Applying for Government Jobs Tips
We all want to have a secure and stable source of income, and there’s no better place to look for that than with the government. Lucky for us, employment opportunities exist in all 50 states of the country. So if you’re interested in getting a federal job, now is the best time to look for one.
There are many reasons why you should consider taking a job with the government. Aside from security and stability, the position also offers competitive salaries. Some departments, such as middle-management positions, even pay higher than private companies. You can earn as much as $100,000 or even more.
Here are some tips that can help you land the federal job of your dreams:
- Get to know the government department that you want to work for. You can get information from the internet or by talking to people who already work there. By conducting thorough research, you can find the agency that perfectly matches your skills, experience, and qualities. For example, you can get a job at the National Parks Service if you have excellent financial skills.
- Utilize the right resources to get the right information. With the help of technology, you can find a plethora of information on the internet. Visit usajobs.gov to get a complete list of the federal job openings in your area. This website is always an excellent starting point for learning more about federal agencies and the positions that they need to fill. Find websites that contain helpful information including the jobs available, description of the roles and responsibilities, and even the pay. If you find the right websites, you’ll also get helpful tips on how to bag the job that you want.
- Reformat your resume and other application documents. Take note that the government uses jargons that are different than private sectors. If you want to land a federal job, you have to observe proper terminology. You can also get help from a certified resume writer. He or she can help you analyze the keywords in federal job postings and incorporate them in your professional resume. It will make your application stand out from the hundreds of candidates.
- Be patient. It is the most important piece of advice that you can get. You have to learn how to wait because it may take months for you to get a job offer. There are hundreds of applicants who want to get a position in the government every day. Agencies also aim to fill in vacancies within 80 days. However, with too many applicants these agencies have a difficult time choosing the best candidate. Be patient, and you will be rewarded.
Applying for a federal job can be arduous at times. You will encounter some pitfalls before you get hired. To avoid dealing with so much stress, you can work with a professional to run down your application documents. You’ll need someone who’s thorough and well-trained to identify which information should be and shouldn’t be on your resume. Plus, a certified career coach can give you objective feedback that can help you better your application forms and ace your interviews.
