Transition Assistance Programs (TAP)
TAP is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative that provides comprehensive transition services by helping veterans and their families to successfully navigate the transition back into the civilian world. TAP offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and online resources to aid veterans in developing job search skills, translating their military experience into civilian terms, create effective resumes and cover letters, and prepare for job interviews. It also provides information on education and training opportunities, entrepreneurship, and benefits and entitlements.
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)
Offering a wide range of employment services to veterans, including job search assistance, resume development, career counseling, and job training programs, VETS is a program of the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides priority service for veterans in all of its federally funded employment and training programs, ensuring that veterans receive priority consideration for job openings and training opportunities.
Military Skills Translator Tools
Many veterans struggle with translating their military skills and experiences into language that civilian employers can understand. Fortunately, there are several online tools available that can help veterans bridge this gap.
Military skills translator tools such as military.com’s Skills Translator or the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) VAforVets Skills Translator allow veterans to enter their military occupation codes or titles and generate a list of civilian job titles and descriptions that match their skills and experience. These tools can be invaluable in helping veterans identify civilian career options that align with their military background.
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
There are numerous VSOs that offer career resources and support for veterans. Organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) provide a wide range of career services, including job search assistance, resume reviews, and mentoring programs. These VSOs also often have strong networks and partnerships with employers and can help connect veterans with job opportunities.
Federal Hiring Programs for Veterans
The federal government offers several hiring programs specifically for veterans, providing preferential treatment in the hiring process. For example, the Veterans’ Preference program gives eligible veterans preference in federal hiring by placing them ahead of non-veteran applicants.
Furthermore, the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides comprehensive employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including job training, resume development, and job placement assistance. Additionally, the FedsHireVets website, run by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), offers resources and information on federal employment opportunities for veterans.
Veteran Entrepreneurship Programs
Many veterans aspire to start their own businesses after leaving the military. There are several entrepreneurship programs available specifically for veterans to help them start and grow their own businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the Boots to Business program, which provides entrepreneurship training and resources to veterans and their spouses.
Moreover, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University offers the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program, which provides training in entrepreneurship and small business management to disabled veterans.
Job Search Websites for Veterans
There are several job search websites that are specifically designed for veterans, offering job listings from employers who want to hire veterans. Websites such as Military.com, Veterans.jobs, and HireHeroesUSA.org are excellent resources for veterans to find job opportunities that are tailored to their skills and experiences.
These websites often feature job postings from companies that value the unique talents that veterans bring to the civilian workforce. In addition to job listings, they also provide resources on resume writing, interview preparation, and career advice specifically targeted towards veterans.
Education and Training Programs
In order to enhance their skills and increase their job prospects, many veterans choose to pursue further education or training. There are several education and training programs available specifically for veterans, such as the GI Bill, which provides educational benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents.
The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program also offers education and training assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Additionally, there are numerous scholarship programs, grants, and tuition assistance programs available for veterans to pursue higher education or vocational training.
Military Alumni Networks
Many colleges and universities have military alumni networks that provide support and resources for veterans who are pursuing higher education or transitioning into civilian careers. These networks often offer career counseling, job fairs, and networking events specifically tailored to veterans. Joining these alumni networks can provide veterans with valuable connections, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.
Professional Associations for Veterans
These associations provide networking opportunities, professional development resources, and mentorship programs for veterans. Some examples of professional associations for veterans include the Veterans in Business Network, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition, and the Society of American Military Engineers. Joining these associations can provide veterans with access to a supportive community of like-minded professionals and opportunities to advance their careers.
Conclusion
There are numerous career resources available specifically for veterans, maximizing both their job search and career development. From transition assistance programs and veteran employment services to military skills translator tools and federal hiring programs, veterans have access to a wide range of resources to help them successfully navigate the civilian job market.
Veteran service organizations, entrepreneurship programs, job search websites, education and training programs, military alumni networks, and professional associations for veterans all provide valuable support and resources to help military spouses thrive in their civilian careers so they can support their families. If you’re a veteran seeking career support, be sure to explore these resources and take advantage of the opportunities available to you.