Resources for Veterans

Veterans and transitioning service members bring valuable leadership, teamwork and problem-solving experience to federal agencies across government. Whether you are interested in supporting other veterans, advancing scientific research, shaping public policy or serving your community in another way, the federal government offers opportunities in a wide range of career fields.

As a veteran, you may qualify for veterans’ preference or special hiring authorities that can support your federal job search. Understanding how these pathways work can help you identify opportunities and strengthen your applications.

Veterans’ Preference

Veterans’ preference gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over other applicants in the federal hiring process. It applies to most new appointments in the competitive service and many appointments in the excepted service. However, it does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments or reinstatements. Veterans’ preference does not guarantee a job, but it can provide an advantage during the hiring process. 

To be eligible for veterans’ preference, you generally must have been discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions, including honorable or general discharges under honorable conditions. Veterans’ preference eligibility may be based on dates of active-duty service, receipt of a campaign badge, receipt of a Purple Heart or a service-connected disability. Not all active-duty service qualifies for veterans’ preference. 

Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans

In addition to veterans’ preference, you may qualify for special hiring authorities that can provide additional pathways into federal service. Explore the veteran-specific hiring authorities below and consider applying under every authority for which you are eligible. Additional information is available through FedsHireVets.

Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

The Veterans Recruitment Appointment allows agencies to hire eligible veterans into positions up to the GS-11 level (or equivalent) without requiring them to compete with the general public. Veterans hired under VRA may be converted to a permanent position after successfully completing the required service period.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)

The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act allows eligible veterans to apply for certain positions that are otherwise open only to current or former federal employees with competitive status. 

30% or More Disabled Veteran Authority

If you have a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, you may be eligible for a noncompetitive hiring authority that allows agencies to appoint you to certain positions more directly. 

Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program

If you are participating in a qualifying Department of Veterans Affairs training program, you may be eligible for additional hiring pathways through participating federal agencies.

Schedule A

While not specifically for veterans, Schedule A is a hiring authority available to individuals with qualifying physical, psychological or intellectual disabilities. If you have a service-connected disability, you may be eligible to apply for federal positions under Schedule A.