How To Get a Job in the US Government

Finding a job in the U.S. government is a complex process that requires greater commitment and preparation than in the private sector. Federal job applications have several unique requirements and a specific resume format to follow. Government agencies typically provide better job security and benefits, so you’ll face strong competition during your search. In this guide, we’ll provide valuable insights to help you navigate the unique aspects of federal applications and obtain a job in the U.S. government.

Benefits of Getting a Job in the US Government

Federal employees often enjoy much more lucrative benefits than the private industry. Data shows that government employees receive more vacation days on average than private sector employees. Jobs in the U.S. government also tend to have a higher level of job security and better retirement pensions. Although some data suggests that private sector employees have higher starting salaries, carefully weigh the value of federal benefits to make the right financial decision for your needs.

In the first year, you’re eligible for 13 vacation days. This increases to 20 within three years and caps out at 30 days after 15 years. In addition, government employees receive paid time off for all 11 federal holidays.

Cons of Getting a Job in the US Government

Although federal employees often enjoy better benefits and job security, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that average salaries were 24.09% higher in the private sector. There are many opportunities to advance in government agencies, but you may take a pay cut depending on your target industry. To help you make the best financial decision, carefully weigh the benefits and salaries of government and private sector employment during your job search.

Requirements for Getting a Government Job

Federal job applications have several unique requirements you’ll need to follow to advance to the next phase of the hiring process. It’s important to understand that the government agency will likely reject your application if any of these details are missing. Be sure to specify each piece of information, even if it doesn’t apply to you. 

• Availability, schedule, location: Include the earliest date you can start for the position and your work schedule (full-time, part-time, contract). Also, clarify your target location (city and state).
• Citizenship: To apply for federal jobs, you must specify that you’re a U.S. citizen. Applicants with work visas and green cards are ineligible for those positions but may pursue state or local government jobs.
• Job type: Federal government positions are categorized as either permanent or temporary appointments. Permanent jobs have no set term limit, whereas temporary appointments are typically short-term contracts or special assignments for current government employees.
• Questionnaires and civil service exams: As part of the hiring process, most applicants must complete either a questionnaire or a civil service exam. These requirements are contingent upon the type of employment you’re pursuing. You’ll be notified of the time of the exam and the location of the testing site by the hiring agency.
• Security clearances: If you’re a veteran with a current or former security clearance,  specify the level and current status of the clearance on your resume.
• The Veteran’s Equal Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibility:  VEOA is an opportunity for honorably discharged military personnel to compete for specific positions. You’ll need to declare your eligibility whether or not you’re a veteran.
• Veteran’s preference: You must declare whether you qualify for veteran’s preference, regardless of whether you previously served in the military. If you do, specify the number of points, which are determined by your years of service.

6 Steps To Land Your US Federal Government Job

Now that you understand some of the requirements for federal job applications, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for the job search process. Having a clear goal and strategy will save you time and greatly increase your chances of landing interviews.

• Step 1: Create your account on usajobs.gov. Start by selecting your email, password, and authentication method. Next,  fill out the necessary information to build your profile.
• Step 2: Decide your career path. Evaluate your interests and job announcements to identify the best fit for your long-term career goals.
• Step 3: Build an accomplishment-driven federal resume. Ensure that your application meets the requirements for federal job applications and provides a compelling overview of your professional experience.
• Step 4: Analyze the description of each job announcement. Align your federal resume with the correct job requirements, qualifications, and keywords.
• Step 5: Monitor the status of your application on usajobs.gov. Set up daily alerts to keep track of your referred and non-referred applications.
• Step 6: Prepare yourself for the interview. Practice sample interview questions with a friend, colleague, or career coach to refine your pitch and increase your comfort level.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS Account

The first step in applying for federal employment is to create your account on usajobs.gov. This is the only website you can use to apply for positions in the U.S. government, so avoid third-party sites. Build your profile after selecting your username, password, and authentication method. Although some information is optional, include as much as possible to enhance your job search results. Usajobs.gov utilizes your profile to provide jobs matching your field and qualifications.

Step 2: Decide Your Career Path

Before you begin applying to job announcements, identify your career path. Determining the right career path is important, as avoiding a long-term commitment that doesn’t align with your future career goals is best. Ask yourself what you’re passionate about within your field and why you want to work for a specific government agency.

For instance, if you’re a data science professional interested in the environment, you might want to pursue a job with the EPA that involves analyzing environmental data trends. Below, you’ll find a list of common government positions you can apply for:

Administrative: Clerical, Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Office Administrator

Analytical: Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Accountant, Auditor, Data Scientist, Scientist, Biologist, Project Manager, Chief Financial Officer 

Engineering: Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Engineering Manager, Biomedical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer 

Health care-focused: Medical Doctor, Psychologist, Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator

Law and policy development: Lawyer, Attorney, Legal Assistant, Paralegal 

People-oriented: Human Resources, Operations Manager, Program Manager, FBI Agent, Social Services, Case Manager, Office Manager

Technology-oriented: Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Software Development, Information Technology, Full Stack Developer, Information Security

Step 3: Build Your Federal Resume

Federal resumes differ from public sector resumes in many ways. In addition to listing citizenship, veteran’s benefits, job type, work schedule, VEOA eligibility, and target location,  include your past work experience and education. This will require much more time and effort to complete. As you build your federal resume, focus strongly on your accomplishments. Government hiring agencies are often more thorough than hiring managers in the private sector, so it’s worth refining your content. For more information, visit our federal resume-building guide.

Feature volunteerism and community service

As a civil servant, community service and volunteerism are typically much more important for U.S. government jobs than in the private sector. Include all of your past community service on your resume, and consider volunteering for new initiatives to bolster this section of your document. Volunteerism is especially impactful for government jobs that involve daily interactions with the public, as agencies will want to see examples of your involvement in the community.

Should you list job salaries on a federal resume?

Job announcements sometimes ask applicants to include salary information for past jobs. Omitting this information won’t disqualify you from the applicant pool in most instances, but another option is available. Rather than listing your exact salary, you could instead feature a range. Government jobs tend to provide lucrative benefits and compensation to their employees, so you can include your past salaries if you’re comfortable. It is best to also make this determination based on the specific wording of the job announcement.

Include your GPA for all degrees

One common mistake job seekers make while pursuing government employment is omitting GPAs from the education section. Even if your GPA was lower than you’d prefer, include this information on your resume. Government agencies often ask for transcripts, and it’s likely they’ll obtain your GPA regardless of whether or not it’s in the document. Being transparent is a much better approach when applying for a federal job.

Step 4: Analyze the Job Announcements

Apply to job announcements that match your grade

Job announcements are classified under grades to reflect the different qualifications, education, and level of experience required for the position. It’s important not to over-apply for grades that exceed your current qualifications. If you find one or two openings you’re interested in that require a higher level of experience, that’s acceptable. However, if a government agency is seeing frequent applications for these senior-level positions, it may negatively impact your chances of securing jobs you’re fully qualified for.

GS-1-2 announcements are considered entry-level positions for high school graduates lacking relevant work experience. If you possess experience but lack a degree, you’re eligible for GS-3-5 jobs. Recent college graduates can pursue GS-5 announcements if they have the right degree. Professionals with experience should apply for GS-7-9 grade job announcements. All remaining grades up to GS-15 are meant for senior-level professionals with advanced experience and degrees.

Step 5: Monitor Referral Status After Applying

After you submit your application, the government agency will review your resume and supporting documentation. If your qualifications have impressed the agency, your status will change to “referred” and you’ll move on to the interview phase. Should the agency decide to pursue other candidates for the opening, your status will be changed to “not referred,” and you can begin looking for other vacancies. You can also set up daily alerts to stay on top of these changes better.

Step 6: Prepare for the Interview

If you’ve advanced to the interview, prepare to maximize your chances of landing the job offer. Government jobs typically have three to four interview phases, which can take time to get through them all. One way to prepare is to practice your responses to sample interview questions with a friend, colleague, or career coach. This will help you become more comfortable in an interview setting and allow you to refine your pitch.

Additional Tips To Get a Job in the US Government

Consider pursuing an internship or fellowship

If you struggle to land interviews for government jobs, consider applying for an internship or fellowship. Not only will this bolster your resume, but it will provide you with a unique opportunity to network with government employees. You can review various fellowships and internships in the U.S. government at careers.state.gov.

Acquire strong references

Many companies in the private sector neglect to follow up on references, but government hiring agencies are much more thorough. The U.S. government conducts extensive background checks on candidates to verify their identities, including following up on references. To increase your chances of landing the interview, get your best references in place before you start applying.

Only apply for government jobs on usajobs.gov

While searching for government jobs online, you may accidentally find yourself on a third-party website that offers a paid service to help you apply for federal job openings. These sites are scams and should be avoided entirely, as your personal information could be at risk. You can only apply for government jobs directly on usajobs.gov, so ensure you’ve entered the address correctly, as copycat sites are designed to be deceptive.

U.S. Government Job Resources

• USA JOBS Help Center
• U.S. Department of Labor Tips for Applying for Federal Jobs
• U.S. Department of State Professional Fellowships

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).