How to Find a Federal Government Job

Currently, the United States Federal Government uses a site known as USA JOBS to advertise federal job openings. USA JOBS allows you to apply for federal jobs and create and store resumes. The federal job website is a one stop resource for federal government job openings and information. Job applications are submitted directly on-line.

Once you are on the USA federal job site, you can choose from a variety of options. The first thing you have to do is create a user name and password. Store this information in a safe place for future reference. You may then use your user name and password to access all areas of the USA JOBS site.

You may create a unique search, search by featured jobs, or search by featured employers. If you have a resume prepared, you may upload it. The online federal job system will not accept attachments to your application, so you will need to upload or enter your resume on the USA JOBS site. The site gives users the option of entering and saving several resumes, allowing you to focus each resume toward the job in which you are interested.

Searching for federal government jobs on USA JOBS can be daunting. There are numerous search criteria, so you will need to think about your area of interest before you start the search process. If you know the type of job for which you are looking, you can search by keyword. You then select from any of the fifty contiguous states, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Germany, the UK, and other foreign U.S. government job sites in which you are willing to work. To select more than one location, press and hold the control key while you scroll through the list.

You then select a job category search. You may choose more than one job category by pressing and holding the control key while you scroll through the job menu. Categories range from accounting to veterinary medicine. You must select at least one job category, if you are not searching by keyword. There are thousands of federal jobs available; it is best to narrow your search criteria as much as possible to limit your results. If you do not find a job that meets your criteria, you can always go back and expand the search parameters.

If you would like to enter a minimum and maximum salary you may do so. You may also enter a starting and ending pay grade. Veterans or current federal employees will need to read through a series of questions regarding employment eligibility. If any of the statements apply to you, select "yes." Otherwise, select "no."

You may further specify your search by searching all jobs, or jobs posted within the last 60, 40, 13, 7, or 3 days. You may also search jobs posted in the past 24 hours. Unless you are searching for a highly specialized job, it is probably best to search most recent job postings. You can choose to sort your search results by keyword or date. You may also select whether to view detailed information in your job results, or brief information. A brief view is usually best during your initial search. You have the option of exploring additional information once your search results are displayed.

If you aren't sure which federal jobs are a fit, you can explore the "Career Interest Match" center. There you will be able to choose from a variety of skills and interests, which will then be assessed and matched to federal government jobs for which you are best suited. There is also information available for jobs specifically tailored to students, veterans, and disabled persons.

Government jobs are divided into grades or series. USAJOBS provides online tools for determining the grade or series for which you qualify. There is no longer a general civil service examine which you must take for federal jobs. Once you find a job on USA JOBS, you begin the application process online. Questions and skill requirements are included in the application process.

You will be notified via email once your application is received. You will also be notified whether you qualify for the federal government job for which you are applying. Unlike private sector jobs, most federal jobs remain open through a specified closing date. At that time all resumes will be evaluated. If you are considered a potential candidate you will be contacted for an interview.

The USA JOBS federal government job database is updated daily. Check back with USA JOBS often as jobs postings are updated daily.