Government JobsHow to find & apply for federal, state, and local

government jobs

Federal Government Jobs

USAJobs.gov◦Lists nearly every Federal job opening

available to the public

Federal job search is more complicated due to regulations designed to keep the hiring process fair ◦Job titles are standardized◦Job qualifications are more specific◦Resumes are more detailed

Federal Job Titles

Titles often require interpretation◦Be flexible and open to a variety of job titles

Recent graduates can search for federal jobs related to their major:◦https://

help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Federal_Occupations_by_College_Major

Federal Government Jobs:Qualifications

Each job description will outline specific KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) required for the job

Each job has a GS code that corresponds to its minimum requirements◦The General Schedule (GS) assigns every job a

grade level from 1 to 15, according to minimum level of education and experience needed

Federal Government Jobs:Applying

A resume for a federal job includes all of the information in a standard resume, plus some additional details. ◦ resumes are often 2-4 pages (much longer than a

typical resume)◦These need to be VERY specific!

◦Carefully read & follow ALL instructions is the job description, and submit ALL required materials.

Federal Government Jobs:Applying

Include:◦ Contact information◦ Job facts

announcement number position title

◦ Work experience ◦ Education & training ◦ Other qualifications & awards

Many agencies offer a resume builder ◦ Note: Agencies using resume builders use automated systems to

check applicants’ qualifications- these sort resumes by looking for “keywords” requested by the hiring manager

Federal Government Jobs:Applying

You might also be asked to write KSA statements◦Writing these statements offers the chance to

“prove” you have all of the qualifications wanted- ALWAYS write these if requested!

◦Statements are typically one-half page to one page in length (single spaced)

• Click here for GREAT info on the importance of KSAs in the federal application process.

Federal Government Jobs:Applying

Based on this information you will be ranked among other applicants

After submitting a federal application, you may have to wait many months due to the thorough applicant ranking process required by law

You may also be required to complete skill, aptitude, and/or physical ability tests based upon the specific job (carefully read the job description for details)

Federal Government Jobs:Civil service exams are required for specific

groups including foreign service officers, customs, some secretarial and clerical, air traffic control, law enforcement, postal service, and for certain entry level jobs

The majority of government jobs are filled through a competitive examination of your background, work experience, and education, NOT through a written test

State & Local Government Jobs:Civil Service Exam

Some states and localities may require a civil service exam in order to be eligible for certain positions ◦ States use different terminology to identify jobs that

require completion of a civil service exam such as “competitive”, “non-competitive”, “classified” and “non-classified”

Visit your local government employment website to learn about upcoming civil service examinations ◦ Typically you can Google your city, county, or state and

“employment” to find their website◦ Some exams may be held regularly, while other may

only be offered based upon staffing needs

State & Local Government Jobs:Civil Service Exam

On most state employment websites you can sign up to receive e-mail notification of upcoming exam announcements

Take a civil service examination for a title in your area of interest ◦ Civil service exams can be specific to a job, or may include a

class of jobs (Ex. there might be a specific test for an air conditioning mechanic, but one clerical test might suit for 10 or 12 different titles)

◦ Be sure to carefully follow ALL directions when signing up and completing your exam

State & Local Government Jobs:Civil Service Exam

Civil service examinations may consist of one or more of the following:• written multiple-choice test• job simulation test• essay test• oral test• performance test• computer-administered test• evaluation of training and experience

They may test for general knowledge as well as job specific KSAs

State & Local Government Jobs:After the ExamAgencies that request an "eligible list" will be

provided with individuals who have achieved the top three scores for the exam

High scorers may receive a "canvas letter" from an agency which asks questions about interest and availability, and may request a resume

The canvas letter is NOT a job offerThe agency then sorts through resumes and

begins the interview and hiring process

Crosby, O. (2004). How to Get a Job in the Federal Government. Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Summer 2004. retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/summer/art01.pdf

Damp, D. (2010). Federal Civil Service Exams. Retrieved from http://www.federaljobs.net/exams.htm