What are government jobs like for military veterans?

I'm curious about the types of government jobs available for military veterans. Do veterans find it easy to transition into government roles, and what processes do they need to go through to land these jobs? Would love to hear about your experiences!

Government roles can be a fitting choice for military veterans who wish to continue serving the public sector. The range of opportunities is broad—from federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to local city or county jobs in areas like public safety, services, or administration.

Transitioning into government roles is often manageable for veterans. Many skills and experiences acquired during military service—like leadership, strategic thinking, discipline, and adaptability—are transferable to these roles. Agencies also understand the value of these skills and actively seek out veterans for relevant positions.

For the hiring process, many government jobs have a 'veterans' preference' policy in place that prioritizes hiring veterans for available roles. This can involve adding extra points to veterans' application scores or moving them ahead in the application process.

However, landing these jobs usually requires the veteran to become familiar with the government's unique hiring process and language, which can differ from private-sector hiring practices. Some veterans find it helpful to attend resume workshops or hiring expos specifically designed for veterans pursuing government roles.

The experience of transitioning into government jobs is individual and largely depends on circumstances such as the role pursued, where the veteran is located, and the specific branch and duration of their service amongst other factors. Many veterans have found success and satisfaction in these roles and find that their military experience has been a significant asset. Ultimately, preparation, research, and persistence can greatly assist in this transition.