Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Government jobs are subject to Federal civil service laws and regulations, which are augmented by additional statutes and Executive orders. Agencies are able to offer competitive benefits and compensation packages.
Administrative employees oversee operations such as payroll, training, and establishing standard operating procedures. They work in government facilities and offices, as well as at remote locations.
Administrative
Government agencies require people to perform a wide range of administrative jobs, from data collection and analysis to specialized research projects. Certain positions require a bachelor's degree, while others require only an high school diploma or GED. fela claims is crucial to follow the directions in the job advertisement so that your application will be considered complete.
Title VII and civil service laws safeguard Federal employees from discrimination based on race, gender or religion. These laws are applicable to every aspect of employment, including hiring and firing, compensation, assignments and classification, promotion, transfer and layoff. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces these laws.
Another benefit of working for the Federal government is that the government bends to find you an alternative job if your current one is sacked as part of a budget cut or a reorganization of departments and offices. However, this does not mean that you aren't able to be fired due to reasons such as poor performance or disciplinary action.
Many federal employers provide good health insurance and retirement benefits, such as a defined benefit pension. Federal employees can also take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to help pay back their education loans. Most agencies have a Employee Assistance Program, staffed by experts who have been trained to assist employees with depression, stress, and abuse of drugs. These programs also offer support for elderly or children. They also help with financial concerns such as the balance of a checkbook or filing tax returns. Additionally the federal government provides flexible work opportunities such as remote work, compressed schedules and alternative work locations.
Professional
Federal workers can find meaningful work in a variety of fields. They can develop vaccines, combat discrimination based on race and sexuality and tackle climate change issues. They also receive excellent compensation and benefits including low-cost life insurance, flexible schedules like telework and generous sick and vacation leave. Many organizations offer assistance with education which includes funding for graduate degrees.
The work can be challenging and stressful, but many employees say it is satisfying and rewarding. They believe that their work is purpose-driven and makes a difference to the public. This is why a number of the top jobs on the annual "Best places to work" lists are with the federal government.
Federal job seekers can utilize many different ways to explore career paths and apply, but the most effective way is through USAJobs. The site provides a wide range of resources to help you find a career and apply for jobs. It also offers tips on how to navigate through the lengthy and detailed federal job application process.
A common misconception is you need to know someone at the federal level to get a position. The majority of jobs in the federal government are accessible to anyone. All applications are reviewed and the best candidates are then forwarded to hiring managers. The site also provides a helpful resource for identifying jobs that are available to your specific educational or background.
Technical
The federal government offers a variety of technical jobs where candidates can utilize their knowledge and skills. Tech jobs with the federal government are typically more lucrative and have advantages that are competitive compared to those in private industry. Average salaries are higher in the federal sector than the private and nonprofit sectors, and health insurance and retirement packages are superior to those offered by most private companies.
A report published in January reveals that the number of federal jobs has increased on Handshake by 22% from last year. The number of applications for these positions has increased by 55 percent. Candidates are attracted by the increased job security, benefits and life balance that comes with working in the government.
Candidates who are interested in a career in technology within the federal government can select from a range of careers, including those in national security, medicine and science. Federal agencies require employees to design buildings and perform medical research. They also require people to ensure the safety of aircraft. There are also positions for people with a background in technology like managing and maintaining computer systems.
The requirements for these positions may differ from agency to agency, but typically will be based on an individual's educational background and relevant work experience. For example, an application for a job in the field of computers could require a bachelor's or master's degree in information technology or a related field, as well as prior experience working with databases. A candidate may also have to be knowledgeable about the flow of information from source to destination and have an understanding of how to develop, support and analyze the performance of a system. Some computer-related jobs in the government include digital forensics analysts. These jobs aren't as prevalent in the federal government as they are with a military-related focus, but still exist in certain agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
There are a number of blue-collar jobs available to federal employees. They are mostly manual labor positions, and include such jobs as plumbers, welders, electricians and construction workers. A lot of these jobs require special training or apprenticeships. These jobs can pay hourly or salary-based wages, and often come with the benefits of a labor union.
Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than white-collar work, but it also gives you a feeling of security. There will always be a demand for the skills and services that they provide. Toilet pipes break, wires get burned and packages have to be delivered. The balance between work and family is a challenge, but there are many ways to achieve an appropriate balance between work and life.
Similar to their counterparts in the private sector, federal workers perform a broad range of valuable and important tasks, including the development of vaccines against deadly diseases, to combating racial and sexual discrimination and combating climate change. Many people choose to work for the federal government because of job security and the opportunity to serve their country in a role that is distinct and meaningful.
If a job announcement says that it is open to “Agency Employees," this means that current Federal employees of the Department which published the job could apply. However, it is important to look over the "Area of Examination" or "Who may apply" section carefully as some announcements do not specify that temporary (also called time-limited) and student Federal employees are not eligible.
One of the best ways to get a Federal blue-collar job is to network and meet with people who already work in the field. It is common for a friend or family member to know someone working in the field you are interested in, so don't be afraid to connect with your network of friends.
Clerical
Clerical positions, often referred to as administrative or office support roles focus on handling the details and completing routine tasks for an organization. Most common clerical tasks include answering phones, handling customer or office requests as well as recording and maintaining company records and information. They can also be involved in office machine duties such as operating photocopiers, voicemail systems, and scanners. Office clerks also communicate with colleagues and clients to answer questions, take messages, or respond to complaints. Other common clerical duties include updating mailing databases and delivering and picking up mail and documents, and handling packages.
Office clerks are employed in a variety industries and government agencies. For example, a medical billing clerk documents and files health insurance claims, and also handles incoming or outgoing mail for a health care facility. Hospital receptionists handle front desk phones, directs patients or visitors to rooms for patients, and keeps the records of patients and outpatients.
The most relevant qualifications for clerical jobs are contingent on the position and industry. In general, computer skills are important and a high school diploma or equivalent is required for many entry-level clerical positions. Clerical positions also require the ability to work under pressure and pay attention to details. Since a majority of jobs in clerical require numbers in some capacity having a good grasp of math is also a plus. The best candidates will have a professional appearance and a thorough understanding of proper telephone manners and email protocol. They will also have excellent customer service experience. It is useful to provide examples of instances where they have demonstrated excellent customer service or problem-solving skills in previous jobs.