If you're looking for a job, remember the United States' largest employer. Each year, the Federal Government hires tens of thousands of new workers. Here's how to become one of them.

Each year the Federal Government hires thousands new employees. If you are interested in working for the Federal Government the Summer issue of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly is the publication for you.

This beautiful illustrated official government handbook describes the types of jobs available in the Federal civil service, the qualifications required, and how to apply for those jobs.

People get jobs in the Federal Government in the same way that they get most jobs in the private sector: by finding openings and submitting a resume or application. But searching for a Federal job can be more complicated than other job searches. That’s because of regulations designed to keep the hiring process fair. Job titles are standardized. Resumes are more detailed. And job qualifications are more specific.

Tailoring your search to the Federal Government’s rules will increase your chances of getting a job. Read on to discover the types of jobs available in the Federal civil service and the qualifications required. Then, learn how to find and apply for jobs. Information geared toward students and recent graduates is on page 16. Tips for career changers are on page 19. And page 25 summarizes the Federal job search as a 5-step process.

INTRODUCTION
Designing the International Space Station, uncovering security threats, conserving the Florida Everglades, creating an ad campaign to combat disease—these are examples of just a few of the tasks done by workers in the Federal Government.

With more than 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties (excluding postal service and military workers), the Federal Government offers more choices than any other single employer in the United States. Whatever your interest and background, you can probably find a Government career to match.

People get jobs in the Federal Government in the same way that they get most jobs in the private sector: by finding openings and submitting a resume or application. But searching for a Federal job can be more complicated than other job searches. That’s because of regulations designed to keep the hiring process fair. Job titles are standardized. Resumes are more detailed. And job qualifications are more specific.

Tailoring your search to the Federal Government’s rules will increase your chances of getting a job. Read on to discover the types of jobs available in the Federal civil service and the qualifications required. Then, learn how to find and apply for jobs. Information geared toward students and recent graduates is on page 16. Tips for career changers are on page 19. And page 25 summarizes the Federal job search as a 5-step process.

Download How to Get a Job in the Federal Government

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You can download How to Get a Job in the Federal Government in PDF format.

HOW TO GET A JOB
Five steps to a Federal job

1) Find job openings.

Search for job openings in the Federal Government by visiting www.usajobs.opm.gov or by calling (703) 724-1850. Then, call specific agencies to learn about special hiring programs. Watch for job fairs and newspaper ads, too. Some agencies supplement their recruiting efforts with these traditional methods.

Tips: Look beyond job titles; Government titles may be different from those in the private sector. Search by location, keyword, and broad occupational group.
(See pages 7-10.)

2) Decode vacancy announcements.

Scan the announcement for its most important parts: Closing date, job description, qualifications, and application instructions.

Tips: If you miss a closing date, check to see if the application period has been extended. Carefully check the required qualifications before applying.
(See pages 14-15.)

3) Submit a resume.

If the agency offers an online resume form, fill that out. If the agency accepts paper resumes, fill out the OF-612 application, use the USAJOBS online resume builder, or create a paper resume that lists the following:

    * Your name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, and country of citizenship and the vacancy announcement number
    * Any college degrees earned or in progress with the month and date of graduation, name and address of the school, type of degree and major, and number of credits earned
    * High school diploma or equivalency exam, month and year conferred, and name and address of school
    * Any specific courses required for or related to the job
    * Employment history—a chronological list of jobs, including job titles; descriptions of duties and accomplishments; names and addresses of employers, months and years of employment; earnings; supervisors’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers; and a statement indicating whether your current supervisor may be contacted
    * Dates, titles, and grade levels of previous Federal Government jobs
    * A statement saying if you are a military veteran who qualifies for preference

Tips: Match your experience to the duties and qualifications listed in the job announcement. Use key words from the vacancy announcement, where possible. Include relevant volunteer work.
(See pages 15-18.)

4) Develop other required materials.

Some agencies ask for written statements about qualifications. Others require the completion of a questionnaire. A few request copies of college transcripts or other materials.

Tips: When writing about your qualifications, be specific and show your expertise. Follow instructions about length, format, and content.
(See pages 18-21.)

5) Interview and accept a job offer.

Most, but not all, managers in the Federal Government conduct interviews before selecting a candidate. These interviews are like those in private industry. If you are selected for a job, a human resources specialist will telephone you with an offer.

Tips: Prepare for an interview by researching the agency to which you are applying. Bring picture identification to pass security screening.
(See page 22.)

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