Veterans will be prioritized by the state of New Hampshire when applying for government jobs, according to an announcement by Gov. Kelly Ayotte on Monday.
Her executive order, signed ahead of Veterans Day, requires all state agencies to grant interviews to veterans and their spouses, as long as they meet the qualifications on the job listing.
“We owe a tremendous debt to the men and women who have defended our freedom,” Ayotte said in a statement. “I know how hard the transition to the workforce can be after serving, which is why the State is going to make it a priority to hire veterans and military spouses. I hope businesses across our state will join us in that effort.”
Veterans and their spouses who apply for jobs in state government will need to provide proof of honorable service and, if necessary, a marriage certificate.
In New Hampshire, the unemployment rate is lower for veterans than for nonveterans. Across all age groups, fewer than 3% of veterans did not have jobs but were looking for work, according to U.S. Census data from 2023. The statewide unemployment rate hovers just above 3%.
More than 85,000 veterans live in the Granite State, accounting for roughly 7.5% of the adult population. Earlier this year, New Hampshire was ranked third in the nation for service members retiring from the military based on the state’s economy, quality of life and health care system.
Ayotte’s order encourages towns, cities and contractors that work with the state to adopt similar hiring practices.