Talk About It Tuesday offers job-seeking advice for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has relaunched Talk About It Tuesday, a weekly livestream program designed to help veterans and other job seekers navigate the federal hiring process and explore career opportunities at VA. Hosted by VA National Recruiter Mike Owens, the program airs every Tuesday at noon Eastern Time on the Department of Veterans Affairs LinkedIn page, offering application advice, insights into working at VA, and direct answers to viewer questions about the hiring process.

Talk About It Tuesday provides a dedicated forum for anyone interested in VA employment to learn from current VA employees and recruiters about what it takes to land a federal job. The program returned in May with episodes covering topics ranging from updated federal resume requirements to understanding the General Schedule pay system that determines compensation for federal positions. The show also addresses practical concerns like common resume mistakes, what to expect during the federal hiring process, and how to prepare for VA interviews. Each episode features Mike Owens answering viewer questions, and the second Tuesday of every month is designated as Q&A Week, when the host addresses a broader range of submitted questions about applications, interviews, and the VA hiring process.

While the program is open to all job seekers, it holds particular value for disabled veterans who may be navigating the federal hiring landscape for the first time or seeking to leverage their veterans' preference in the application process. Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive additional preference points in federal hiring, and upcoming episodes are planned to explain exactly how veterans' preference works within the VA system. Understanding these advantages and how to properly document disability status on federal applications can make a significant difference in competing for positions.

Since returning in May, the program has featured notable guests including Ashton Carder, a VA nurse recruiter who encouraged potential applicants to reach out directly to recruiters with questions about any position at VA facilities. The show also welcomed VA Deputy Secretary Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, himself a veteran, who discussed resources available for veterans at VA. These conversations provide insider perspectives that can help veterans understand not just how to apply, but what the culture and mission of working at VA actually entails on a day-to-day basis.

For disabled veterans, federal employment at VA offers more than just a paycheck. It represents an opportunity to continue serving fellow veterans while benefiting from federal job protections, comprehensive health benefits, and a workplace that understands military service and disability. The stability of federal employment can be especially valuable for veterans managing service-connected conditions, and VA positions often provide meaningful work directly supporting the veteran community. Talk About It Tuesday demystifies the often complex federal application process, making these opportunities more accessible to those who have served.

Veterans interested in VA employment should consider tuning in to upcoming Talk About It Tuesday episodes to gain practical knowledge about the application process. Following VA Careers social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn will provide updates on upcoming topics and opportunities to submit questions for the monthly Q&A sessions. For those who miss live broadcasts, episodes remain available for viewing, allowing veterans to access this guidance on their own schedule and review specific topics relevant to their job search.