If you’re a Virginia resident looking to expand your career, or someone looking to relocate to the area, consider working for the government. There are many jobs in government in Virginia to choose from. If you enjoy your current job title, there’s likely a similar position in one of Virginia’s government sectors that can offer you better benefits and a more stable future in your career. 

Job searching isn’t always easy, especially when you’re not sure where to look. Instead of spending hours searching through general job sites, finding ones catered to finding government jobs is helpful. This way, you’ll save yourself the trouble of weeding out which jobs are government based and which aren’t. Follow along to find out more!

What to Expect

Your experience working for the government depends on your job and department. Each department operates differently; some will work in office environments, while others may work in a hospital setting. 

If you have any of these skills or experience, there’s a government job out there for you.

• Administrative support or administrative experience
• Difficult research projects
• Working alongside multiple staff members
• Providing security to facilities or personnel
• Working in an office setting
• Assists patrons of a facility or business
• Responsible for other staff members
• Working with a recruitment management system
• Helping secure airports
• and many others. 

Government Benefits

In a government position, your employers provide you with benefits and assistance, often much greater than other private companies. 

Benefits include:

• Retirement programs
• 401K
• Paid Time Off
• Observed holidays off
• Maternity leave
• Life insurance
• Child and dependent care

Living in Virginia

Virginia is a state rich in natural beauty, culture, and history. There are numerous reasons to adore living in Virginia, from the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley and the beautiful Wallops island to the vibrant city life of Virginia Beach.

Virginia has some of the most magnificent natural settings in the country. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking at Great Falls Park and visiting Shenandoah National Park for beautiful mountain views and wildlife interactions. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer picturesque drives with numerous natural beauties along the way. Virginia offers nearly 200 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with a variety of beaches that are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some sun. 

Finding Government Jobs

USAJobs

One of the best online resources for finding a government position is www.USAJobs.gov. Here, you’ll find a large selection of jobs available posted by the Virginia state government. Right now, there are jobs available maintaining federal contract compliance programs, in the transportation security administration of the transportation sectors, jobs in the public transit systems, and even jobs catered specifically to veterans.

There are almost 3,000 jobs available, and you can filter them to meet your specific needs. Create a new profile on this site to help you stay updated whenever they post new positions. The site features jobs across the country, so if you want to explore government jobs in Georgia or any other state as well, you don’t have to look far.

GovernmentJobs

www.GovernmentJobs.com is another great resource you can use to find the position of your dreams. Search “Virginia” for the job locations, and find a list of available jobs in the area. Whether you’re looking for a job in Springfield or Arlington, all of the cities in Virginia will be compiled in one list. You can also search specifically for each city if you want a more narrow listing. Right now, this site has almost 2,000 available jobs. Create an account to stay updated whenever new job postings are available. 

VBGov

Sometimes, going directly to the source is the easiest way to find a job. Virginia Beach is the largest city in the state, so we’re using their city’s site as an example. Check out www.VBGov.com to find their listing of local government jobs and some in nearby cities. Right now, there are almost 200 jobs to choose from in a variety of departments. 

Before You Apply

Before applying for jobs, you should update your resume. Anyone looking for work should have an up-to-date resume that is ready to send out. 

An outdated resume makes it much more difficult for employers and recruiters to understand who you are, your experience and qualifications, and whether you’d be a good fit for their organization. 

Before applying for any positions, ensure your resume is up to date and has all the most pertinent information about your work history, education, skillset, and so on. 

Not sure where to begin? Include any recent professional accomplishments that demonstrate the value you can contribute and any new skills or certifications you have earned over time. 

It also helps to have someone else look at it from a different angle; they may be able to find areas where you can improve your application even more. 

Add a Cover Letter

A solid cover letter might be just as vital as your resume when it comes to getting noticed by potential employers. 

A well-written cover letter can help you present yourself in greater detail than your resume and provide context for how your abilities and experiences connect to the position you are looking for.

When used strategically, it can provide employers with information about you that goes beyond what is written. It can also demonstrate that you have gone above and beyond to create something unique that will set you apart from other applicants. 

Consider which roles will benefit the most from a cover letter when considering whether or not to write one. Typically, occupations that need creative or technical writing abilities or have specific qualifications require some form of a supplemental sales pitch.

Get Started Today!

Now that you know where to start looking for government positions, there’s no better time to start applying than today. Of course, ensure you have updated your resume and cover letter and any other vital documents or information needed to complete your applications. Whether you’re looking for a job in Arlington or Springfield, VA, or a position in field operations or parks and rec, there are plenty of options out there.