Veterans Preference

The State of Kansas recognizes the enormous contributions of men and women who have served their country in uniform. As a veteran of the Armed Services, you may be entitled to preference when seeking employment with state government.

Why Preference is Given?

In recognition of the sacrifices made by those serving in the Armed Forces, the State of Kansas enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking State employment from being penalized because of time spent in military service. Veterans’ preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for Government employment and acknowledges the obligation owed to disabled veterans. Veterans’ preference is not so much as a reward for being in uniform as it is a way to help make up for the economic loss suffered by those who answered the nation’s call to arms.

Eligible veterans, or the spouses of veterans, who meet requirements receive preference for employment, promotional opportunities, and a higher retention standing in the event of reductions in workforce. Qualified veterans or spouses who qualify for veterans' preference are guaranteed an interview and to receive consideration for the position for which they apply. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Preference does not have as its goal the placement of a veteran in every vacancy; this would be incompatible with the merit principles that are the foundation of the state’s civil service system.

When is Veterans’ Preference Given?

Each veteran who meets the requirements for a vacant position shall be offered an interview for that vacancy when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The vacancy is a regular classified position that states in its job notice that the position is "Veterans Preference" Eligible (VPE). This includes all external, internal or agency only vacancies.
2 . No individuals who are eligible for the Kansas Employee Preference Program have applied for that vacancy.
3. The military service member was not dismissed or did not resign in good standing from state service.
4 . The military service member’s active duty is not for the Reserves or National Guard training.
5 . The military service member is separated and not on active service at the time of application.

How To Determine Eligibility

State Law – As amended by the 2008 Legislature, K.S.A. 73-201 provides veterans’ preference for veterans who separated honorably from active service. Veterans’ preference shall be approved:

A. If you entered military service before October 15, 1976.
• During any war between April 6, 1917 through July 2, 1921, and December 7, 1941 through April 28, 1952.
• Between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955.
• In any campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge or service medal was authorized.
• For more than 180 days since January 31, 1955, but before October 15, 1976 (excluding the six month Reserve or Nation Guard training program.)

B. If you entered military service between October 15, 1976 and on or before September 11, 2001
• In any campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge or service medal was authorized. Examples of some the most common campaign medals are: Haiti, El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Southwest Asia (Persian Gulf), Rwanda and Somalia.
• Active duty during the Gulf War (August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992).
See Campaigns and Expeditions which Qualify for Preference.

C. If you entered military service on or after September 11, 2001
• Received the National Defense Medal.

D. If you separated from the armed services under honorable conditions and have a disability certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being service connected, were issued the Purple Heart by the United States government or were released from active service with a service-connected disability.

E. If you voluntarily retired from the active service with the pay grade of 03 or lower unless you retired due to wounds received in combat or are disabled veterans.

F. If you are a spouse of a veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

G. If you are the unremarried spouse of a service member, who died while, and as a result of, serving in armed forces.

H. If you are the spouse of a prisoner of war, as defined by K.S.A. 75-4364, and amendments thereto.


How to Identify Veterans Preference' Eligible (VPE) Job Vacancies
Veterans Preference Eligible (VPE) job vacancies are in the classified civil service where the qualified veteran can take advantage of their veterans' preference. These vacancies will state in the job vacancy announcement that the vacancy is a "Veterans Preference Eligible (VPE)" opening. In this event, the hiring agency will provide preference to qualified veterans throughout their selection process; in addition, the posted opening provides you with the qualifications, any preferred qualifications, performance standards, and the process that will be used for selection so that you may make an informed assessment if you qualify for the job and will be competitive in the selection process, and that you would be successful in the job.

Am I Guaranteed the Job?
Qualified veterans are guaranteed an interview and to be considered for a position for which they apply and meet the qualifications for the position but are not guaranteed to be hired for the job.

How to Apply for Veteran's Preference
Applicants claiming veterans' preference for the first time must complete the Veteran Preference field on the Personal Information Registration form, and submit a complete, legible copy of their discharge document (DD 214), or other official discharge documents, showing enlisted and discharge dates, type of discharge, medals received, etc. Please mail the copy of your DD 214, to the agency advertising the vacancy or to the Department of Administration, Division of Personnel Services, 900 SW Jackson, Room 252, Topeka, Kansas 66612.

How to be Successful in Job Search

Completing an application and submitting it is not a guarantee for success in being hired. The application and/or resume play an important role in the job search process. The purpose of an application or resume is to communicate your qualifications to hiring managers who, in turn, invite you to job interviews. It is very important in the job interview that you are able to communicate what skills you acquired in the military that are transferable to the job for which you are interviewing. Unfortunately, few people can identify and talk about their skills even though they possess numerous skills which they use on a regular basis. This becomes a real problem when you must go to a job interview. Since the hiring managers want to know about your specific abilities and skills, you must learn to both identify and communicate your skills to them. Will that be enough? It depends. If the position for which you are being interviewed requires specific preferred or essential skills that you do not possess, then the answer is no. If, however, no preferred or essential skills are required and the hiring manager thinks that you can be trained, then the answer may be yes. If you do not get the job, statistics show that the most successful job seekers are those who develop a high degree of self-reliance, maintain a positive self-image, and are willing to risk rejection a few times without becoming discouraged.

If you need assistance, we recommend taking advantage of the many high quality services that the State of Kansas’ Workforce Centers provide to veterans. The Workforce Centers have specially-trained staff to ensure veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training opportunities. Services can include counseling, interview and resume writing workshops and job development with potential employers. To make an appointment with a Veterans Employment Representative or a Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist, contact your local or nearest Workforce Center office. Click here for the phone numbers and street addresses of the local or nearest Workforce Center Office.

In addition, the State provides Applicant Workshops throughout Kansas in assisting applicants in their job quest. Click here to sign up for the next available session.