American federal government employment spans a range of fields and is desirable for its stability and comprehensive benefits, such as retirement and health insurance. The U.S. federal government jobs basics for applying include searching the official databases of government jobs, gaining experience relevant to federal government employment and knowing what opportunities fit your resume.

When searching for US federal government jobs, keep in mind that government jobs may be very competitive, so you should try to find an opportunity closely aligned with your experience and skills. Some government jobs require a high level of expertise and prior work experience, while others are entry-level positions.

When applying for federal government employment, follow these steps to cover the basics:

1. Conduct a job search using the official site for federal government employment opportunities;

2. Explore the benefits of working for the federal government;

3. Be strategic about choosing opportunities and formulating a resume.

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

Know where to search for US government jobs and internships

Government employment spans a range of fields from law and business to science and technology. Federal government job openings for all positions are published online on an official government job search page. By checking out the official list of federal government employment opportunities, you can narrow your search by several factors, including the government agency or the type of employment.

I recommend: Conduct your job search at USAJOBS, the official government job search site. You can also view listings by state or by country (for overseas jobs) at federalgovernmentjobs.us. Studentjobs.gov allows you to search for officially sponsored U.S federal government internships designed to prepare students from a range of disciplines for U.S. federal government jobs.

Learn about the pay and benefits of US government jobs

US federal government jobs are desirable for their reliable salaries and good health and retirement benefits. You can find specific information on pay, incentives and employment policies of United States government jobs of all types online from the federal office of personnel management.

I recommend: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management offers information about the insurance and retirement benefits of all United States government jobs, for prospective employees, current employees and current retirees. The site also breaks down the salaries and wages of different types of federal employment. Another advantage to federal employment is the ability to transfer positions without losing benefits, and specific information about transferring is available at USAJobs.

Be prepared and thoughtful about applying for United States government jobs

Because the government strives to be responsive to a diverse nation of people, federal government job opportunities may target candidates from a specific demographic or cultural background. For the best chances of success when looking into federal government employment, check for agencies that are looking for people like you and make sure that your resume includes all of the necessary components.

I recommend: Work for America publishes diversity information and policies by agency, as well as relevant information about the types of people agencies are actively seeking for employment. Before you apply, check Federal Jobs Net for the information that is required on your resume in order to be considered for US government jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While many U.S. federal government jobs offer great job security, not all government work is considered equally rewarding, flexible or ideal. Look at the list of government employment opportunities recognized to be the best for employees and see if you think there is a place for you in those agencies and organizations.

You don't have to live in Washington D.C. to get US federal government jobs. In fact, an overwhelming majority of United States government jobs are located outside the D.C. area.

Federal government employment is one of the smartest moves you can make. In general, government work is high paid and steady. This makes US government jobs highly desirable and you should be prepared to face the competition.

To increase your chances of US government employment:

1. Have a squeaky clean record when you apply for US government job openings. The government will perform a thorough background check before hiring you. In some cases, they may even interview family, friends and former coworkers to get a sense of your character.

2. Ensure that you have the proper educational background for the federal government job opportunities that interest you. Some jobs require advanced degrees and the government will not consider your application if you don't meet the qualifications.

3. Arrange an informational interview with someone who works in the department that you want to work in. This will give you a better idea of what the job is like as well as the opportunity to see if you are right for the position.

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

Gain experience for federal government job opportunities through internships

Internships are a great way to gain experience for any job, but they are particularly helpful in gaining government employment. If you are a student, or otherwise able to take on a non-paying job, apply for an internship in the area that interests you the most.

I recommend: The White House Internship Program is one of the most popular federal government internships available. There are several positions available in the White House. StudentJobs.gov is another great resource for internships for students.

Apply for U.S. federal government jobs online

The Internet makes finding and applying for jobs a breeze. Find local jobs and send them your resume in a matter of minutes.

I recommend: The Washington D.C. Job Source conveniently lists jobs by state. You can also find jobs at PSE-NET.com.

Travel abroad with US federal job openings overseas

You can have United States government employment and not even live in America. The US government has many open positions available overseas. You may not have much choice with your first overseas job, but as you gain experience, you will have more say in which country you can live in.

I recommend: The official USAJOBS site offers information about applying for jobs overseas. Check out FederalGovernmentJobs.us to see the jobs available in different countries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are serious about applying for federal government job openings, it's great to have a professional resume writer create your resume. This will ensure that you stand out among the crowd.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 2 million civilians are currently working in US federal government jobs. Add in the 615,000 workers currently employed with the Postal Service and it's easy to see how important the federal government's role as an employer is to the national economy. Not only does the government employ a large number of people, but it also offers its workers reliable vacations, great benefits and good job stability, making it an attractive place to work.

In order to work for the executive departments and independent administrations that comprise the federal government, potential employees must acquire the proper education and training. There are a large number of ways people can prepare for federal government employment, but they each typically begin with a traditional four-year college degree. Before applying for US government jobs, employees should consider the following:

1. Many United States government jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, while many require a combination of advanced degrees and related work experience.

2. Some agencies, like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have their own training academies.

3. Advertisements for job openings specify what combination of education and experience applicants should have before applying.

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

Get a college degree that prepares you for government work

Many federal government job openings require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Fortunately for recent graduates, the federal government employs workers from such a wide range of educational backgrounds that most standard undergraduate degrees will work. Majors in environmental science, physics, modern languages, history and accounting can all find work with the government.

I recommend: Georgetown University has excellent programs in Foreign Service and international affairs that prepares students for careers in organizations like the Departments of State and Defense. Schools like Harvard and Stanford also have top-ranked undergraduate programs in government and political science. Although these schools are highly selective, reviewing their programs can give prospective students an idea of what to expect from other universities.

Attend a training academy to increase federal government job opportunities

Some government agencies require such a specific set of skills that they offer to train their employees themselves. Others offer professional training and certification programs to help current employees sharpen their skills and stay abreast of the latest research, policies and trends.

I recommend: The FBI Academy trains new recruits to become field agents, investigators, forensic experts and more. The Central Intelligence Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency both offer career-long training programs for their employees.

Review the requirements for specific United States government jobs

Arguably the best way to prepare for a job with the federal government is to research current job openings and see what they require from applicants. This gives potential employees the clearest idea of what education and experience they will need to compete for positions.

I recommend: USAJobs is the online employment portal for all of the government's agencies. Applicants use this site to upload resumes, search new job postings and apply for government work. Workers who the government already employs can browse the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's resources on career management and development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before applying, research US government jobs on the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It offers information on job scheduling, salaries, benefits and more.