The federal government employs over two million people each year. Being one of the largest employers in the United States, there’s ample opportunity for anyone looking to transition into a career working in government. 

Finding useful online resources can be tricky when searching for federal government jobs. Plenty of job search engines offer federal positions sprinkled throughout the rest of their listings, but this still requires you to sift through all of the job offerings they have to weed out the ones you’re looking for. 

There’s a laundry list of pros for becoming a federal employee. These jobs provide you with job security, the promise of career advancement, and employee benefits that champion private corporations and businesses. Working for the government also allows you to have an impact on your country, providing a service that directly supports your city, state, and country as a whole. 

In this article, you’ve gathered our favorite online resources for finding government jobs to make the application process quick and easy. We’ve also outlined some helpful information and tips for landing jobs in government. 

Federal Hiring Process

You can expect a relatively lengthy process when applying for jobs in federal government. This competitive process means it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. 

When using the resources listed below, create an account with each site to receive job announcements as soon as they’re posted. Every federal job you see will likely have at least a handful of qualified applicants already, so the sooner you apply, the better. 

When applying for federal employment, patience is key. There are countless jobs in the federal workforce for you to choose from, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from a specific application or make it through the interview process. 

When chosen for an interview, you may meet with a single hiring official or meet with many. This often depends on the importance of your role, and they may push you through multiple interviews throughout the entire process. The Government is an equal-opportunity employer, and all applicants receive fair treatment. 

Landing a role working for the federal government isn’t impossible, and there are a few steps you can take to ensure you’re utilizing everything you can to make your application stand out from the rest. 

Your Resume

Is your resume up to date? Many times, people will think that simply adding their most recent job history to an old resume is enough to land them a new job. In reality, there’s a lot of unnecessary information on resumes that should be removed before you start applying for a federal position. Have a clean, well-organized, minimal resume template that allows your information to be easily read. 

Include a Cover Letter

If there is an option to include a cover letter on your application, it’s always a great idea to do so. A cover letter increases an applicant’s eligibility by showing the hiring personnel management a more personal and informative representation of themselves. Make each cover letter person to the job you’re applying to, and express why you’re a great choice for the role and what you’re hoping to gain from working in the federal government. 

Who Can Apply to a Federal Government Position?

Anyone can apply for a federal government job, but having the right experience and qualifications is important. When reviewing job listings, always review the necessary requirements beforehand so you’re not spending time applying to jobs that aren’t the right fit for you. For example, recent graduates should look for internships or entry-level positions. 

Careers In Government

Out of all the online resources for finding federal government jobs, www.CareersInGovernment.com is the first stop you should make. Careers in Government not only provide you with a comprehensive list of available jobs, but they also provide other incredible resources for landing jobs and information on working for the government. To make use of the site, create a user profile and turn on your job announcement notifications. The site is user-friendly, clean, and very organized, making the job application process a breeze. 

Whether you’re looking for federal jobs in the government in Miami or Houston, Careers in Government is your best resource. 

USAjobs

Second, to make our list is www.USAJobs.Gov. This site is the official federal government job posting portal that provides you with a laundry list of jobs that are currently seeking applicants. If you choose to use this site, ensure you’re only applying to jobs open to the public. USAjobs lists some jobs that are only available for current federal employees, so make sure you’re utilizing the filters on the right side of the page. Creating a USAjobs profile alerts you when new jobs within your field are added. 

Apply Online! 

There’s no better time to apply for federal jobs in DC government than now. Careers In Government has the most jobs available throughout the country. Whether you live on the east coast, west coast, or midwest, you can choose from plenty of opportunities. 

If you need a little time to spruce up your resume and cover letter, that’s okay. Most jobs will post a closing date to let you know when they are expected to be filled. Take some time to begin curating a clean, professional resume and cover letter to truly make an impact with your application.