How to Find Jobs in the U.S. Government
Despite Recession, the Federal Government Continues to Hire
Mar 4, 2009
The recent downturn in the economy certainly makes it challenging to find jobs.
During the tech boom of the mid-to-late 1990s, jobs were ubiquitous. Fast-growing startups were so hard-pressed to find workers that they offered ridiculous benefits such as signing bonuses, paid interviews and relocation, annual vacations, mortgage assistance, insanely high salaries, and even cars.
Unfortunately, those days are long gone. But while boom has clearly gone to bust, all hope is not lost. While industries such as construction, real estate, auto sales, manufacturing, and retail are being hit hard, other industries such as health care, education, and government are weathering the storm.
Where are U.S. Government Jobs Located?
While the majority of jobs in the U.S. Government are located in Washington, D.C., they are also found across the United States. For example, the National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have offices in many urban and rural areas of the U.S.
Understanding U.S. Government Jobs Terminology
The world of jobs in the U.S. Government is completely different than in the private sector. Before applying to any job in the U.S. Government, the candidate needs to understand some key terms:
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): Whether the candidate applies for a government job online or through the mail, each job opening requires the candidate to respond in writing to several questions regarding his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities as related to the position opening.
- Status vs. Non-Status: Status means that only current Federal employees can apply. Non-Status means any U.S. citizen can apply.
- Series and Grade: The U.S. Government uses the General Schedule (GS) to determine the job series and pay grade. The GS level that the candidate is placed in is in accordance with his or her skills, background, and experience. For example, GS-6 is more entry-level while GS-13 is more experienced or managerial.
- Open Period: Shows the opening and closing date of the position. After the closing date, the candidate can no longer submit an application.
Finding Jobs in the U.S. Government
The best way to find government jobs is through the web. While other sites on the web offer a U.S. Government job search, the official job search engine for U.S. Government jobs is USAJobs.
USAJobs is managed and operated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Government’s equivalent of a Human Resources department.
Using USAJobs is much like using Monster, CareerBuilder, or any other job search engine on the web. The candidate can store resumes and work history; apply for jobs online; read helpful tips on interviewing, resume writing, and KSAs; and check the status of submitted applications.
Searching for jobs via the USAJobs website is easy as well. The candidate can search via keywords, location, category, agency, occupational series, and job title.
Challenges to Jobs in the U.S. Government
The main challenge to jobs in the U.S. Government is that compensation may be slightly lower than an equivalent position in the private sector (depending on the position). And, government jobs are typically bureaucratic and more resistant to creativity and change.
Despite poor economic conditions and layoffs in the private sector, the U.S. Government continues to hire workers across the United States. However, the applicant must take time to learn U.S. Government jobs terminology and how to apply.
See related articles, "How to Find Jobs in State and Local Government," "Top 6 Job Search Engines" and "4 Websites That Offer Work at Home Virtual Jobs."
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