Getting a Government Job
Workers prize government jobs for many reasons. They typically offer decent hours, and unlike many jobs in the private sector, typically give comp hours or overtime for extra work. They tend to come with exceptional benefits such as decent insurance choices and retirement plans. They also offer more security than general jobs. There are many different types of government jobs, ranging from federal jobs such as working for the Social Security Administration to state and local government jobs. You can increase your chances of landing a government job with the right steps.
The first step in finding a government job is knowing where to look. The more jobs you apply for, the more likely that one of them will work out in your favor. Most Federal Government jobs are listed on the Federal government's official jobwebsite. You can search for jobs that meet your criteria and for which you are qualified. Many state and local governments offer a job search feature on official websites. Look at all of the local cities and municipalities. Only apply to jobs where you meet the minimum requirements. There is less flexibility in government jobs than in jobs in the private sector. In general if you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will be unlikely to get the job.
If you are contacted about a job, make sure to respond in a timely manner. Many governments use very specific procedures for hiring employees. If an potential employee does not respond as indicated, he or she may be disqualified.
Carefully apply for the jobs. Make sure not to omit anything. If they find out you lied about anything, you may automatically be barred.
Practice interview techniques before you go in to your interview. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the requirements and can answer questions about those. Learn about the government agency and what they do so that you can appear knowledgeable. During the interview, dress appropriately and be timely. Many government positions involve interaction with others such as the general public or at least co-workers. You want to show that you can deal well with others and that you can put forth a professional air. There is a lot of competition for government jobs, so anything you can do to give yourself a boost will make a difference.
A government job offers lots. Research the position well, learn what the job entails and practice your interview skills to increase your chances of getting the job.
