Executive Order 13518 solidified the Obama Administration’s commitment to getting vets jobs in the public service sector—making it easier for veterans to apply for, and get jobs with the federal government and giving veterans a leg up in the federal hiring process. In the wake of this Executive Order, government departments, agencies, and bureaus have appointed persons to lead up the initiative to get former servicemen and women into jobs with the federal government. Furthermore, the Office of Personnel Management launched a Web site called FedsHireVets which contains a host of useful information about the veteran’s preference as well as information for current and former servicemen and women (and their families) who are in the process of transitioning into civilian life.
So what is veteran’s preference? Finding its origins in the Veteran’s Preference Act of 1944, FedsHireVets describes the veteran’s preference as giving “eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants.” Essentially, all applications for federal positions are graded based on a points system. Veterans receive an additional 5-10 points simply for being veterans! Veterans who received commendations (such as the Purple Heart) or have a “service connected disability” are eligible to receive 10 points, whereas, veterans who served for “180 or more consecutive days” are eligible to receive 5 points. The veteran’s preference provides veterans with a definite advantage in the federal hiring process—helping to ensure that our veterans find gainful employment!
If you are a serviceman or woman, and are currently unsure about your job prospects after leaving the service, or have questions about Executive Order 13518, visit FedsHireVets.gov or feel free to contact the Office of Career Services by e-mailing careerservices@apus.edu for additional information!
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