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U.S. Government Jobs Basics

U.S. government employment: A challenge to obtain, but worth it

By Kate Esposito
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.

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