Each year, hundreds of thousands of veterans return from deployments and begin to search for work in the civilian workforce. They are sometimes viewed by potential employers as lacking professional experience, which can lead veterans to encounter difficulty in attaining gainful employment. Veterans can be extremely valuable employees, having developed a strong work ethic, dependability, and a sense of discipline in the military.
The affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, referred to as “VEVRAA” or “Section 4212,” are administered by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). Section 4212 covers employers with federal contracts or sub-contracts in the amount of $150,000 or more. The regulations implementing Section 4212 include the obligation to refrain from discrimination in employment against protected veterans. The regulations also require all covered contracts and subcontracts to include a specific equal opportunity clause.
In order to promote Equal Employment Opportunities and be AAP compliant, employers must incorporate veteran outreach and consideration into their hiring practices. If you are an employer looking for resources regarding veteran hiring and job boards where you can post ads for open positions with your company, please refer to the resources below.
Veteran Hiring Resources
American Job Center – The American Job Center connects businesses to individuals seeking employment through local American Job Centers. As an employer you can post jobs in the Veterans Job Bank, the central source for identifying Veteran–committed employment opportunities and helping employers hire qualified Veterans, as well as connect with your local labor exchange and state job bank to reach jobseekers locally and around the country.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service – VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service helps employers across the country fill workforce needs with trained, educated and experienced disabled veterans. It provides recruitment assistance based on employers’ specific qualification requirements, and candidates are skilled, committed workers who are pre–screened for specific employment opportunities. Through the service, employers also gain access to resources to assist with recruitment, retention and succession planning strategies.
Wounded Warrior Project – Provides direct programs and services to severely injured service men and women in order “to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members…”
US Vets – US Vets helps employers in the community fill their open positions and grow their businesses.
Hire Patriots – Hire Patriots works to help connect Veterans with companies and businesses who respect and appreciate their unique skills and experiences.
Military Hire – Military Hire is a job board for veterans. Their mission is to “Serve Those Who Served,” by connecting veterans of America’s armed forces with employers who will value their experience and skill sets.
VetJobs – VetJobs makes it easy for employers to find veteran candidates, helping them become productive members of the workforce.
Feds Hire Vets – Feds Hire Vets is your single site for federal employment information for federal hiring officials looking to hire veterans and transitioning service members.
Helmets to Hardhats – Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is dedicated to helping National Guard Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military members connect to quality career opportunities in the construction industry.