U.S. Military Service Veterans are underrepresented in the workforce and are disproportionately unemployed.

  • The benchmark for veteran employment is 5.7%

The majority of veterans describe their transition to civilian life as difficult, and name “finding a job” the greatest challenge. Approximately 2/3 of veterans experienced a difficult transition from military to civilian life. Aside from difficulties of the current job market, one of the greatest challenges veterans report in finding a job is explaining how their military skills translate to the civilian workforce. Nearly all believe they have the skills needed to land their ideal job, but the majority express concerns about how to translate their skills to a business environment.

Most feel their military service is respected by employers, but three in five veterans express concerns about cultural barriers. Around half are specifically concerned about employers not understanding military culture. Employed veterans are more likely to feel valued, while unemployed veterans are more likely to believe their experience is not respected nor understood by employers.

We can help Veterans in the interviews by asking questions, looking at their transferrable skills, and getting acquainted with military language and terminology.

(Adapted from Veterans Employment Challenges)

Search Processes Related to Veterans

Job Posting: Oregon State University’s typical practice is to post employment openings on our online employment application site and through the State of Oregon’s employment delivery system to ensure that veterans may apply and be considered for meaningful employment opportunities at the university.  Exceptions to this practice are routinely made for positions lasting three days or less, and may be proposed for executive and senior management positions or positions filled from within the organization—approval/denial of proposed exceptions typically rests with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. See Oregon State University Competitive Search Requirements for details.

Eligibility and Invitation to self-identify: During the application process and at the post-offer/pre-hire stage, applicants are invited to self-identify as honorably discharged veterans or disabled veterans in order to benefit from OSU’s affirmative action programs for veterans. Submission of such information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject veterans to any adverse treatment. Any individual who identifies as a veteran or disabled veteran honorably discharged from U.S. military service may be eligible for special consideration in the screening and selection process if he or she meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  OSU will consider evidence of transferrable skills presented by veterans when considering whether the minimum qualifications for the position have been met.

A qualifying veteran applicant’s statement that s/he was honorably discharged from U.S. military service is sufficient during the early stages of selection, but may be verified by the hiring unit if s/he advances to on-site interview.  During the site visit, the applicant may be asked to show a copy of a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD form 214 or 215) or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension.  This information is kept confidential except as required under federal regulation CFR 41§ 60-300.

Reasonable accommodations for disabled veterans: At the post-offer/pre-hire stage, disabled veterans are invited to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access to discuss any reasonable accommodations that would enable them to perform the duties of the position properly and safely.  Oregon State University will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified disabled veteran.

Affirmative Consideration in the Hiring Process: The OSU hiring process extends an affirmative preference to individuals who self-identify as qualifying veterans.  Special consideration will be given to qualifying veterans when the qualifying veteran applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position for which she or he has applied, and when the veteran’s application materials show sufficient evidence of any transferrable skills required and requested by the hiring unit.

Position announcements are sent to state and regional Veterans' Service Offices.

The Registrar's Office maintains a staff member with expertise in educational and admission issues for veterans. The Office of the Dean of Student Life is also available to assist with the transition from military life to that of a student.  For other services, veterans are referred to the Veteran's Specialist at the Community Services Consortium in Corvallis.

Resources

Veterans Preference Procedure
Challenges Encountered by Veterans
Search Committee Training (Consideration of Veterans in Hiring Process)
Veterans' Hiring Toolkit
OSU Military and Veteran Resources
Recruitment Resources for Veterans