Resources for Job for Veterans

Government & Military Transition Assistance

Several government programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition from military to civilian life:

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

A collaborative initiative among the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), and other agencies, TAP provides comprehensive workshops, employment assistance, and counseling to help service members and their families prepare for civilian life.

VA Benefits and Services

The VA offers a one-day, in-person course called “VA Benefits and Services,” which helps veterans understand the benefits and services they earned during their military career.

Career-Focused Nonprofits & Programs for Veterans

Numerous nonprofits offer specialized career support tailored for veterans:

Veteran Career Transition Assistance Program (VetCTAP)

VetCTAP provides no-cost virtual career workshops and coaching for transitioning military personnel, veterans, and spouses. Their programs focus on resume writing, networking, and interview skills to enhance job readiness.

Onward to Opportunity (O2O)

Offered by the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, O2O is a free, comprehensive career training, certification, and employment program that provides veterans with industry-recognized career tracks and courses.

Skill Translators & Resume Tools for Veterans

Effectively translating military experience into civilian terms is crucial for job applications:

Diversity Employment Resume Templates

Our resume templates provide a structured way for veterans to craft compelling resumes tailored to various industries. These templates highlight transferable skills, leadership experience, and teamwork—qualities that veterans bring to the workforce.

Military Skills Translator

This tool matches a veteran’s military occupation code (MOS, AFSC, and Rating) to civilian job opportunities, helping to identify transferable skills and appropriate civilian terminology for resumes.

Resume Engine

Developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, the Resume Engine assists veterans in translating their military experience into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand.

Veteran-Friendly Employers & Industry Insights

Identifying employers committed to hiring veterans can enhance job search success:

Military-Friendly Employer Designations

Look for companies recognized for their commitment to veteran hiring. Organizations like the Military Friendly® program evaluate companies based on their veteran hiring and retention practices.

Researching Company Veteran-Hiring Records

Investigate potential employers’ track records by reviewing their career pages for veteran initiatives, seeking out employee testimonials, and checking for partnerships with veteran-focused organizations.

Tips for Veteran Job Seekers

To navigate the civilian job market effectively, consider the following strategies:

• Networking: Engage with veteran support organizations, attend job fairs, and connect with fellow veterans in your desired industry to expand your professional network.
• Training and Education: Utilize the GI Bill to pursue further education or certifications that align with your career goals, enhancing your qualifications for civilian roles.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Explore programs like the Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business initiative, which offers training and resources for veterans interested in starting their own businesses.

By leveraging these resources and strategies, veterans can effectively translate their military experience into rewarding civilian careers, showcasing their leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills to prospective employers.