While ESGR’s mission is to educate Service members and Employers on their USERRA rights, mediate conflicts, and recognize supportive employers, ESGR appreciates the unique skills a Guard or Reserve Service member can bring to a civilian employer.
Guard and Reserve members seeking new employment may benefit from the following resources:
CareerOneStopSponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop is a comprehensive online toolkit for job seekers. The site provides a wide range of free resources including career assessments, tools to build a résumé and cover letter, salary and benefits information, and a national job search engine. It also features a dedicated section with specialized employment resources for Veterans and military spouses.
American Job CentersThere are nearly 2,300 Department of Labor American Job Centers located throughout the states and territories, providing local assistance to job seekers and employers. The centers offer Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans access to career and financial counseling, résumé and interviewing assistance, education and retraining, job search methods, registered apprenticeships, and a vast employer network. Certain locations also provide access to on-site financial advisors. Employers receive labor market counseling, interview and job seeker selection tips, a vast job seeker network, and subsidies for hiring Veterans.
FedsHireVetsOperated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), FedsHireVets is the official government-wide resource providing comprehensive information and guidance specifically for Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families interested in federal employment. It details Veterans' Preference rules, special hiring authorities, and offers strategic advice to successfully navigate the federal application process. See also USAJOBS.
USAJOBSUSAJOBS is the official employment website of the United States Federal Government. It serves as the primary portal for federal job opportunities and provides essential details on how various applicants, including Guard and Reserve members, can apply for specific federal roles using different hiring paths. This is where job seekers will search and apply for positions. See also FedsHireVets.
Military OneSourceMilitary OneSource provides a range of resources on finding new employment and returning to work after service. As a comprehensive Department of War program, Military OneSource offers extensive support beyond just employment, including financial planning, education benefits, and relocation assistance.
The Army Reserve Private Public Partnership (P3) ProgramThe Army Reserve P3 program provides resources and connections to employment and training opportunities. This initiative actively partners with private companies and organizations to facilitate career networking, mentorship, and direct hiring events exclusively for Army Reserve Soldiers.
SkillBridge ProgramThe DoW SkillBridge program provides an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 180 days of service. Through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training with vetted civilian employers, participants can gain real-world skills while continuing to receive their military pay and benefits, offering a direct path to post-service employment. Interested Service members should consult and follow their military branch's specific SkillBridge policies. For those not eligible for the program, the list of SkillBridge partners can still be used to identify military-friendly employers.