Tips for Finding a Federal Job
Once you have decided to pursue a federal job, you should familiarize yourself with the different ways to apply and equip yourself with the tools you’ll need to succeed. Below you will find information on how to navigate the application process and descriptions of special programs, internships and other ways to get your foot in the door of the federal government.
You should also explore the range of jobs available. Agencies are required to post the vast majority of job openings and some student programs on the federal government’s central job site, USAJOBS.gov.
There are five basic steps that will help you find the federal job that is right for you:
- Do your research on the different agencies and then target your job search.
The government may be the nation’s largest single employer, but each agency does its own hiring. Start at USAJOBS.gov to explore current job openings and also check the job pages of agencies that are of particular interest to you to find out about any special hiring initiatives. - Identify the job you want and carefully review the job announcement.
Do you have the experience—from prior jobs, school, volunteer activities, internships, civic organizations—that they are looking for? - Carefully follow the application instructions.
Target your resume to the job announcement, demonstrating how your skills and experiences match up. Also remember that federal hiring is decentralized, so agencies can ask for different information in the job application. - Patience is a virtue and no news may be good news.
The federal application process typically takes longer than the private sector, so don’t assume you are out of the running. However, if you need to make a decision and haven’t heard back, follow up! Call the agency contact listed for the job opening. - Be prepared.
Keep all of your records, awards, transcripts, writing samples, references and a current resume handy for the next steps, such as an interview and/or background investigation.
The Best Places to Work rankings — the most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government — are produced by the Partnership for Public Service.
