2. Federal Government Jobs
USAJobs.gov
◦ Lists nearly every Federal job opening
available to the public
Federal job search is more complicated
due to regulations designed to keep the
hiring process fair
◦ Job titles are standardized
◦ Job qualifications are more specific
◦ Resumes are more detailed
3. Federal Job Titles
Titles often require interpretation
◦ Be flexible and open to a variety of job titles
Recent graduates can search for federal
jobs related to their major:
◦ https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Federal_Oc
cupations_by_College_Major
4. Federal Government Jobs:
Qualifications
Each job description will outline specific
KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
required for the job
Each job has a GS code that corresponds
to its minimum requirements
◦ The General Schedule (GS) assigns every job a
grade level from 1 to 15, according to
minimum level of education and experience
needed
5.
6. Federal Government Jobs:
Applying
A resume for a federal job includes all of the
information in a standard resume, plus some
additional details.
◦ resumes are often 2-4 pages (much longer than a
typical resume)
◦ These need to be VERY specific!
◦ Carefully read & follow ALL instructions is the job
description, and submit ALL required materials.
7. Federal Government Jobs:
Applying
Include:
◦ Contact information
◦ Job facts
announcement number
position title
◦ Work experience
◦ Education & training
◦ Other qualifications & awards
Many agencies offer a resume builder
◦ Note: Agencies using resume builders use automated systems to
check applicants’ qualifications- these sort resumes by looking for
“keywords” requested by the hiring manager
8. Federal Government Jobs:
Applying
You might also be asked to write KSA
statements
◦ Writing these statements offers the chance to
“prove” you have all of the qualifications
wanted- ALWAYS write these if requested!
◦ Statements are typically one-half page to one
page in length (single spaced)
• Click here for GREAT info on the importance of
KSAs in the federal application process.
9. Federal Government Jobs:
Applying
Based on this information you will be ranked
among other applicants
After submitting a federal application, you may
have to wait many months due to the thorough
applicant ranking process required by law
You may also be required to complete skill,
aptitude, and/or physical ability tests based upon
the specific job (carefully read the job description
for details)
10. Federal Government Jobs:
Civil service exams are required for specific
groups including foreign service officers,
customs, some secretarial and clerical, air
traffic control, law enforcement, postal
service, and for certain entry level jobs
The majority of government jobs are filled
through a competitive examination of your
background, work experience, and education,
NOT through a written test
11. State & Local Government Jobs:
Civil Service Exam
Some states and localities may require a civil service exam
in order to be eligible for certain positions
◦ States use different terminology to identify jobs that
require completion of a civil service exam such as
“competitive”, “non-competitive”, “classified” and “non-
classified”
Visit your local government employment website to learn
about upcoming civil service examinations
◦ Typically you can Google your city, county, or state and
“employment” to find their website
◦ Some exams may be held regularly, while other may
only be offered based upon staffing needs
12. State & Local Government Jobs:
Civil Service Exam
On most state employment websites you can
sign up to receive e-mail notification of upcoming
exam announcements
Take a civil service examination for a title in your
area of interest
◦ Civil service exams can be specific to a job, or may
include a class of jobs (Ex. there might be a specific test
for an air conditioning mechanic, but one clerical test
might suit for 10 or 12 different titles)
◦ Be sure to carefully follow ALL directions when signing
up and completing your exam
13. State & Local Government Jobs:
Civil Service Exam
Civil service examinations may consist of one
or more of the following:
• written multiple-choice test
• job simulation test
• essay test
• oral test
• performance test
• computer-administered test
• evaluation of training and experience
They may test for general knowledge as well
as job specific KSAs
14. State & Local Government Jobs:
After the Exam
Agencies that request an "eligible list" will be
provided with individuals who have achieved
the top three scores for the exam
High scorers may receive a "canvas letter"
from an agency which asks questions about
interest and availability, and may request a
resume
The canvas letter is NOT a job offer
The agency then sorts through resumes and
begins the interview and hiring process
15. Crosby, O. (2004). How to Get a Job in the Federal Government. Occupational
Outlook Quarterly. Summer 2004. retrieved from
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/summer/art01.pdf
Damp, D. (2010). Federal Civil Service Exams. Retrieved from
http://www.federaljobs.net/exams.htm
