Where to Find Government Jobs

One of the easiest ways to find government jobs is to tap the Federal Employment Information System through USAJOBS, the official job site maintained by the OPM. It includes "hot" Federal, state and city government jobs, instructions, fact sheets, applications, forms, salary information, and more. In some cases, you may even apply for government jobs directly online. USAJOBS also has facilities for your resume, including an online resume builder that helps you build a resume suitable for most Federal jobs. They will even send you government job opportunities by email.

The Job Search section offers just enough options to be a tad confusing, and might send you on a wild goose chase a time or three. If you have trouble finding the job you're looking for, try the Series option to search by job code.  If you need help with the application process, try browsing USAJOBS for instructions and FAQs. If you still need help, buy a good book on the subject or check one out from the library. Avoid scams that promise to simplify the process, imply that they have an "inside track" to government jobs, or guarantee that you'll land one.

Another way to find government jobs is through kiosks located in OPM Employment Service Centers and several Federal buildings nationwide. (Kiosks are standalone computers that typically have touch-screen monitors.) The kiosks tap right into USAJOBS, pretty much the same as the Web site. To find local OPM Employment Service Centers, just look here or in the government pages ("blue pages") of the phone book, published by your phone company. To find other Federal buildings, look in the blue pages. (Call ahead, to be sure they have a USAJOBS kiosk.)

Yet another way to find government jobs is by phone. Just call the automated telephone system at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404. An interactive voice-response system helps you to access government job vacancies, fact sheets, applications and forms. You may even apply for some jobs right over the phone.

Although the OPM is the central hiring agency, it doesn't have information on all government jobs. Additionally, some federal agencies do their own hiring. So, it's a good idea to check specific agencies, too. Your state employment office might also know of government opportunities. You can link to it from America's Job Bank, the official, central site for all state employment offices, or just search for government jobs right there. If government jobs are available for the search parameters you entered, they'll show up among those in the private sector.

Landing a U.S. Government Job
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Job Searching: Technical supports Equal Opportunity Employment.
Copyright © 2001, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.