Soldier saluting flag

Welcome to the State of Iowa's Veterans Resource Page, where we proudly honor and support our veterans. At the heart of our state's values lies a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. As a testament to our gratitude, we are committed to providing valuable resources and assistance to veterans transitioning into civilian life, particularly in the realm of employment.

Here, you'll find information on veterans preference points and specialized assistance tailored to facilitate veterans' seamless integration into the workforce. We recognize the invaluable skills and experiences veterans bring to the table, and it is our privilege to assist them in their pursuit of fulfilling careers.

Veterans Preference Information

Upon request, veterans hiring preference shall be applied to honorably discharged veterans as defined in Iowa Code Chapter 35.1. Former members of the Reserve Forces or Iowa National Guard who served at least 20 years after January 28, 1973, are eligible. Reserve Forces or Iowa National Guard veterans who were activated for federal duty, other than training, for a minimum of 90 days and were discharged under honorable conditions or retired under Title 10, United States Code, are eligible.

Veterans Preference Points

Please Note: Iowa veterans hiring preference for state, county, and municipal positions DIFFERS from the federal veterans hiring preference. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Question drawing with light bulb

Commonly Asked Questions

Veterans Employment Representative

Veterans Employment Representative

Iowa is committed to providing quality employment services tailored specifically for veterans. Our Employment Services department features a dedicated veterans employment representative, Jamie Norton, who is equipped to assist veterans in various aspects of their job search journey including the following:

  • Assistance in conducting productive job searches
  • Access to job listings
  • Help in developing job interviewing and resume writing skills
  • Assistance to place eligible veterans in federally-funded employment and training programs
  • Monitoring of job listings from federal agencies and federal contractors to ensure veterans get priority service in referral to these jobs

For personalized assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jamie Norton via email at  jamie.norton@iwd.iowa.gov, or by phone at 515-725-5452.