Veterans Employment Toolkit

Employment is an important issue for Veterans. Helping Veterans find and obtain employment, as well as advance their civilian careers is a high priority. This toolkit is designed to provide you with answers and resources in finding and obtaining employment, as well as making career decisions and excelling in the workplace. A full version of this Resources for Veterans (Handout) list is available for print and download.

Looking for help creating a resume, cover letter, or completing a job application?

The Veterans Employment Center (VEC) is the federal government’s single authoritative internet source for connecting transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans and their families to meaningful career opportunities. The VEC is the first government-wide product that brings together a reputable cadre of public and private employers with real job opportunities, and provides transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans and their families with the tools to translate their military skills into plain language and build a profile that can be shared – in real time – with employers who have made a public commitment to hire Veterans. In connection with the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Defense and Education, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management, collaborated to design and develop the VEC to incorporate the best features of existing online employment tools.

Trying to describe your military experience, skills, or positions in civilian terms?

The Jobs Thesaurus* finds job descriptions to describe a job you held while in the military.

Need to find job listings or career fairs to attend?

The Veterans Employment Center contains links to Upcoming Veteran Career Fairs

Interested in a website with workforce preparation and training?

VetNet* is a technology-based platform positioned to assist Veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, find and prepare for meaningful post-service careers. VetNet is a dynamic and interactive platform, where each week live content will be delivered and focused across three ‘tracks’ of workforce preparation and training. These tracks include:

• Basic Training Track: Get ready for the workplace with resume writing workshops, learn and understand paths to work, school, or self-employment…and also connect directly to a database of over one million veteran-preferred jobs.
• Career Connections Track: Learn about different career options and opportunities by participating in weekly video chats with industry experts, and get advice from veterans eager to share their career experiences.
• Entrepreneur Track: Is business ownership is right for you? If so, participate in online seminars focused on the nuts & bolts of business ownership, and weekly ‘hangouts’ with experienced entrepreneurs.

Looking for federal employment or internship opportunities?

USAJOBS* houses all federal employment listings. The US Department of the Treasury* posts Open Positions* and offers non-paid internship opportunities to wounded warriors and Veterans.

Interested in working for the VA?

Visit VAforVETS to search job listings, see job fair postings, and find resources to help you transition from the military into a new career at VA.

Interested in starting your own business?

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has an Office of Veterans Business Development* that provides Veterans counseling to start, grow, and succeed in their businesses. The site also provides information on how you can get help accessing capital, competing for federal contracts, and creating jobs. In addition, SBA also supports the National Guard and Reserve and their military families when a small business owner is called to serve. Some of the programs funded by the SBA and run by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families* include (but are not limited to):

• Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV)* Training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 Veterans with service-related disabilities.
• Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)* Training, networking, and mentorship for women Veterans.

Interested in employment resources for women Veterans?

The Department of Labor created the women Veteran initiative to address the employment needs of women Veterans. The Department of Labor’s website includes employment statistics on women Veterans as well as resources and tips for women Veterans seeking work. Joining Forces for Women Veterans and Military Spouses Mentoring Plus* offers free coaching, mentoring, and professional guidance for women Veterans, spouses, and caregivers.