Many people want government jobs because of the level of security they can afford. The government rarely downsizes US government jobs and these jobs may offer additional benefits, such as a pension, that a private company does not.
Careers in government don't always require you to live in the Washington D.C. area. There are many jobs that exist outside of the DC area, some even in foreign countries.
If you are interested in government job opportunities:
1. Start as early as possible. With a US government job, you may be able to get a better position with experience, so the earlier you start, the further up the ladder you can climb.
2. Know that they will do a background check. In most cases, government employment will require a background and drug check before you can start working.
3. Arrange an informational interview if you are not sure which area of government employment suits you best. This will allow you to learn more about the different positions and decide what is right for you.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Start your career with state government jobs
Usually, there's less competition for state government jobs, so they can be a great way to get your foot in the door. While you can find most jobs around the state's capital, there are still plenty of opportunities in the outlying counties.
I recommend: The
Internet Job Source has a variety of resources available to those who want state and local government jobs. Simply click on the state that interests you.
Govtjobs.com conveniently lists job opportunities by sector. This is great if the type of job you have is more important than where you live.
Increase your experience with federal government jobs
Federal government jobs often have more responsibilities than state government jobs. This makes them ideal for people looking for a greater challenge and more responsibility.
I recommend: You can search for jobs at
GovernmentJobs through a variety of different criteria, such as location and industry. You can also specify a minimum salary.
Work for America, a division of Career Builder, offers several resources for those who want a federal government job. They allow you to upload your resume, have job news delivered to your email and even help you perfect your resume.
See the world with international government employment
There are government positions available in just about any country you want to live in. If you are looking for international employment, and don't want to teach English, then a government job may be what you need.
I recommend: Careers in Government allows you to search for jobs in other countries. In order to see all of the opportunities available, make sure to select all job categories. The
US Department of State also has several positions available.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A professional resume writer, especially one who has experience in writing resumes for government jobs, may give you an edge over other applicants.
The official source of Government Jobs is the Government Jobs page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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