Where to Find Top Veteran Talent: Best Job Boards, Networks, and Resources for Employers

By Chelsea Nelson

When my husband left the military after 12 years in 2023, I remember the mix of excitement and uncertainty we both felt. For years, life had been measured in deployments, work-ups, and schedules. Then suddenly, there was no handbook. Instead, we just looked at each other and said, “What now?”

That’s when the freight train hit—how complicated and scary the transition from military to civilian life can be. Veterans bring incredible skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and discipline. However, translating that into a new career path isn’t always easy. They’re stepping into a completely different culture, often without the built-in community they had in the service.

But here’s the thing: the resources are out there. Whether you’re a veteran, a military spouse, or someone who wants to help, there are fantastic programs, job boards, and networks designed to make this transition smoother. And when we know where to look (and how to connect), the results can be life-changing.

Where to Start: Top Veteran Career Resources

1. Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is one of the most trusted resources for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. They provide free career coaching, résumé support, and a robust job board that connects employers with vetted candidates. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it can be to work with a coach who understands the language of both military and corporate life.

2. RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary hosts in-person and virtual events across the country and partners with thousands of companies looking specifically for military talent. Even just browsing their job board can give you a sense of how broad your options really are.

3. Veteran Jobs Mission

This initiative started as a coalition of companies committed to hiring veterans and has grown into a large community focused on career growth, leadership development, and networking. It’s not just a job board—it’s a movement that continues to build opportunities for veterans across industries.

4. DoD SkillBridge

SkillBridge might be the most underused resource out there. It allows service members in their final days of active duty to intern or train with civilian employers, giving them a head start in building real-world experience before discharge. If you’re a service member nearing transition, look into this early!

Beyond Job Boards: Building Real Connections

The truth is, finding a job is only part of the story. Veterans and their families need connection, purpose, and belonging. That’s why authentic networking and support are just as important as polished résumés.

If you’re a veteran, don’t be afraid to lean on these networks—especially mentorship programs. They help bridge the gap between “what you did” and “what you want to do next.”

If you’re a friend or community member, share job postings, make introductions, or volunteer with organizations like Hire Heroes USA or your local Veterans Employment Center.

And if you’re a company or hiring manager, think beyond just checking the box. Attend veteran hiring events. Learn how to translate military experience into civilian roles. Create mentorship opportunities within your team. Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference is just showing up and listening. Veterans have an extraordinary capacity to adapt, lead, and inspire—when given the chance.

Why It Matters

For most veterans, this transition isn’t just about finding their next paycheck—it’s about finding purpose again. It’s about discovering a new mission after years of serving one that defined their life.

As a military spouse, I’ve watched how meaningful it is when someone recognizes the value veterans bring: their integrity, resilience, and ability to lead under pressure. When that happens—when the right opportunity meets the right support—amazing things can follow.

Because hiring (or helping) a veteran isn’t just giving them a job. It’s giving them the next chapter of their story—and in turn, gaining someone who will show up with heart, purpose, and the kind of work ethic that can transform teams.

Whether you’re looking for a new career, hoping to hire, or just wanting to lend a hand, these resources are an excellent place to start. Every connection you make helps a veteran take one more confident step into the civilian world.