Veterans get hiring preference for most federal jobs. Here's how the points system works, which jobs qualify, and how to claim your preference.
Veterans' preference gives qualifying veterans an advantage in federal hiring — and it's more substantial than many veterans realize. It's not a guarantee of employment, but it can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. The system works through a combination of point preferences, special hiring authorities, and protections during reductions in force.
The basic framework adds points to your score in competitive federal examinations. Five-point preference goes to veterans who served on active duty during specified time periods and were discharged under honorable conditions. Ten-point preference goes to disabled veterans (those with a service-connected disability or receiving VA disability compensation), Purple Heart recipients, and certain other categories including spouses and parents of deceased or disabled veterans.
Beyond the point system, several special hiring authorities allow agencies to appoint veterans directly without going through the normal competitive process. The Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) allows agencies to hire eligible veterans without competition for positions up to GS-11. The 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority allows agencies to give noncompetitive temporary or term appointments to veterans with 30% or more disability ratings. These authorities make it significantly easier for hiring managers to bring veterans on board.
To use veterans' preference, you need to self-identify as a veteran on your federal job application (typically through USAJOBS.gov) and provide supporting documentation. This includes your DD-214 (Member 4 copy, showing character of discharge) and, for 10-point preference, your SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) along with your VA disability rating letter.
Veterans' preference also provides protection during reductions in force (RIFs). When agencies need to cut positions, veterans with preference are retained over non-veterans with similar performance and tenure. This can provide meaningful job security during government downsizing.
One important note: veterans' preference applies to competitive service positions, not to every federal job. Senior Executive Service positions, some intelligence positions, and certain excepted service positions may not be covered. However, the vast majority of federal jobs — hundreds of thousands of positions across all agencies — are subject to veterans' preference requirements. For veterans looking for stable employment with good benefits, federal service is worth serious consideration.