FAQ
What is the Warrior Portal?
The Warrior Portal is a collaboration by the Veterans Foundation of America and the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce. This veterans’ resource center provides access to job postings, business listings, health care and justice related resources, VA claim support, skill development classes, and a variety of useful online tools.
What Is the Warrior Portal’s mission?
This veterans’ resource group was built to support veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Our mission is to promote veteran-owned businesses, encourage veteran entrepreneurship, generate networking opportunities, support community economic growth, provide access to veteran-friendly services, connect veterans with business opportunities, and provide recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made.
What does the Warrior Portal offer?
Centralized Information: The Warrior Portal provides easy access to a wide range of resources and services for veterans and military spouses. It includes information on benefits, healthcare services, education and technical training for veterans, employers hiring veterans, mental health support, veteran business resources, and more.
Streamlined Benefits Access: The Warrior Portal streamlines the process of accessing veteran resources & benefits. It guides you through the necessary steps and provides information on
eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application processes.
Networking and Peer Support: This portal facilitates networking and peer support by providing online communities, forums, blogs, and a calendar of events. Veterans can connect with each other, share their stories, seek advice, and provide emotional support.
Job Placement and Training: This portal offers resources for job placement, including information on employers hiring veterans and technical training for veterans tailored to their
unique skills and experiences. It also provides information on job openings, career counseling services, resume-building tools, interview preparation, and vocational training opportunities.
Health and Wellness Support: The Warrior Portal provides information on healthcare services available to veterans, including access to VA hospitals, clinics, and specialized programs. It also offers resources for mental health support, such as counseling services, hotlines, and online therapy options.
Education and Scholarship Opportunities: This portal provides information on educational benefits, such as the GI Bill, scholarships specifically designed for veterans, and educational institutions that offer programs tailored to veterans’ needs. The Warrior Portal is also developing Veterans University, which will provide classes for improving professional skills.
I’m a justice-involved veteran. How can I access support services?
Seek out support services specifically designed for justice-involved veterans, such as The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program, which provides legal assistance for veterans with accessing VA benefits, healthcare, housing, and other support services, or the NJ Reentry Corporation which can help you obtain secure housing, find meaningful employment, get your driver’s license back, and receive help with mental health and substance abuse counseling.
How can veterans improve their chances of getting hired in high-paying jobs?
To improve your chances of getting hired in high-paying jobs consider the following strategies:
Leverage Military Skills and Experience: Veterans possess a unique set of skills and experiences gained during military service. You can highlight these transferable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability, on your resumes and during job interviews. Emphasizing how these skills align with the requirements of a given position positions can make veterans stand out to employers.
Pursue Higher Education or Training: Obtaining degrees, certifications, or specialized training in a given field can enhance veterans' qualifications. Utilize educational benefits like the GI Bill or explore scholarship opportunities specifically available for veterans.
Network and Build Professional Relationships: Join professional associations, attend industry conferences and events, and actively engage with professionals in your desired field. Networking provides access to hidden job markets, mentorship opportunities, valuable connections, and career resources for veterans that can lead to job opportunities.
Translate Military Experience to Civilian Terms: Communicate military experience in terms civilian employers will understand. Avoid military jargon and instead focus on explaining accomplishments, responsibilities, and how your experience translates to the desired job role.
Leverage Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference policies provide advantages in federal and some state and local government job applications. Veterans should understand and utilize these preferences, as they can enhance the chances of securing high-paying roles within government agencies.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Veterans can benefit from seeking mentorship from successful professionals. Mentors can provide guidance, advice, and insider knowledge to help veterans navigate career paths effectively.
Tailor Resumes and Cover Letters: Resume help for veterans can include tailoring job applications to highlight relevant skills and emphasizing achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the organization's success.
Leverage Veteran Hiring Programs and Resources: Many companies and organizations have initiatives aimed at hiring veterans. Explore these programs, attend veteran-focused job fairs and career events, and utilize resources offered by veterans' organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to determine the best employers for veterans in your area.
Develop a Strong Online Presence: Maintaining a professional online presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, can increase visibility to potential employers. Veterans should create a compelling profile that showcases skills, experiences, and achievements.
Continuously Upgrade Skills and Stay Informed: Industries and job markets evolve rapidly. Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and in-demand skills.