Many veterans, by virtue of their service to our country, are entitled to preference in federal employment and retention. These veterens employment rights are guaranteed through federal statute and regulation and apply to various disabled veterans and those serving in various active duty war campaigns. The Veterans preference can help the veteran get a job and keep it during reductions in force. When federal agencies advertise job vacancies through the Office of Personnel Management or locally through direct hire authority the agency must select from the top rated eligible applicants. The official may not pass over a Veterans Preference eligible, however, and appoint a nonpreference eligible lower on the list unless the reasons for passing over the veteran are sufficient.
Veterans preference gives special consideration to eligible veterans looking for federal employment.
Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over nonveterans both in hiring into the federal civil service and in retention during reductions in force. Veterans applying for federal jobs can expect to have their knowledge, skills and abilities rated on a point system. Just as all applicants, veterans will receive points for related education, experience, special skills, awards, and written tests if required. The maximum points anyone can accumulate in the rating process is 100. If an eligible five-point preference candidate accumulates 90 points, five additional points are awarded on preference for a total score of 95.