On June 27, VHA’s Darren Sherrard hosted Facebook Live to answer questions about Veterans Preference and techniques on securing a job. The video is available to view on the VA Careers Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/vacareers/) but here’s a quick recap.
We encouraged followers to use this Facebook Live event to ask Darren questions directly. He answered some of the questions live while others were answered in the comments section after the chat was finished.
Several questions were asked about how Veterans Preference works and how to correctly utilize the benefits when seeking employment.
Veterans Preference effectively helps employers hire more Veterans. However, there are several qualifications that will help Veterans accelerate the hiring process. Those who have been recently discharged have up to five years to use their Veterans Preference to gain employment. Veterans who qualify for disability also have a higher chance of employment with Veterans Preference. Veteran spouses can also receive Veterans Preference if they are a widow or if their spouse is 100 percent disabled.
Throughout the chat, many asked about what they can do to stand out to a recruiter. They also wanted to know if there was anything they can do in addition to submitting a resume and job application. Darren recommended applying for positions that you are very highly qualified for. Also, applicants who are open to relocating greatly increase their chances of getting hired.
Additional questions were asked on how Veterans could turn their military experience into transferable skills for a civilian career. Many were finding it hard to apply their military training towards a position at VA.
Darren discussed some great options and tools that are available to all Veterans, such as applying for entry-level positions and working towards growing a career within VA, or receiving additional training and education to increase expertise in a specific field.
For more information about Veterans Preference and about your Veteran rights, contact your local VA recruiter by searching for your state on our recruitment page.
We are constantly adding and updating events on our event calendar. Check it frequently to get the heads up on VA hiring events near you.
Finally, though rumors might say otherwise, VA is not under a hiring freeze – at any location.
So, feel free to search for and apply (http://www.vacareers.va.gov/job-search/index.asp) for your next job and make the first step towards a career of helping our Nation’s Veterans.
Thanks for all of the great questions during our Facebook Live Chat. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information about upcoming chat events.
And check out recaps of some previous chats:
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