Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Federal civil service laws, regulations and executive orders govern government jobs. The ability of agencies to offer competitive compensation and benefits is a key feature.
Administrative employees are responsible for managing tasks like payroll, training, and standard operating procedures. They work in offices and government buildings as well as in remote locations.
Administrative
Government agencies need people to work in a wide range of administrative jobs that range from data analysis and collection to special research projects. Some of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree while others require only a high-school diploma or GED. Whatever the job it's crucial to follow the guidelines provided in the job announcement carefully so that your application is complete and has all the essential requirements.
Title VII and civil service laws protect Federal employees from discrimination based on race, gender or religion. These laws cover all aspects of employment including hiring and firing, compensation, promotions, classifications as well as layoffs, transfers and transfers. These laws are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Another benefit of working for the Federal government is that the government bends over backwards to help you find a new job if yours is eliminated as part of a budget reduction or a consolidation of departments and offices. However, this doesn't mean that you are not fired if there is an acceptable reason such as poor performance, disciplinary actions, or budget reductions.
Many federal employers provide good retirement and health benefits such as defined benefit pensions. In addition, federal employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to help pay off student loans. Many agencies have an Employee Assistance Program, staffed by trained professionals to assist employees with stress, depression and abuse of drugs. They also offer assistance for elder or child care. They can also help with financial issues, such as reconciling your checkbook or filing your taxes. The federal government also offers flexible options for working like telework or shorter work schedules.
Professionals
Federal employees have a broad selection of opportunities to get meaningful work. They can develop vaccines, fight racism and sexual discrimination, or tackle climate-change issues. Also, they receive excellent benefits and compensation, including low-cost life insurance and flexible schedules, including the option of teleworking. They also have generous sick and vacation days. Many companies offer educational assistance which includes funding for graduate degrees.
The job can be difficult and stressful, but many employees say it is satisfying and rewarding. They feel a sense importance and feel that their efforts make a difference in the lives of people. This is why a number of the top jobs on the annual "Best Workplaces" lists are from the federal government.
Federal job applicants can use many different ways to research career options and apply, but the best way is through USAJobs. The website offers a range of resources to help you explore careers and applying for jobs including tips on navigating the long and complicated federal application process.
The most common misconception is that you must know someone at the federal level to obtain a job. The majority of jobs in the federal government are available to everyone. Every application is reviewed and the best candidates are then forwarded to hiring managers. The site also provides an invaluable resource to find positions that are available to your specific educational or background.
Technical
The federal government provides a wide range of technical jobs for candidates to make use of their talents and knowledge. Tech jobs in government are usually more lucrative than those in private companies and offer competitive benefits. Average salaries are higher in the federal sector than private and non-profit sectors, and pension and health insurance plans are superior to those offered by the majority of private businesses.
The number of federal positions has increased by 22 percent on Handshake since last year according to a report published in January. The number of applications for these positions has increased by 55 percent. Applicants are drawn to the increased job security and benefits, as well as the life balance that comes with working in the government.
A career in technology within the federal government is a good option for candidates interested in working with many different industries which include national security, medicine and science. Federal agencies require workers to design buildings and conduct medical research. They also require workers to ensure the safety of aircraft. There are also opportunities for people with a background in technology like managing and assisting computer systems.
The qualifications standards for these positions can differ from agency to agency, but typically will require a person's education background and relevant work experience. For fela lawyers , 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 and prior experience working with databases. A candidate might also be required to have a good understanding of the flow of data from its origin to its destination and how to create and support a system. Certain computer jobs in the government include digital forensics and web administrators analysts. These positions, though not as common as those with a focus on the military in the federal government, still exist in some agencies like the Department of Defense and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
Federal employees can pick from a variety of blue-collar jobs. These are typically work-related positions that include such jobs as plumbers, welders electricians, and construction workers. Many of these jobs require special training or apprenticeships. These jobs can pay salary-based or hourly wages and usually come with the benefits of a labor union.
Blue-collar work is more physically taxing than white-collar work, but it also provides a certain sense of security. These workers will always be required to provide the skills and services they offer. Toilet pipes can break, wires can be burned, and packages need to be delivered. The balance between work and family is a challenge however there are many ways to achieve the balance of work and family.
Federal workers, as well as those employed in the private sector, perform various valuable and essential tasks. These include creating vaccines to fight deadly diseases, tackling racial, sexual and gender discrimination and tackling climate change. Many people choose to work for the federal government because of security in their jobs, as well as the opportunity to serve their country in a way that is unique and important.
If a job announcement states that it is open to "Agency Employees," this usually means that the current Federal employees of the Department which has released the vacancy are eligible to apply. It is crucial to go through the "Area of Consideration", or "Who Can Apply" section, as certain announcements do not specify that students and temporary Federal employees (also known as time-limited Federal employees) are excluded.
Meeting with professionals in the field is an excellent way to get federal jobs with blue collars. Don't be afraid of reaching out to your family and friends to see if they know anyone working in the field you are interested in.
Clerical
Clerical jobs, also called administrative or office support positions, focus on handling the details and performing routine tasks for organizations. The most popular clerical tasks include answering calls, handling customer or office requests as well as recording and preserving important company records and information. They also have office machines tasks, such as operating voicemail systems, photocopiers and scanners. Office clerks are also accountable for communicating with clients or colleagues to respond to questions, answer messages, or address complaints from customers. Other typical clerical duties include creating and updating mail database systems, and receiving or delivering mail that is outgoing and inbound, documents and packages.
Office clerks are employed in many different sectors and government agencies. A medical billing clerk, for instance, documents and files insurance claims and manages inbound and outgoing mail at a health care facility. A hospital receptionist manages front desk phones, directs patients or visitors to rooms for patients and keeps the records of patients and outpatients.
The most relevant qualifications for jobs in clerical are contingent on the position and the industry. In general, computer skills are essential and an high school diploma or equivalent is required for most entry-level clerical jobs. The ability to work under pressure and pay attention to detail are other desirable qualifications for clerical jobs. Math is a must for clerical work, as many of them require some sort of working with numbers. The most qualified candidates will have a professional appearance and a strong understanding of proper telephone etiquette and email protocol. They should also have a great deal of experience in customer service. Providing examples of times that they have demonstrated outstanding customer service and problem-solving abilities in past jobs is helpful during the interview process.