How to Search for Government Jobs

Making the move from the private sector to the government is a different kind of job search. You can't apply the same tools or tactics to make it through the government hiring process. We put together everything that you need to know in this blog. This covers different types of government jobs, how to find them to apply for, the government application process, and mistakes to avoid. Read on to equip yourself with the needed information and tools to enhance your search for government jobs.

Types of government jobs

The first step to any government job search is to understand and identify the types of government positions that you are pursuing. The government has multiple levels, agencies, and employment types just like any other employer. There are also very different issues that each department and level work with the government. However, in some agencies, it is much easier to move from the local or state levels to the federal government. Others will opt for a time-limited position, or temporary, to join the federal government. Regardless of your target, you can find a wide range of government jobs to pursue. You also do not have to live in Washington, D.C to work for the government. But, many end up there if they pursue promotions within the federal government.

Why pursue government jobs

The government job search process can be challenging for many coming from the private sector. But, it can be worth it. Government jobs offer not just employment but also stability, rewarding benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Apart from job security, they extend health insurance, retirement plans, and ample vacation leave, often unmatched by the private sector. Besides, government employees enjoy the privilege of serving the public and aiming to impact the lives of others. Federal agencies and state departments all contribute to sculpting positive change through legislation, public services, education, and healthcare.

Tips for Searching for Government Jobs

Now that it is clear why government jobs are valuable and the variety of roles that you can pursue, let's dive into the different strategies to find those positions!

Research the agency

Understanding an agency’s mission, the work it does, and its organizational culture is important before embarking on the application process. Review their official website, social media platforms, and recent news linked to the agency. This will give you a better understanding of the different departments, role types, and functional areas. This research will enable you to determine if you are a good applicant for this agency or if you need to pursue a different route towards government employment. Moreover, doing your research will also provide a clear picture of whether the particular agency aligns with your career goals and values, and also help you tailor your application and interview responses to highlight how your skills, experiences, and aspirations match with the agency’s requirements and mission.

Use government job search websites

To find government jobs to apply for, you need to also look in different places to find them. Government job search websites are a reliable starting point for discovering potential job opportunities. They allow you to apply directly on the platform and keep track of your application status. Three of the most popular websites include:

• USAJOBS: This is a one-stop platform to find and apply for federal jobs across various U.S. government agencies.

• CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this offers targeted job and industry searches.

• Agency pages: Many federal agencies and departments will have their own career pages with additional information on their hiring process as well as positions that do not always make it to USAJobs.

• State job banks: each state also has its own careers page for open government jobs.

• County and City Job Boards: local government can also be a great way to launch your career. Make sure to check out the career pages of your city and local counties to explore potential opportunities within the government at these levels.

Check state and local government websites

State and local government websites are solid resources for spotting job openings in a specific geographical area. They generally have a section dedicated to careers or employment, listing current vacancies across various departments within the state or municipality. Many agencies at the state level mirror those at the federal level. And, for those pursuing federal employment, the best place to make that transition to the government can be to start with the state-level roles. This will give you the experience needed to qualify for the federal roles and you will gain valuable connections in the process of doing this role.

Keep in mind that some sites may require you to create an account to apply, while others accept direct applications or direct you to relevant application portals. These websites offer the convenience of narrowing down your search based on location preferences, as well as providing information on the salary range for each position, including the minimum qualifications required for each job.

Network with government-employed professionals

Much like the private sector, networking for your job search can be a valuable strategy to launch your government career. This process is significantly easier if you have already identified the agencies that you would like to target. Building relations with professionals who are already employed in government can provide:

• Insight into everyday work life and agency culture.

• Useful connections and referrals for job vacancies.

• Insider information about application processes and unadvertised posts.

• Consider local networking events, LinkedIn groups, and associations linked to your career field to connect with public sector professionals.

How to Land a Federal Government Job

Securing a federal government job requires a proactive and methodical approach. Apart from aligning your qualifications and skills with the job requirements, you must understand and strategize for the distinctive federal application process. This involves creating a specialized resume, mastering the application procedure, understanding federal hiring paths, and effectively preparing for the interview. Here are the key steps to landing the federal positions:

Tailor your resume and application

Every federal job search starts with building a federal resume. These are a unique type of resume because they are evaluated differently by recruiters in the hiring process. The government recruiters will review your resume using a point system to evaluate whether or not your application should be submitted to the hiring manager for consideration. This point system includes reviewing your resume after it has been scanned by the applicant tracking system. This isn't just about a keyword, but it is about evaluating whether or not you have all of the relevant results and experiences to stand out as an applicant. This is what makes a federal resume much, much longer than the private sector counterpart. In fact, although some federal jobs will cap resumes at 5 pages, it is not uncommon for experienced professionals to have resumes that are much, much longer.

You also must tailor your resume to each job that you apply for when pursuing federal roles. This is essential to ensuring that you have the specific qualifications on your resume to show up as qualified for the jobs that you are pursuing. To do this, start by reading the section of the job announcement that starts with "How You will be Evaluated" or "How to Apply." These sections and the specific job application questions will tell you exactly what needs to be on your resume to make it to the hiring official.

The art of building a federal resume can be learned and there are free tools to create them. However, for some, this takes simply too much time or is too challenging when they could be spending time doing more impactful things in their job search. Hiring professional federal resume writers like The Contingent Plan can be an investment that not only expedites your job search but helps you to land a higher-paying position to launch your federal career.

Master the federal application process

The federal application process can be complex and demands care and precision. Here's a summarised view of the process:

Remember to always check your application status on USAJOBS and stay prompt with communication with the hiring agency.

Claim Any Preferences in the Hiring Process

The federal government has preferences in its hiring process to help people land government roles. These hiring paths for the federal level can be mirrored in some ways at the state levels. These preferences include veterans, people with disabilities, current or former federal employees, Native Americans, AmeriCorps/Peace Corps, and others. And, in some cases, if you are in these categories you can sometimes apply to jobs that the general public cannot.

Make sure to claim your preference when applying as it can make the difference in whether or not you get submitted to the hiring official. You can do this by clearly putting your preferences at the top of your resume as well as answering the questions about the preferences when you apply for the position. Gathering information about these special hiring paths can help you strategize your job search more efficiently.

Prepare for the interview

Preparing effectively for the interview involves anticipating common interview questions, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and being able to articulate how your skills and experiences make you an ideal fit for the role. Familiarize yourself with the agency’s values and consider sharing examples of your past experiences that align with these values.

Like in the private sector, the first interview is often with hr. However, that first interview can include the hiring manager and others that the person would work with if selected for the position. Depending on agency policy, you may see several steps in the interviewing process and even a test. For others, you may see just 1 or 2 interviews before landing the offer. Regardless of length, prepare for each interview fully to ensure that you make it to the next step.

Want help preparing for your federal job interview? Schedule a time with our federal career coaches who are experts in preparing clients for their upcoming interviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Government Job Search

While searching and applying for government jobs, avoid common pitfalls that could hamper your chances. Neglecting qualifications and requirements, applying for roles outside your field of expertise, missing application deadlines, and not following application instructions thoroughly can lead to disappointment. Below, we further explore these errors and offer advice on preventing them, as well as understanding the quality categories used by hiring agencies, to help you boost your prospects of landing a government job.

Ignoring qualifications and requirements

Before applying for a job, take the time to thoroughly read the job announcement and understand the qualifications and requirements. Applications that do not fulfill the specified criteria are likely to be discounted in the initial rounds.

Those who do not read and incorporate the qualifications or requirements to their application materials will not make it past the first cut. Government agencies set strict criteria for their job postings and it is important to show that you meet those qualifications and requirements in your application. This also shows attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions, which are highly valued in government jobs.

These qualifications can also be evaluated outside of your resume. Meaning that many government agencies will start by looking at your answers to those additional questions in the application process to determine if you are a fit to continue. Accordingly, take the time to answer these questions thoroughly and accurately if you would like to make it to the next round of the hiring process. Those that undervalue or ignore these questions will almost always be rejected quickly.

Applying for jobs outside your area of expertise

While it's natural to consider several opportunities, applying to jobs that don't align with your skills and experience may be counterproductive. Focus on roles where your background gives you the best chance of success. Although you do not have to be a perfect match for the requirements, make sure that you meet those hard requirements before you invest the time in pursuing the role. And, if you are pursuing a career change, do the research to understand how your experience translates to ensure that you can effectively pursue the desired roles. Making sure that you have the requisite eligibility is key to an effective government job search.

Missing deadlines for applications

Deadlines for job postings are strict in the government. Applications are not accepted after the job posting closes. People who fail to hit these deadlines will miss out on the opportunity. So, before you begin preparing to pursue a job, make sure that you know the closing date. And, know that in many cases, the applications will not be evaluated before the closing date.

In some cases, the posting will indicate that the applications will close on a date or a number of applications. For many jobs, particularly remote positions, the number of applications will be high and cause the position to close well before the deadline. In that case, you are best served to apply as quickly as possible to prevent being excluded due to a number of applicants.

Not following application instructions thoroughly

Neglecting to follow application instructions can result in your application being ignored. Always double-check your application to confirm that all required documents are attached and all necessary fields are filled in as directed.

Conclusion

Embarking on a job hunt for a government position can seem overwhelming. However, with the right research, resources, and approach, this process can become manageable and fruitful. Having an understanding of various types of government jobs and their significance, skillful networking tactics, knowledge of how to land federal roles, and identifying common application pitfalls, can equip you with the tools for a successful job search in the public service realm. Remember to always stay organized, be proactive, and follow instructions carefully. With determination and diligence, you can achieve your goal of landing a fulfilling career in government.

Feeling stuck with your government job search? Claim a free consultation with our government job search experts.