Resources, networking and other top tips to help you land a VA job

During our weekly “Talk About It Tuesday” live broadcasts on our LinkedIn page, we provide numerous tips to help you land that dream job at VA, but viewers often ask what they’re doing wrong, why they can’t get over the hump from application to offer.

“Almost daily, many of today’s applicants become frustrated in their career search,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of recruitment marketing at VA. “This frustration can lead to negativity, self-doubt, depression and a feeling that the system is not fair.”

While your job search can be complicated and even difficult at times, VA is growing, and we are always looking for fresh new faces to join our team. That’s why we have so many resources available to help applicants along their journey.

Hiring programs and authorities

Recruiting and developing the best talent is how we deliver on our mission to care for America’s Veterans. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of professional, internship and leadership opportunities.

“The people most likely to get a position at VA are health care providers, like physicians and registered nurses; Veterans and military spouses; and Schedule A applicants with disabilities,” said Sherrard.

Our hiring programs and hiring authorities are designed to pave the way for Veterans, students and medical professionals. Take some time to review the programs that are currently available and see if any can help you get your foot in the door.

Stacking the odds

There’s nothing that says you can’t stack the odds in your favor when it comes to looking for a job at VA, and leveraging multiple resources to your benefit is a great strategy. Given that you know we’re looking for health care workers, and we also offer Veterans’ preference to those who have served in the military, combine the two.

“If you’re a Veteran, you can become eligible for a health care position by enrolling in college with your G.I. Bill. Your local Veteran service officer or VA can assist with that,” Sherrard said. “You can also visit www.Vaforvets.va.gov and sign up with the Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP).”

VMSTEP provides employment readiness assistance and outreach to transitioning service members, Veterans and eligible military spouses. The program also advocates using special hiring authorities and employment programs to help VA become the employer of choice for Veterans and military spouses.

Join our network

“I have heard numerous times that you must have to know someone at VA to get hired,” said Sherrard. “So… who do you know at VA?”

Networking can take your job search to the next level, and at VA, making connections can be especially helpful if you meet some of the criteria we mentioned above. However, any time spent networking is time well spent, because while the people you meet at VA cannot get you a job, they can offer advice and assist you in the process.

“Meet with a VA employee at an event we’re attending, or network with a VA employee on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn,” Sherrard encouraged. “Connect with us and get to know us!”

Work at VA

Leverage our resources to land a job at VA, where you’ll serve those who served by providing them with the care they deserve.

• WATCH our “Talk About It Tuesday” broadcasts on LinkedIn each Tuesday at noon ET.
• LEARN more about navigating the hiring process.
• READ our most frequently asked questions.
• SEARCH for job openings at VAcareers.VA.gov.