This form contains sections for nearly all the necessary information you must submit. Veterans' Preference Since the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given a certain degree of preference when applying for federal jobs. Veterans' preference recognizes the loss suffered by citizens who have served their country, and Congress has enacted laws to prevent veterans who are seeking federal employment from being penalized for their time in uniform. Eligible veterans receive many advantages, including preference for initial employment and a higher retention standing in the event of layoffs. However, the veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job or preference for promotion, transfer, reassignment and reinstatement.
Veterans can receive a noncompetitive appointment for a government job under special authority.
Eligibility under these special authorities gives veterans a significant advantage over others seeking to enter the federal service in that they do not compete with them. Any federal agency that wants to hire under one of these authorities can simply appoint the eligible veteran to any position for which the veteran is qualified. There is no red tape or special appointment procedures. However, use of these special appointment authorities is discretionary with the agency. When applying for federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their application or resume.