Howdy, there, folks!

I am a soon to be junior in university and I was really liking the prospect of finding a decent government job (U.S., mind you). Is there any advice anyone can offer on this? If you work for the government, do you know any good ways to get my foot in the door?

Brownosing, six, blackmail and nepotism.

Here are all the US government job offerings in the Mississippi state -and those pending location.

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/search.aspx?q=What%3A+%28keywords%29&where=mississippi&x=103&y=10&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y

good luck

http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/careers/gc_1286805780388.shtm This link will take you to internship opportunities offered by the DHS. That's if you want to work for that department though haha. I am only going to be a freshman in college starting this fall, but I am going to school to become a teacher in US History, Government, and Economics. Or to work for the federal gov't. This is all I was able to find during my search for federal career opportunities. It's a start though. :shrug:

The four horseman of the apocalypse?

I have some experience with the Australian civil service... Best advice I can give is to write in, Cover letter explaining your strengths, if you apply for a specific advertised position answer the selection criteria as best you can - show an example where you have done what they're looking for.

Old andy's link is the best in this case.

As for getting your foot in the door, it would help if you already had work experience.Since your at university, you should try to get your professors to agree to act as a possible reference. Specifically, you want professors who could testify to your initative, drive, and energy when performing work. During interviews, you want to stress that you have the drive and willingness to work hard and not simply coast in mediocrity. A common problem for managers in federal agencies is being unable to get rid of mediocre employees that would be laid off in a private company. Giving them a sense that you would be a hard, studious worker that wouldn't require constant oversight would increase the chances that the guy reviewing applications will like your stuff. Also, remember to read the job postings carefully and list in your resume anything that they state is required. Not placing required information is a good way to not get a job.

Thanks a lot for the help, guys. That link was particularly helpful as was your advice DarthRavanger.

It will help you massively if you already know someone who works in the government that you can put as a reference.

It depends on where in the government you want to work, but you'll get in a lot faster in a lot of agencies if you have already have good connections. I'm planning on going into the CIA (not a case officer or anything, just in intelligence anolysis), and I'll probably have a better chance than most of getting in since both my parents worked in the government, so there are plenty of people I know I can use as references.

A few more hints if you don't mind.

1. Be sure when you fill out your application that you leave no line unfilled (put N/A) if need be but don't leave it blank. Double check your spelling and punctuation, it looks bad to misspell words. If you hand write it in, print and don't use cursive.
2. Attach a resume. It's important and when you write it, make sure you put in every type of experience, volunteer work, and all education you have received. Don't leave out anything including seminars, workshops, short special training and such.
3. When they ask you what type of equipment you can use, don't leave anything out of that either. Include such things as copy machines, fax machines, pc, Ipad, drills...you know, every little thing you can think of.
4. Indicate you are willing to work any hours or shifts available and indicate you are willing to take a temporary position. Many government jobs in the USA start out being temporary and are offered permanently after a fer months. Getting your foot in the door is what is important.


Good luck!

Well, I know a few who work for the government, including a cousin of mine. I was hoping one of the agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, State Department, or perhaps the Smithsonian Institute. When I graduate, I will have a degree in history with a minor in political science, which I'm sure the government gets a lot of.



Thanks a lot for those tips, summer. You don't know how helpful that really is. The only thing I'm truly afraid of is that I do not have that much job experience.

As with any job, knowing people and having good references is the best foot-in-the-door. Next, is having the qualifications.

The applications and all that are just formalities.