Life after service just became a bit easier for job-hunting veterans, thanks to the Veterans Employment Center, a new online service that connects veterans, transitioning servicemembers and their spouses with employers. Eligible members can visit ebenefitst.va.gov to browse opportunities available in both the public and private sectors.
Veterans Employment Center boasts various features
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden announced the launch of the website at the anniversary celebration of Joining Forces April 23. The employment service includes a resume builder, a military skills translator and career and training resources to facilitate users' job searches.
"Our service members haven't always had the time or information they needed to prepare their resumes, to plot their career goals, to meet with employers and get the jobs they deserve. And that's simply not acceptable," said the first lady, as quoted in a White House news release. "As my husband has said, when you've fought for this country around the world, you shouldn't have to fight for a job when you return home."
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel echoed this sentiment, and added that employers that hire former servicemembers will be rewarded with "the best this nation has to offer." Hiring managers are able to view resumes on a single comprehensive database, allowing them to find candidates with military experience easily and quickly.
The Veterans Employment Center is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education, Defense, Labor and the Office of Personnel Management. The site will combine the tools and job search functionality of the Veterans Job Bank, VA for Vets, VetSuccess.va.gov and the Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network.
Site garners support among officers
So far, veteran groups have been pleased with the new online service, according to Military.com. The source cited Joe Davis, national spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who asserted that any program that assists veterans and transitioning servicemembers in their job searches is a good one. Mike Michaud, a ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, lauded the site as a "milestone" and expressed confidence in its ability to benefit former servicemembers.
Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez noted that the site's services will be beneficial to the more than 1 million servicemembers expected to return home in the coming years.