Explore how your federal experience as a Veterans Claims Examining (GS-0996) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Entry Level Claims Analyst, Junior Compliance Specialist, Staff Support Coordinator | Assists in processing claims, gathering documentation, and supporting senior staff in analyzing claims under guidance. Responsible for data entry and initial claims review to ensure completeness. | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Claims Analyst, Claims Processing Associate, Compliance Analyst | Evaluates and analyzes veteran claims, performs reviews for accuracy and compliance with regulations, communicates with claimants to gather additional information, and provides recommendations for approval or disapproval of claims. | $50,000 - $65,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Claims Analyst, Claims Evaluation Specialist, Veterans Affairs Consultant | Conducts thorough examinations of complex claims, leads training sessions for junior analysts, collaborates with legal teams to ensure compliance, and develops strategies to improve claims processing efficiency. | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Claims Manager, Veterans Services Manager, Compliance Manager | Oversees a team of claims analysts, manages workflow and prioritization of claims, ensures adherence to federal regulations, prepares reports for management, and implements process improvements within the claims department. | $80,000 - $95,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Claims Operations, Senior Compliance Officer, Claims Strategy Director | Formulates and directs claims policies and procedures, engages with senior management to align claims strategies with organizational goals, evaluates performance metrics, and leads special projects related to claims processing. | $95,000 - $115,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Claims, Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Director of Veterans Affairs | Provides strategic leadership for the claims function across the organization, develops initiatives to address systemic challenges in claims processing, collaborates with senior executives to influence organizational direction, and ensures comprehensive compliance with legal and regulatory standards. | $115,000 - $140,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Vice President, Claims, Chief Operating Officer, Veteran Services, Executive Director of Veteran Claim Services | Leads the organization’s veteran claims strategy, oversees all aspects of operation including budget management and strategic partnerships, drives innovation in claims processing, and represents the organization in high-level negotiations and collaborations with government agencies. | $140,000 - $200,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Certification
This certification demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of veterans' benefits and claims processes, which is crucial for any roles involved in veteran advocacy or claims processing in the private sector. Having a VSO certification can differentiate a candidate by showing their commitment to veteran issues and their ability to navigate complex benefit systems.
Certified Claims Management Specialist (CCMS)
This certification provides specialized training in managing, processing, and resolving claims effectively, skills that are highly transferable to civilian roles in insurance, healthcare, or human resources. By obtaining a CCMS, a candidate can showcase their ability to work with claims in a detail-oriented manner, which is attractive to employers looking for problem solvers.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification equips individuals with skills in project management, including planning, executing, and finalizing projects within established deadlines. This ability to manage complex projects is invaluable in civilian roles, particularly in industries related to healthcare, social services, or government consultancy.
National Association of Veterans’ Affairs Providers (NAVAP) Certification
This certification enhances knowledge of veterans' affairs and the services available to them, ensuring that professionals are well-versed in current practices and regulations. Being certified by NAVAP can help candidates stand out in civilian roles that require expertise in veterans' benefits and stakeholder engagement.
Federal Employment Law Specialist Certification (FELSC)
This specialized certification provides insight into employment laws as they apply to federal employees and veterans, which is essential for roles in compliance, human resources, or legal consulting within the civilian sector. Knowledge of these regulations can empower candidates to help organizations navigate complex legal landscapes related to veteran employment.
Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
The CHRP certification prepares individuals to handle HR functions, making them equipped to assist organizations in recruiting and retaining veteran employees. The HR skill set gained through this certification is particularly useful for aligning veteran hiring initiatives with organizational goals in the civilian workforce.
Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)
This certification is crucial for understanding the complexities of federal contracting processes which can also apply to civilian roles in procurement and contract management. A CPCM demonstrates an applicant's ability to manage contracts effectively, an asset in any private sector or non-profit environment that deals with government contracts.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal employment role, particularly in a specialized area like Veterans Claims Examining (GS-0996), to the private sector can be both an exciting and challenging journey. Here, we outline essential strategies to facilitate your transition successfully.
Embrace Change: The private sector often values adaptability and innovation over the rigid structures found in federal employment. Cultivate a mindset open to change and be prepared to learn and adapt to different workflows and cultures.
Ownership and Initiative: Unlike many federal roles where tasks might be highly defined, the private sector often requires employees to take the initiative. Prepare to step outside your comfort zone and think proactively about how you can contribute to company goals.
Understand Business Objectives: Shift your focus from the regulatory and procedural aspects of government work to understanding how businesses operate, generate revenue, and serve customers. Learn how your role can impact the bottom line and contribute to organizational success.
Translate Your Experience: When crafting your resume, avoid using federal jargon. Instead, highlight transferable skills using language that resonates with private sector employers.
Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, “Managed a caseload of 200 veteran claims, achieving a 95% adjudication accuracy rate" illustrates your efficiency and effectiveness.
Highlight Soft Skills: Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are highly valued in the private sector. Ensure your resume reflects examples of how you've utilized these skills in your federal role.
Tailor for Each Job: Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight experiences that align with the job description, and address the qualifications listed in the job posting directly.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and culture. Understand their products, services, and the challenges they face in the industry to demonstrate your interest and fit during interviews.
Practice Behavioral Interviewing: Prepare for behavioral interview questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Reflect on past experiences, focusing on challenges you faced in your role and how you successfully navigated them.
Articulate Your Transition: Be prepared to explain why you are transitioning to the private sector and how your unique experiences will add value. Frame your past work as an asset, focusing on relevant skills and insights that can benefit potential employers.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and company during interviews. This displays your engagement and can help you gauge whether the position aligns with your goals.
Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it reflects your transition goals and highlights your federal experience effectively. Connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters in your desired field.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in networking events, job fairs, and industry conferences. These opportunities allow you to meet professionals in your target field and expand your network.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles you aspire to and request informational interviews. Use these meetings to learn more about their career paths and the skills valued in their industries.
Join Professional Organizations: Consider joining organizations related to your desired career, such as business networks or associations relevant to veterans. These can offer resources, mentorship opportunities, and job postings tailored to your needs.
Focus on Outcomes: In the private sector, results matter. Whenever possible, emphasize the outcomes of your work rather than just the processes. Highlight how your contributions led to improvements in efficiency, quality, or stakeholder satisfaction.
Use Industry-Relevant Keywords: Learn about the specific language and keywords used in the private sector you’re targeting. Use these in your resume, LinkedIn, and interview discussions to illustrate your knowledge of the industry.
Leverage Your Sector-Specific Knowledge: If your federal work offers insights into veteran services, healthcare, or any specialized field, position this knowledge as a unique perspective that adds value to organizations serving similar populations in the private sector.
Highlight Team Dynamics: Federal positions often involve collaboration with diverse groups. Focus on your experience working across teams and how that cultivates best practices and innovation—qualities most companies seek.
Transitioning from a federal career to the private sector is highly achievable with the right strategies and mindset in place. Remember that your experience, skills, and background are incredibly valuable and can intersect with numerous opportunities in the private sector. Keep an open mind, leverage your unique strengths, and be persistent in your job search. With determination and strategic approach, you will find a rewarding role that aligns with your career goals.