Veteran Hiring at TPWD

• Minimum qualifications mean the least amount of education and work experience acceptable for the position.
• The minimum qualifications for all State of Texas jobs are clearly listed on each job description.
• You will be screened based on minimum eligibility included in the job description; This screening happens automatically during the supplemental questions section of the application.
• Only submit applications for jobs in which you meet the required minimum qualifications.
• Answer supplemental questions with the most accurate information - if responses do not indicate that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be automatically screened out.

• Preferred qualifications mean the minimum education and work experience that describe the ideal candidate.
• You will also be screened based on preferred qualifications listed on the job description.
• This is done by the hiring manager, not through the application management system.
• You will not be screened out of the process based on the preferred qualifications.
• If you do meet the preferred qualifications, supply the information in the relevant area of the application.
• These are your bullet points to success - the more preferred qualifications that you meet, by showing examples in in your application, the more likely you are to receive an interview.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are listed in the job posting and should be reflected throughout your application.
• Managers screen applications based on minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications and KSAs to determine who receives an interview.
• Unlike a resume the State of Texas application requires a more extensive summary of activities, skills, and accomplishments.
• Be both detailed and concise.
• Show, don't tell.
  • If a specific Microsoft program is mentioned in the preferred qualifications, be sure to mention it somewhere or multiple places in your application. Instead of, "Used, or know how to use PowerPoint", state, "Used PowerPoint to develop presentations for…" or for Outlook, "Used Outlook daily to correspond and coordinate with volunteers, staff, and community members."

• If hiring managers don't know what you're talking about, assume they will politely ignore it. Be sure to explain your experiences.
• Talk things through with some non-mil friends or family to find more universal language; avoid military jargon.
• Break your experiences down to universal concepts and roles.
• Don't try and sound cool. Sound like you're the best qualified for the job.

• Bring everything to the table that helps support why you are the best qualified!
• Think of your experiences as evidence used to justify why you are best qualified.
• Were you a lifeguard in high school? Then you have experience in safety, outdoor recreation, maintenance, and customer service.
• Volunteer experience also counts towards your previous experience, so add it if it is relevant.

1. Submit Application
2. Application pre-screened by system. If the supplemental questions are not answered to satisfy the minimum qualifications in the posting the application will not move forward.
3. Application is screened by Hiring Manager and added to his or her matrix to determine the top best qualified applicants. This is the part of the process that usually takes the longest.
4. Interviewees are selected from by the hiring manager based on his or her matrix. At this point, the hiring manager must have at least 20% of those selected be a veteran; if there is not a veteran in the top category in the matrix, then the hiring manager will replace the lowest qualified within the interview pool with the highest qualified veteran.
5. Interviews are conducted.
6. Verification of qualifications and background check.
7. Job offer.

• To be eligible for Veteran's Preference, you must attach your DD214.
• Check the job posting for required documents specific to the job.
• Check "Additional Requirements" for instructions to upload DD214, transcripts, and other documents.
• Before uploading any attachments, ensure that they are legible when printed in black and white.
• If required documents are not attached, the application may be considered incomplete.
• To be eligible for Military Employment Preference, you must attach the required documents and the Military Employment Preference Survey.

• Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and the following military service records any of the ways listed in the link below:
• Request Military Service Records

• Build your experiences to show how you align with the TPWD mission. Show that you have a background that aligns with the position you're applying for.
• Volunteer - you can gain valuable experience in order to qualify for jobs within the department.

• The Texas State Auditor's Office Military Crosswalk is a guide for transitioning service members and hiring managers to get an idea of what jobs may be similar from military to state service.
• It is required by the state to accompany every job posting.
• It does NOT affect your qualifications—it is NOT a, "Hey, you don't qualify for this job because your (insert MOS, AFSC, NEC/rating) wasn't listed."

Contact vetcontact@tpwd.texas.gov. One of TPWD's talent sourcing specialists will help you out!

There are many reasons why you may not have gotten the job, contact the hiring manager for direct input. Also, email vetcontact@tpwd.texas.gov

It can, yes. Visit the Employee Retirement System (ERS) page on Military Service Credit.

• Available job postings:
• Jobs are added and postings close frequently, so it's best to keep an eye out yourself by setting up a profile on the job site and checking regularly when you are actively job hunting.

• Start with what jobs you would be interested in - check out our career guide.
• Review current and prior job postings to make sure you meet minimum for jobs you're applying for.