. It’s important for veterans to take the time to explain their experience in a way that potential employers can understand, and to emphasize the skills they acquired in the military, such as leadership, the ability to work under pressure, and the capacity for learning quickly.
• Employer bias. The civilian workforce may not be familiar with military job titles, terms and qualifications, and many employers may hesitate to hire veterans because they worry they won't fit in. To counter this, veterans should take the initiative to attend job fairs tailored to veterans and make connections with recruiters and other hiring managers.
• Lack of connections/networking. Veterans may have limited access to career resources or they may not be aware of the types of jobs they’re qualified for. It’s important for veterans to take advantage of online tools, resume-building programs, and job placement agencies to help them identify and fill available positions. Additionally, attending job fairs and talking to recruiters can also help veterans make connections and find a job. 

Service-Disabled Veterans in the Job Market

Finding civilian employment after serving in the military can be a difficult transition for veterans with disabilities. Service-disabled veterans are individuals that have retired due to a service-connected disability, such as physical injuries or mental disabilities. These veterans often face unique challenges in the job market, including:

• Limited job opportunities.
• Difficulty finding jobs that match their skills and level of experience. 
• Difficulty navigating the civilian job market.

Fortunately, these veterans are eligible for certain rights and resources to help them find quality employment, under two different programs:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act. Thanks to the ADA. employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants and employees with disabilities, including service-disabled veterans. This means that employers can’t deny employment to disabled veterans based on their disability status.
• Veterans' Employment and Training Services (VETS). The U.S. Department of Labor provides resources and information for service-disabled veterans looking for employment. These include job resources, workshops, and one-on-one counseling from experienced counselors. 
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They offer programs and services specifically designed to help veterans with disabilities transition to the civilian workforce. These programs and services can help veterans find employment that matches their skills and experience as well as provide financial support to cover the costs related to finding employment.

Career and Employment Assistance for Veterans

Veterans have access to numerous resources that can help them find and secure a job. Here’s a breakdown of the major services available. 

Governmental Agencies and Programs

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers employment assistance for veterans through the Veterans Employment Center (VEC). The site provides job search tools, resume preparation tips, and ongoing career counseling.

Veterans can also take advantage of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This program helps servicemen and women in transition as they seek employment in the civilian job market. The program helps veterans understand their rights, benefits, and job opportunities. 

Access to Federal Jobs

Veterans have the ability to access the competitive federal job market. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversees the recruitment and hiring processes for federal positions. The OPM provides resources for veteran job seekers, including a resume builder guide, evaluation criteria for federal positions, average salaries for various federal positions in the U.S., and guides on selecting the appropriate federal jobs. 

Help Offered by NGOs

In addition to governmental agencies and programs, there are a number of non-profit organizations that provide assistance to veterans seeking employment. American Corporate Partners is a free nonprofit that helps both veterans and their spouses find jobs after the military. 

Veteran Organizations

Veterans have access to a number of organizations that provide job search assistance and other employment-related services. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) all provide career resources for veterans. These organizations offer job search and career assistance, skills training, and career counseling services. 

Career Management Support for Veterans

Veterans can find a variety of organizations and institutions dedicated to providing them with career management and support, including:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of services, such as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, which provides vocational and educational counseling, job placement assistance, and training programs.
• The Department of Labor's Veterans’ Employment and Training Service provides career counseling, resume advice, job search assistance, and other services to veterans.
• The Women Veterans’ Health Services Program offers career counseling and job search support to female veterans.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars provides career transition assistance, mentorship, and job search support for veterans and their families.
• The United Service Organizations (USO) offices provide outreach services, seminars, and job placement assistance for veterans.

SBA Programs Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurship

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources and tools to help veterans start and grow their own businesses. Through the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), a variety of programs and services are designed to support veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members, transitioning service members, and their spouses on their path to entrepreneurship. By offering financial assistance, training, and resources, the SBA aims to empower veterans in the world of business.

Available opportunities include:

• Veterans Advantage: Fee relief on SBA loans for veteran-owned small businesses.
• Boots to Business (B2B): Entrepreneurial education for transitioning service members and their spouses.
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program: Federal contracting opportunities for service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs.
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP): Comprehensive training and certification for veteran-owned businesses in federal contracting.
• Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE): Training program targeting women veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses.
• Resource Partners: Access to guidance, mentorship, and training through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, and Women's Business Centers (WBCs).

The SBA is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of veteran-owned businesses by offering a range of programs and services tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, the SBA's network of resource partners offer vital guidance, mentorship, and training to help veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Other Employment-Related VA Benefits and Services

In addition to all of the services we’ve mentioned thus far, veterans may also be eligible for a variety of other VA-related benefits and services that can help them secure employment or address problems related to their work. These include the following:

• Career counseling. The VA provides career counseling to veterans to help assess their interests, aptitudes, and abilities, and create an employment plan.
• Disability compensation. This program can provide service members financial assistance when discharged or retired as a result of a disability. 
• Education assistance. The VA can provide up to 36 months of education assistance for many of its eligible veterans.
• Retirement benefits. As a veteran, you may be eligible for certain retirement benefits, based on your particular service. 
• On-the-job training and apprenticeships. There are a variety of on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs available to veteran prospective employees that can help them gain the skills they need to enter civilian workplaces. 
• Job-search assistance. The VA provides assistance to veterans looking to find employment in the form of resume development and job search resources.

Why Veterans Make Good Employees

Veterans make excellent employees due to their commitment to service, dedication, and ability to work in challenging situations. Veterans come equipped with a vast array of skills and traits they acquired while in service, which makes them invaluable assets in the workplace. Some of the service-related features that help veterans in becoming excellent in their field of work include:

• Leadership abilities. Veterans often possess extensive leadership and management skills from their service. They understand the importance of implementing and monitoring processes, managing people, and working in teams.
• Resilience. The ability to stay calm, composed, and productive during difficult and dangerous situations is a trait that veterans have honed throughout their years of service.
• Flexibility. Working under extreme conditions, adapting to changes, and going the extra mile to get the job done are qualities that veterans have become experts in.
• Technological savviness. Some veterans are familiar with using high-tech equipment and technology in their service, which is an invaluable asset in the job market.
• Integrity. Veterans are held to a high ethical standard, which makes them reliable and trustworthy employees.

Where to Find Veteran-Friendly Employers?

Finding veteran-friendly employers can be challenging, but there are numerous resources available to help. Here are a few of those resources:

• Military Spouse Employment Partnership. This organization provides a searchable database of businesses that have committed to hiring spouses or family members of military service members. 
• Veterans of Foreign Wars. This non-profit provides a listing of veteran-friendly businesses that are actively seeking qualified veteran applicants. 
• Wounded Warrior Project. This organization assists wounded veterans in finding rewarding employment opportunities by connecting them with employers that recognize the value of their service. 
• Local Chamber of Commerce. Many local chambers of commerce have special programs that connect veteran job seekers with local employers.
• Glassdoor Veteran Career Fair. This organization hosts an annual career fair for veterans, connecting them with employers across the country who have pledged to hire veterans.

Additionally, the American Legion offers lists of veteran-friendly companies as part of its mission to support veteran employment.

5 Tips for Veterans Entering the Civil Job Market

When transitioning from military to civilian life, veterans can find the job search process daunting. To help veterans bridge the two worlds and gain employment, here are some key tips on the job search:

• Network. Veteran employment resources are plentiful, but a great starting point is to tap into your own personal network. Reach out to family, friends, and colleagues and let them know you're looking for a job.
• Spend time thinking about the job you’re looking for. Break down your job search into two parts. First, identify the type of job or industry you'd like to join and research what the qualifications and job requirements might be. Second, research companies and positions that align with your desired job type or industry.
• Write an impactful resume. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and highlights the skills, qualifications, and experiences acquired through the military. A great way to bridge the two worlds is to include a "Military Experience" section where applicable, and explain how your experience can transfer to a new job.
• Keep learning. Employers are constantly looking for applicants with up-to-date skills and knowledge. Consider attending conferences, taking short courses, and subscribing to industry trade magazines to stay on top of the latest trends and remain competitive in the job market.
• Follow up. Once you've sent in your application, don't forget to follow up. A polite note or email to the hiring manager is a great way to show interest and remind them of your credentials.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Veterans

Entrepreneurship is an attractive option for veterans for a variety of reasons. Starting your own business can give you the flexibility to make your own career choices, the potential to make more money, and the ability to work in an environment you’re comfortable in. Additionally, veterans may find that working for themselves allows them to have more control over their time, their pay, and their career trajectory. Plus, veterans have access to a variety of business loan programs, lenders, and business grants for veterans to help them get their businesses off the ground.

The potential pitfalls associated with entrepreneurship should be considered carefully by veterans. Starting a business is a significant undertaking and requires significant resources in terms of time, money, and experience. It’s important to have a well-developed business plan and a realistic view of what kind of profits you can expect. Additionally, negotiating contracts and managing employees can be intimidating and difficult to deal with.

Overall, veterans should consider all the pros and cons of starting their own businesses carefully. While there are many potential benefits, such as greater freedom and the potential to increase income, there are also real risks that should be taken into account. Before deciding to start a business, veterans should develop a business plan and consider their skills, experience, and industry knowledge. 

Is There Any Employment Assistance for Military Spouses?

Yes, there are certain employment benefits available for military spouses. These include the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, which is a collaborative effort between the Department of Defense and hundreds of employers to provide employment opportunities for military spouses. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans’ Employment and Training Service also offers employment resources and assistance to military spouses.

• The Military Spouse Employment Partnership helps military spouses locate job opportunities and provides guidance on how to maximize employment potential. The MSEP works closely with employers to identify positions that are suitable for military spouses. The partnership also offers additional benefits such as military-friendly job matching, resume workshops, and career coach services to assist in job searches.
• The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service also provides employment assistance and resources to military spouses. This includes access to job search assistance and employment resources, as well as programs such as the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVER) to provide personalized employment assistance.

Final Word

By taking advantage of the many employment-related rights and resources available to veterans, employers can help ensure veterans access the tools they need to achieve success in their careers. Additionally, employers can provide veterans with the support and guidance they need to ensure a long, successful career. Ultimately, veteran employment needs to be a priority for organizations of all sizes. By working together, employers and veterans can ensure that veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.