How VA is improving the journey of job applicants

VA is working to streamline and demystify the job application process for potential candidates, and one champion of this effort is Tracey Therit, VA’s chief human capital officer.

Therit joined host Mike Owens for “Talk About It Tuesday,” a weekly live broadcast on LinkedIn, to discuss her work chairing the VA Employee Experience Council. The council has collaborated with the Veterans’ Experience Office to map the journey of a VA employee.

“We’ve identified moments that matter in that employee journey, and we are working across the department to increase trust in the employee experience by making things easy and effective,” Therit said. “One of the stages in the journey looks at the applicant experience.”

Moments that matter

After talking with current and former employees about their experience at VA, the team identified five stages of a VA applicant’s experience along with additional important steps within those stages.

“We’re really looking at all that rich data, listening to that feedback that we got from individuals who’ve applied for positions with VA and either got in or didn’t get in, and how we can use that information to improve the application experience,” Therit said.

The stages of the “getting in” phase include searching for jobs, applying for jobs, interviewing, receiving an offer and accepting the offer. Therit went on to provide tips to applicants to help them successfully navigate each of these stages.

Keep in mind that, as a federal agency, VA must follow more hiring rules and regulations than the private sector. Therit said your odds for successfully landing that VA job will increase if you:

• Ensure you meet the qualifications for the job.
• Tailor your resume for each position.
• Narrow your job search criteria to those that are a best match to your skills and experience.
• Provide all necessary documentation, especially if you are a Veteran, military spouse or have a disability.

While VA is continuing to hire at a rapid pace during the COVID-19 pandemic, there can still be stiff competition for job openings.

“We have so many people who are knocking on VA’s doors and trying to get in to serve our nation’s Veterans,” Therit said.

Making a difference for Veterans

The granddaughter of a World War 2 Veteran and daughter of a Korean War Veteran, Therit identifies closely with VA’s mission on a personal level.

Working alongside other dedicated staff to help Veterans receive health care, overcome homelessness and connect with educational benefits is her favorite part of working at VA.

“It is humbling to serve Veterans knowing that my family has fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” Therit said.

Work at VA

If you’re looking for a meaningful career serving our nation’s heroes, consider VA. We are seeking health care providers, administrative staff and support personnel at facilities throughout the nation.

• WATCH the Q&A with Tracey Therit.
• SEARCH for a job opening.
• READ more about navigating the hiring process.
• FOLLOW VA Careers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
• CHOOSE VA at www.VAcareers.va.gov.