Veterans

Hiring Pathways

Providing Veterans' Preference

The State of Utah recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of men and women who have served in the United States armed forces and provides veterans’ preference points to qualified veterans.

The State of Utah provides employment preference to U.S. armed forces veterans in two ways:

  • Through the traditional Veterans’ Preference point system
  • Through the Veteran Employment Opportunity Program
Veteran Employment Programs

Resources for Veterans

Veterans who reside in the state of Utah may be eligible for a broad range of federal and state benefits and services. The Utah Department of Veterans Affairs strives to connect veterans and service members with the benefits and resources available them.  These services include VA claims assistance, healthcare, education, legal assistance, recreation, and housing. More information can be found Veterans Affairs website.

Utah Dept of Veterans Affairs Website

Veterans’ Preference

Who can claim Veterans’ Preference?

As a veteran of or service member in the armed forces, you may be entitled to a preference when seeking initial employment with the Utah state government (Utah Code 71A-2-101). For state jobs open to the public, veterans’ preference is provided to applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Any individual who is a veteran or service member
  • A veteran or service member with a disability, regardless of the percentage of disability
  • The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
  • A Purple Heart recipient
  • A retired member of the armed forces
How do I claim Veterans’ Preference?
  • To receive veterans’ preference points, click “yes” on the veteran status indicator when applying for specific positions. Then you will select the basis upon which you should be awarded veteran preference points
  • In your job seeker profile please upload a copy of your DD214, NGB22, DD256, VA status letter (if applicable), Active Duty Orders, LES, or Drill Schedule, or your spouse’s applicable documents in the event you are requesting veterans’ preference on the basis of your spouse’s service. If you do not have the ability to upload a scanned copy of your document(s) you should contact the recruiter to ask how you can get a copy of your document(s) to them so that it can be added to your profile
How is Veterans’ Preference Awarded?

Preference will be awarded as follows (Utah Code 71A-2-102):

  • Five points or five percent of the total possible score (whichever is greater), if the preference eligible is a veteran or service member;
  • Ten points or ten percent of the total possible score (whichever is greater), if the preference eligible is a veteran or service member with a disability or a purple heart recipient; or
  • In the case of a preference eligible spouse or surviving spouse, the same percentage the qualifying veteran or service member is, or would have been, entitled to
female in a military uniform standing in front of a blurred red brick wall

Veteran Employment Opportunity Program (VEOP)

The Veterans’ Employment Opportunity programs allow for veterans of the U.S. armed forces to be hired with a 6-month on-the-job trial period in lieu of a competitive hiring process. To opt into this program:

  • Must be an eligible veteran
  • Include your DD214 with your application
  • Answer affirmatively on the VEOP supplemental question on the application

If you are a disabled veteran you may also qualify for the Alternative State Application Program (ASAP), which is designed to appoint qualified persons with disabilities through an on-the-job examination period rather than through a traditional competitive process.

VEOP for Veterans
VEOP for Managers
male in army unifrom standing in front of red brick wall with his arms folded