Identity-Based Resources: Veterans

Veterans

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As a veteran you have a set of qualities and professional experience that gives you a boost in your professional career, although there may still be some challenges associated with transitioning back into the culture of civilian life and work environments. The Academic and Career Advising Center is here to provide resources to assist you during the next phase of your professional journey. Below are links of particular interest to veterans.

Career Advisors will provide individualized support to help identify and explore your career interests, values, and goals. Please reach out to acac@humboldt.edu to book an appointment with your career advisor to discuss strategies for entering the workforce and discussing the above questions. 

Illegal Interview Questions

Did you know that it is against the law for employers to ask you certain questions in a job interview? 

Discrimination in the workplace

Whether or not an employer adheres to them, the laws regarding discrimination are clear: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination: Unfair treatment because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

If you experience discrimination once you have started a job, here are some tips and information about dealing with employment discrimination.

 

Marketing your Military Experience and Making a Plan

Composing a civilian resume using military experience effectively can require careful attention to language and terminology. Military service offers tremendous transferable experience, skills and abilities. Types of skills gained through service including leadership, teamwork, communication, and work ethic are highly sought after, - so highlight them to improve your candidacy. Hiring managers might not be aware of military terminology, so use civilian language to describe skills.  

 

Resume and Cover Letters:

Each individual’s former service is often nuanced with a number of duties, job titles and skills and meeting with an advisor to work on the framing and layout of your resume is encouraged. We can help you write your resume to market yourself to the specific employers you are interested in. Here are some other resources for writing resumes and cover letters:

 

How much information should I share about the physicality of my combat experience?

If it is relevant to the job description, use it. If it is not relevant, do not use it. For example, if you are interviewing for a job as an EMT or surgical assistant with people or animals, and you did triage and/or treated wounds in the field or in a clinic, highlight that experience. 

 

How should I address service-related disabilities during the job search process?

If you have any service-related disabilities, choosing whether to share that information with a prospective employer is highly personal. You are not required to disclose this information, even if asked, however, employers may be required to make appropriate accommodations, if requested, as many veterans are protected from discrimination in employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please refer to https://acac.humboldt.edu/students/people-disabilities for more information. 

Resources:

Additional Job Search Resources

  • ACP - Helps veterans and spouses find their next careers.

  • Careeronestop - Provides career exploration, training and job, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

  • DAV - Connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs, and providing career resources.

  • Feds Hire Vets - Federal employment information for veterans, transitioning military service members, their families, and Federal hiring officials.

  • Heroes Work Here -  The Walt Disney Company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans.

  • Hire Veterans - Job board for U.S Military veterans.

  • Military 2 Career - Connecting veterans with employment opportunities.

  • Military Friendly Employers - 2021 Military friendly employers.

  • My Next Move for Veterans -  Identify civilian careers similar to the military jobs.

  • Proud to Serve Again - Troops to Teachers assists transitioning service members and veterans in beginning new careers as K-12 school teachers in public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. 

  • RecruitMilitary - Jobs for veterans.

  • Services for Veterans - State of California Employment Development Department.

  • Standout - a general resource available for interview practice.

  • Transition Assistance Program (TAP) -  Offers job-search assistance and related services to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life.

  • USAJOBS.gov - Federal government hiring site.

 

Employment Programs for Veterans or Service Members:

There are numerous employment programs and websites dedicated to helping veterans with disabilities find jobs, and make the transition from military to civilian life. These resources include:

  • National Resource Directory  - Information for wounded warriors, transitioning service members and veterans.

  • Operation PAVE - Paralyzed Veterans of America’s offers one-on-one vocational assistance and support to all veterans and their families.

  • State Veterans Affairs Office -  Connect to job training programs, education and financial assistance programs in each state that help veterans and their families.

  • Student Veterans of America - Provides military veterans with resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.

  • Veterans’ Employment and Career Transition Advisor  - Provides employment information and resources in each state, including contact information for the local Director for Veterans’ Employment and Training.

  • Veterans Employment Center -  Veterans job bank, resume builder, military skills translator and other career search tools.

  • Veterans Groups in LinkedIn - Build your professional network and relationships with other veterans who may be able to assist in internship, job search or career exploration.