Steps To Secure a Government Job

A government job is a job that falls under one of the three branches of government: executive, judicial, or legislative. There are jobs at every level, from entry-level to those that require advanced degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the federal government is the nation’s largest employer, and it has jobs to fit most anyone’s qualifications. With competitive pay rates, vacation time, paid time off (PTO), and jobs available in almost any state, a position with the federal government can provide a perfect fit for many.

Positions with the federal government differ from those in the private sector and come with some significant benefits, such as quality health insurance and at least 10 of the major holidays off. However, finding a government job, even you already have all the soft and hard skills needed for the specific position, can be tedious. To ease the frustration, consider taking these steps as you try to get a government job.

1. Search for government positions

You can find numerous search engines online that can help you to find a government job in your area that fits your knowledge, skills, and abilities. To discover openings in your area, search by location, job title, or industry here.

2. Select and review the official job description

Once you identify a role that interests you and fits your skill set, read it carefully. Identify keywords used in the description and the important skills listed. These are the aspects you will want to focus on when preparing your cover letter, resume, and job application.

3. Identify your strengths

Using the official job description as a guide, identify the strengths you have that are in line with the job requirements. Determine the best ways to highlight those skills within both your resume and the experience section on the job application. You will want to align your transferable skills with the job responsibilities to show that you are a qualified candidate.

4. Tailor your resume

On your resume, include your complete work experience, educational background, and skills that pertain to the specific job. The government conducts very thorough evaluations of candidates, and your resume should include all of your prior work experience and qualifications. Therefore, the resume you submit for a government job will need to be much longer than one submitted for work in the private sector.

Your experience should detail, in numerical terms, how you exhibit the skills needed to succeed in the job you seek. Take any opportunity to quantify your skills and prove yourself to be a valuable employee. Use action verbs to describe the unique character traits and accomplishments that define your success in the workplace.

5. Understand special status

The government grants special status to certain applicants and gives them priority. They are usually:

• Military veterans.
• Immediate family or relatives of service members.
• Those who recently left the Peace Corps.
• Those who recently left AmeriCorps.
• Someone previously employed by the government.

If you fall under any of these categories, gather the needed documentation to prove your status. It can help expedite the application process and differentiate you from other candidates seeking the same position.

6. Complete the application

When you’re working to complete the application, be certain to read everything thoroughly and follow the directions closely. Missing a step can invalidate your application, even if you show all the qualifications necessary for the role, and it could remove you from the prospective pool of candidates. Show punctuality when submitting your paperwork, as well, because applications that miss the deadline will not be considered.

7. Be calm and persistent in your efforts

Finding the right job takes time. Be patient in your efforts and remain consistent. Job openings are posted periodically, so it is necessary to check often. Take this opportunity to focus on improving your organizational skills and attention to detail. Filtering through job postings can be tiring, and the information often muddles together.

8. Prepare for the interview

Once you secure an interview, make sure you prepare as much as possible. Review the job description and identify the keywords and skills that are mentioned. Consider how your abilities and experience make you a uniquely qualified candidate for the position. This preparation will help you plan strong responses to interview questions. Consider staging practice interviews with the help of a friend or family member. Review practice answers and look up interview best practices.

Some interviewers favor behavioral questions that show the type of employee you will be and how you will act in future situations based on past actions. You can produce quality answers to these types of questions by using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym that stands for situation, task, action, and results. It provides an easy-to-remember framework for your response in which you explain the situation you were in, describe the task you handled or the obstacle you had to overcome, relate the actions you took, and express the results of your actions. If possible, use data or percentages to quantify your results.

Learn more: Read about the STAR technique

9. Practice active listening

Active listening follows a pattern of behavior that shows your engagement in the conversation and expresses your continued interest. Some examples of active listening are:

• Paraphrasing to aid in understanding.
• Asking clarifying questions.
• Maintaining eye contact during the conversation.
• Smiling.
• Nodding in agreement.
• Focusing on open body language and a comfortable stance.

10. Show genuine interest

Most interviewers provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Prepare some questions beforehand that are unique to the job. Review the description, research information about the government position, and use the information you gather to create quality questions. These unique questions will differentiate you from other candidates and communicate your genuine interest in the position. Prepared questions also show that you take initiative, which is a valuable leadership quality.

11. Be appreciative

The interview process is hard on everyone involved. At the end of the interview, express your gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the interviewer. Showing gratitude is both a professional courtesy and basic good manners. You can take this time to inquire about the next steps in the hiring process, as well, so you can have a better idea of what to expect.

12. Follow up

A few days after the interview, send a follow-up email or letter thanking the interviewer for their time. This minor consideration can help position you in the mind of the hiring manager or interviewer and increase your chances of a second interview. Maintaining a professional demeanor throughout the entire process, even at the end, communicates your continued interest in the position and can leave a lasting impression.

Extra tips on how to get a government job

Whether you are just joining the job market or are transitioning from another career, taking extra steps to ensure a quality first impression can help you secure your dream job. Pay attention to the details in every step of the process to show your determination and commitment to quality work. Consider these additional tips for writing your resume and cover letter and preparing for your interview:

• Use an easy-to-read font such as Helvetica, Times New Roman, or Comic Sans.
• Minimize the use of the bold feature for a more professional appearance.
• Make sure the font size is business-appropriate and consistent.
• Use quality resume paper if you’re submitting a hard copy.
• Use spaces on the page to show breaks in ideas, topic changes, and organization.
• Use blue or black ink to sign your name on the cover letter.
• Arrive early for the interview.
• Understand the established workplace culture and dress to fit it.
• Be polite and kind to everyone you encounter.
• Be optimistic.
• Silence your phone and any other electronic devices to eliminate distractions.
• Maintain eye contact to communicate your interest.
• Use friendly and open body language to exude confidence.

Learn more: Body Language

Paying close attention to detail and following directions can get you far in your search for a position with the government. The details of how you get a government job may vary slightly because of your individual needs and focus. But with determination and focus, you can secure an offer. Discover if you have a fair job offer. See how your offer compares to other pay packages and if you need to negotiate.