Veterans and transitioning military members have access to various federal employment options. However, getting a government job might be tricky, especially if you need to learn about veterans’ preferences and other employment benefits. You will likely land a fulfilling federal job if you understand these rules.

What is considered Veterans’ Preference?
Veterans’ Preference is one strategy designed to allow veteran applicants to apply for federal employment with a competitive edge. The favorable benefits for new hires are the most recognized and are in high demand. Although getting a Veteran’s Preference can be helpful, it also matters to remember that it does not ensure employment. Internal transfers, promotions, and reinstatements are likewise exempt.
You must have been discharged under honorable or general conditions to qualify, and veterans still serving may be allowed to apply if discharged within 120 days. Not all active duty services, however, are eligible for Preference. Your application can be affected if you have served a specific amount of time, have a Purple Heart, a campaign badge, or a service-connected handicap.

What are the types of Veterans’ Preference?
Veteran’s Preference can be divided into three primary points categories:

• 0-Point Preference (Sole Survivorship): This is applicable if you were discharged from active duty as the sole child left in a family where a parent or sibling was killed or severely injured while serving. You will appear on the list ahead of non-preference candidates with identical criteria, even though no extra points are added to your score.
• 5-Point Preference (Non-Disabled): You acquire this if you received a campaign medal or served more than 180 days during specific periods, such as the Gulf War or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• 10-Point Preference (Disabled Veterans): Veterans with service-connected disabilities or those awarded a Purple Heart are eligible.

There are five main categories for preference groups:

• CPS: Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more (10 points).
• CP: Veterans with a disability rating between 10% and 30% (10 points).
• XP: Veterans with a disability rating below 10% (10 points).
• TP: Veterans without a disability rating (5 points).
• SSP: Sole Survivorship Preference (0 points).

What is the Practice of Preference?
Depending on your eligibility, veterans’ Preference might raise your score by five or ten points in competitive service hiring. Veterans will have an advantage over non-veterans in the employment process since they will be ranked at the top of the highest category on the recommendation list if they have a compensable disability of 10% or more.
Veterans with higher percentages of service-related disability are given Preference when agencies implement a category rating system rather than a point system. Some exceptions exist when applying for scientific or professional roles at the GS-9 level and above.

Why Does Documentation Matter?
You must present the required paperwork to qualify for Veteran’s Preference. This might consist of:

• A DD-214 form that details your discharge terms and days of service.
• A military certification that you will be released under honorable conditions in 120 days.
• An SF-15 form and proof of your Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating if you seek a 10-point preference.
  Having all these documents ready before applying is necessary, given that federal agencies will check them before issuing employment offers.

How To Utilize the Veterans’ Preference Advisor?
Using the Veterans’ Preference Advisor, veterans can determine whether they qualify for particular preferences regarding Federal jobs through the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).

How can Special Hiring Authorities Help?
Military personnel should stay updated on the various government hiring groups and be fully informed of their qualifications to get employment. It is crucial to keep in mind that although federal agencies can use these particular capabilities to expedite their hiring processes, employment is not guaranteed. Instead, you may be better positioned to apply if you know these authorities and how they may utilize them.
Veterans need to know when an agency seeks candidates through a specific authority because this will give them a better chance of getting hired. Job postings usually outline who is eligible to apply, so pay close attention to those. Selecting roles that are closely relevant to your skills and experience will help you target opportunities where you’re most likely to succeed in your federal job search.

Final Thoughts
Veterans’ Preference is one of the many resources that might help you increase your chances of getting a federal job. Your odds of landing a fulfilling position in public service can be increased and your transition to civilian life made easier by being fully aware of your eligibility and investing time in careful preparation.