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How To Get Jobs With The Federal Government

By: Andrea Miller

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Do you want to learn how to get jobs with the federal government? Many people are attracted to federal government jobs because of the stability of these types of jobs. Working for the government also gives you excellent compensation and benefits. The government has made it easy to search and apply for federal jobs online using its streamlined system. Follow these steps to find and apply for federal government employment.

  1. Find jobs you are interested in at the government's official employment website, USAJOBS.gov. There, you can search for jobs by location, salary, category, keyword and other criteria. This allows you to find jobs in your career field.
  2. Once you find a job you'd like to apply for, view the Qualifications and Evaluations section of the job announcement. This will tell you what the qualifications are to apply for the job, such as education or experience. In some cases, you may need to already work for the federal government to be eligible to apply. Other jobs are open for civilians.
  3. If you qualify for the job you want to apply for, click on the "How to Apply" section of the job announcement. Instructions for applying will vary depending on the job, but typically include submitting a resume, cover letter and references. Some types of jobs will also require a civil service test or other requirements. You may need to fill out a KSA, which is usually a one-page summary of your knowledge, skills and abilities.
  4. To follow up on your job application to make sure it was received, you need to contact the agency that posted the job. The contact information for the agency will be included on the job announcement. Once you register at USAJOBS.gov, you can check the status of your application on the site. You will be informed when your application is received, when it has been assessed, if it has been referred to the person in charge of selection and if you have been selected. Each job announcement has a closing date; you will typically hear from the hiring agency within 30 days of the closing date.
Posted on: Oct. 29, 2010