There is one -- and only one -- nationwide employer that will continue to fill hundreds of thousands of high-paying, secure, dynamic jobs annually, no matter how bad the economy may get. Who is this employer? The federal government, which will annually hire more than 200,000 new employees throughout the U.S. -- including tens of thousands of interns and recent graduates.
The massive federal hiring wave will continue despite the ongoing national recession.
What's more, U.S. News & World Report described government jobs as a terrific deal and included "government manager" on its list of best careers -- and that was even before various factors converged to make federal jobs particularly hot, hot properties. These factors include:
- A hiring wave in the federal government -- the nation's largest employer -- generated by record numbers of retiring baby boomers.
- Spiking unemployment rates in the private sector, which have increased the appeal of secure federal jobs. (Feds are rarely laid off and rarely fired.)
- Increased appreciation for public service, which began after 9/11.
If you want to start a federal career, here's how to find federal openings:
Regularly Surf the USAJOBS Website
Every day, tens of thousands of openings are advertised on this website -- the main website for federal jobs. Since GovCentral's job search now includes USAJOBS, you can also try searching on the jobs channel.
Check the Career Sections of Agency Websites
Every federal agency has its own website, and every agency website has an employment section. These employment sections frequently advertise job openings, internships and special recruitment programs that are never advertised on USAJOBS. A link to an A-to-Z directory of agency websites appears under "Government Agencies" here.
Attend Job Fairs
Many federal agencies use job fairs to fill unadvertised openings -- sometimes through fast-track hiring procedures or even on-the-spot offers. Some federal agencies sponsor their own job fairs at college campuses and other locations; other federal agencies co-sponsor job fairs that are also attended by private sector employers.
You can find job fairs that are sponsored or co-sponsored by federal agencies by looking for ads in the media and by checking agency websites. In particular, be sure to check the career sites of agencies that regularly sponsor job fairs, which include agencies in the intelligence community, the State Department, the FBI and some agencies that address banking and corporate finance, including the FDIC and agencies in the Treasury Department.
You may also find job fairs that are sponsored or co-sponsored by federal agencies by looking for ads in the media, checking the career sections of agency websites, and "Googling" the name of each of your target agencies, along with "job fairs."
Join the Foreign Service
The Foreign Service -- which represents the U.S.'s interests overseas -- is composed of employees from four federal agencies:
- 1. The Department of State (state.gov)
- 2. the Department of Agriculture (USDA.gov)
- 3) the International Trade Administration (trade.gov)
- 4) the U.S. Agency for International Development
Check each Foreign Service agency's website for its requirements for applying to its branch of the Foreign Service.
Apply for Temporary Jobs and Contract Jobs
Temporary jobs in federal agencies and federal contracting jobs often segue almost seamlessly into permanent federal jobs and generate experience and contacts that may lead to permanent jobs.
Because temp agencies and contractors frequently hire faster than federal agencies do, working for federal contractors or temp agencies are particularly good options for unemployed job hunters who need to start working quickly and for job seekers who want to work part time during their job searches.
You may find federal contract jobs by surfing through the websites of federal contractors; a hyperlinked list of the nation's top 100 contractors is posted here.
Land a Federal Internship
Federal employers have recently rolled out dozens and dozens of new, well-paying internship programs for students and special fast-track management training programs for recent grads all over the U.S. Some of these programs are recruiting young professionals of all backgrounds, and some of these programs are specially recruiting minorities, women and people with disabilities. You can find information about internships on agency websites. (Most internships are not advertised on USAJOBS.)
Contact Selective Placement Coordinators at Federal Agencies
Each agency has a selective placement coordinator who provides information to job seekers about unadvertised openings for people with disabilities and for veterans.
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
