Veterans’ preference offers military personnel an edge when applying at VA

February 13, 2024

For Veterans and transitioning military personnel, Veterans’ preference is a chance to be recognized for your military service in the application process. It’s a tool that you can use to support your application and earn your place serving alongside your fellow Veterans at VA. 

When an agency uses a category rating system, as VA does, preference candidates who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list, unless that position is specifically scientific or professional at the GS-9 level or higher. 

Keep in mind that the use of Veterans’ preference does not guarantee a job, and the use of the preference program is not to place a Veteran in every vacant federal job. There are always numerous applicants for VA and other federal jobs, and many ways an agency can fill a vacancy other than by hiring from a list of eligible applicants. 

It’s not a cut-and-dry process though, so you’ll have to make sure you’re eligible for Veterans’ preference and that the job you want accepts your preference, too. Luckily, we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs and make sure your application is ready for our recruiters. 

Work at VA 

If you’re a Veteran looking to work at VA, or a current military member looking to make the transition to a civilian career, head over to VA Careers and learn more about how you can boost your application with Veterans’ preference. 

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