Transition Guidance

The federal government is hiring! At a time when private sector jobs are shaky, the federal government has posted tens of thousands of jobs from entry level positions to the Senior Executive Service. With millions of employees, the federal government is the largest employer in the United States. Over the next few years, more than half of the government current workforce will be eligible for retirement, which means even more opportunities in the future and great opportunities for advancement to more senior level positions as the workforce retires. In addition, government positions offer a much higher level of job security than is traditionally found in the private sector.

The government is currently seeking personnel with training and experience in virtually every discipline. Homeland security positions are in high demand, as well as security, telecommunications, IT, Intelligence, logistics and health care. Many positions require a security clearance, which is a big plus for veterans with a current or recent clearance. Skills gained in the military are directly transferable to many of the positions the federal government is currently seeking to fill.

The federal government values military experience, as many of the jobs are similar to work performed by military personnel. Some military jobs are now being performed by members of the civilian workforce. It is not unusual for a military veteran to be hired as a civilian for the same job or similar position once held while on active duty. Many of the skills and duties involved in military positions are directly transferable to civilian government positions with Homeland Security, the FBI, CIA, and many others. Many federal agencies also value the training and certifications gained in the military, such as contracting certifications, leadership training, and secret security clearances.

Experience can substitute for college degrees in many middle and senior-level government positions. Private sector jobs often require a minimum four-year degree for senior positions, but the federal government recognizes that military experience can often provide real world experience that is invaluable. A military veteran without a degree can often enter the government workforce at a higher level than in the private sector. With the federal government, you are less likely to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Military veteran candidates are often eligible for special preference over non-veterans when applying for a government job. In some cases, even the spouses of veterans who were separated under honorable conditions can receive the Veterans Preference.