The gap is gone.
Quarterly numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, show the unemployment rate for veterans is way down from last year – and now about equal to that of non-veterans. The drop to 7.4 percent is a dramatic and positive shift. But it gets better. Unemployed vets are now being hired faster than non-veterans. If you’re cleared and looking for a civilian career, take note – and take advantage of the current employment climate. You’re among the most marketable of job candidates in the pool of job seekers.
Despite defense budget cuts, the defense contractor industry remains on the lookout for cleared veterans with IT skills. While you’re likely familiar with the bigger names in aerospace, military equipment and technology, don’t underestimate the opportunities in companies with not-so-familiar logos.
The metropolitan D.C. region is still brimming with jobs for cleared personnel, and is home base for a growing number of contractors. For example, Parsons, an engineering, construction, technical and management services firm boasted revenues of $3 billion last year. It is currently looking for cleared veterans to fill multiple positions. Other companies in the hiring mode include The Kenjya Group, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business based just outside D.C. in Columbia, Md.
“Due to our customer being one of the largest intel agencies in the U.S., all of our employees must be security cleared,” said Cindy Holson, Recruiting Manager, The Kenjya Group. “We have an ongoing need for cleared personnel to fill positions in the various services that we provide, which include analysis of alternative development, information technology, systems and engineering and technical services, along with cyber support.”
Engineering skills tend to rank number one on the wanted list in this region. Demand is high for engineers with specialties in embedded software, systems, security network, operations, CNO, UI/UX, and cloud software. Other highly sought professions include business and software analysts, database administrators and developers and project integrators.
The numbers out west
Hiring trends for cleared veterans continue to be promising in western states as well. California and Texas lead the nation in veteran employment programs, and both states rank number one and two respectively for having the highest number of veterans in the workforce.
IsComp Systems, a federal IT contractor, actively looks for cleared veterans in locations that include Texas, Colorado and Arizona. Again, the company predominantly seeks out cleared candidates with engineering backgrounds. In California, big opportunities are found in the five square miles of space known as El Segundo. It is home to more than 15 defense contractors, with Raytheon, Boeing and Northrop Grumman taking the lead in hiring cleared personnel. Along with technical skills, they also hire cleared professionals in management and administration.
While the new employment figures indicate a definitive rise in the number of veteran hires, no crystal ball can predict whether this is a permanent condition. For now, it’s clear that veteran employment initiatives are working. Corporations that promised to hire more veterans did so, and tax incentives helped. If you’re looking to use your clearance to get a civilian job, you couldn’t have picked a better time.
