You may have heard that American government employment is a real challenge to get. Well, unfortunately, you are right in most cases. These jobs can be extremely competitive due to their track record of job security, room for advancement and excellent benefits.

That being said, you need to make yourself stand above the pack when seeking U.S. government jobs. Here are three things that will help you get yourself inside that window office:

1. Know where to look to find that perfect job opportunity.

2. Do a knockout job on that government application.

3. Don't forget to follow up with the people that can move you through the process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for U.S. government employment opportunities online

Most U.S. government employment opportunities will be advertised online. In most cases, you will either want to apply online or print out the application and send it through the mail. Either way, the computer is the place to start.

I recommend: Check the mother of all federal employment sites, USA Jobs. The majority of federal jobs, numbering in the thousands, will be posted there. However, this is not the only place you should look for U.S. government job listings. There are separate employment websites for positions at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Postal Service and other selected agencies. It's best to go the each agency's website to check on availability.

Apply for government employment minding your Ps, Qs and KSAs

Job listings for U.S. government jobs are unlike those for any other type of employment. They are usually several pages long and are often filled with official jargon. Most also ask applicants to submit statements of their knowledge, skills and abilities, or KSAs.

I recommend: Print out the job listing and look through it with a fine-toothed comb. Make sure you send in exactly what the agency requests. Leaving anything out could get your resume thrown in the trash. FedJobs, a website operated by the Federal Research Service, can help you navigate the maze or you can get help with your KSAs at the CDC's website.

Know that U.S. government jobs are not filled quickly

There is no streamlined hiring process for U.S. government jobs. Basics tell you that you may wait a month or more to get a call.

I recommend: Keep a copy of your job announcement so that you will have a contact name to follow up with if you don't hear back right away. Learn how to keep yourself in the forefront without becoming a stalker by reading the article on this subject on the Adobe website. If that first opportunity doesn't work out, visit Federaljobs to learn how to improve your chances.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't limit yourself to U.S. federal government jobs. There are lots of government positions at the state and local level as well. Most will have similar benefits and the competition may not be as fierce.

US government jobs are perfect for those who want to serve their country while they get a paycheck. While some American government jobs may be highly competitive, there are a lot of positions available, at various levels, which means there's something for just about anyone.

Furthermore, you don't have to live in Washington DC to get US government employment. There are positions in every state and even foreign countries. This means that you can still work for the government without a big move.

If you would like American government employment:

1. Know the strict requirements. US government employment opportunities often have more regulations than those of a private company. For example, they may require you to take a drug test or do a background check.

2. Don't be afraid to start with low-level U.S. government jobs. The American government is notorious for promoting from within and you are likely to move ahead quickly if you are a hard working employee.

3. If you're sure that a US government job is right for you, be flexible with your location. You may not be able to find an open position in your town, but you may be able to get a position if you move.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test US government jobs through an internship

An internship may be what you need to test the waters before settling on a career in the US government. This will teach you all the info about US government jobs you need to know and help you to make a decision that's right for you. Internships are often unpaid and it's best if you can take advantage of these opportunities while still a student.

I recommend: Search for available internships through the official StudentJobs.gov website. If you've set some high goals for yourself, you may want to consider applying directly to the White House Internship Program.

Work for the government temporarily with US government contract jobs

Some people may not want a full time job with the US government. A government contract job could be just what you're looking for. When you work for the government on a contract basis, you get many of the same benefits, but you don't have to stay there permanently.

I recommend: ContractManagementCrossing gathers the best resources for finding government contract positions. You can search their available positions. You can also search for contract positions through Juju.

Search for state and federal U.S. government jobs

You can easily use the resources available to you online to find the perfect job for you. Search for US government jobs to get the ball rolling.

I recommend: 50StateJobs.com allows you to search for government jobs by state. You can also visit USAJOBS, which is the official site for US government jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Brush up on your interview skills before you apply for US government employment opportunities. With so much competition, you'll want to be sure that you can stand out.

For many decades, people have considered U.S. government jobs the Mecca of stable, rewarding employment and obtaining the right training in order to move ahead in a government career can be exciting and challenging. Although most US government jobs only require a high school diploma, there are numerous American government employment opportunities available that demand a higher education degree or advanced training.

There are various approved government training organizations across the country that offer certification classes, leadership seminars, continued education and distance learning online courses for current federal and government employees. Taking advantage of this training can benefit US government employees and management by:

1. Promoting growth and opportunities within government employment.

2. Retaining talented employees in US government jobs.

3. Increasing productivity and achievement within individual US government departments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate federal and government agencies that offer approved training courses for US government jobs

There are several reputable approved government and federal agencies that offer approved training courses for US government jobs. These agencies cater specifically to government employees who are looking to acquire additional skills or move their career to the next level.

I recommend: Graduate School, USDA Pathway to Performance and Success organization offers certifications, programs and courses in leadership, human resources, acquisitions, and project management for federal government jobs. The United States Department of Justice offers training programs for federal and government employees in administration, human resources and leadership.

Seek out approved online US government employment training programs

Federal and government agencies have structured online programs for government and federal employees who are looking to advance their skills outside of the traditional classroom. These government agencies offer full training courses in certified and accredited programs and courses for US government jobs.

I recommend: CIO University, Chief Information Officer Council offers specific online training programs for US federal government jobs in the information technology workforce. The Office of Personnel Management GoLearn Program offers online and distance education courses in human resources, safety and health, project management and information technology.

Utilize additional resources on information about U.S. government jobs education and training

There are several resources available with info about US government jobs. Government agencies and organizations offer additional resources on how to obtain training and education courses, seminars and online training.

I recommend: USA.gov includes various resources, information about US government jobs and training development programs for federal employees. USA Learning offers resources, seminars and information on training development courses for US federal government jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before enrolling in an American government job training program, check with your department manager and/or personnel to ensure that they have approved the program for your specific organization.
• •  There are many resources available for federal and government employees in education and training. Be sure to research each program thoroughly to ensure that it aligns with your career goals.

The U.S. government is the largest employer in the country, with thousands of jobs in just about every field you can imagine. It’s no wonder that they are a very desirable employer. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking into U.S. government jobs, however. You should be prepared for the application process and be aware of items such as the KSAs or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities portion of the application and the requirements for a security clearance. Here are a few key terms to keep in mind when you are applying for U.S. government jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

KSAs

KSAs, or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, is a very important part of finding, and applying for and U.S. government job. These questions presented to you demonstrate your understanding of the position (knowledge,) your ability to manipulate data or things manually, verbally or mentally (skills,) and whether or not you are able to perform the required job at that time (abilities.)

I recommend: The Center for Disease Control (CDC), a federal agency, had a helpful page dedicated to explaining the KSAs required for all government jobs.

Series and grade

Series and grades are levels of employment within the U.S. government. Each refers to a specific category or definition of a job; where you start out depends on your education and experience. There are 10 levels in each grade of position in the government and a rise in a level means an increase in salary.

I recommend: The explanation of series and grades in the FAQ page on the USAJOBS website is sure to be very helpful.

Security clearance

A security clearance is the level given to you when you begin to work for the government. The process of getting a security clearance gets longer and more complicated the higher the clearance you are applying for. These clearances include background checks and interviews of close family and friends. The higher your security clearance, the more sensitive information you have access to.

I recommend: The discussion of security clearances on TAOnline.com is comprehensive.

CTAP and ICTAP

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) are federal government programs set up to assist current government employees with job placement services and educational pursuits if their jobs were ever to be eliminated. CTAP is for Department of Interior (DOI) employees and ICTAP is for all other government agencies.

I recommend: The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a very clear definition of the CTAP and ICTAP programs on their FAQ page. This specific discussion is under the “Staff and Employment heading, which is letter D on the page. The definition is #24.

Career tenure

You receive career tenure after you complete a mandatory three-year probationary period working for the U.S. government. After this conditional period is up and the employee receives career tenure, the employee may have a better chance at surviving downsizing or may be at the front of the line if a new position comes about.

I recommend: The first term in the glossary section of Workforamerica.com is a clear definition of career tenure.

OPM

The OPM, or Office of Personnel Management, is a federal civilian recruitment organization that ensures that only qualified workers get jobs with the U.S. government. The OPM acts as recruiter, job portal for job seekers and an HR department.

I recommend: You will find a plethora of information regarding working for the U.S. government on the OPM website.