Jobs Available at Federal Employers
Federal civil service laws, regulations and executive orders govern government positions. The flexibility of agencies to provide competitive benefits and compensation packages is a key feature.
Administrative employees oversee operations such as payroll, training and developing standard operating procedures. They are employed in offices and government buildings as well as at remote sites.
Administrative
The government agencies need people to perform a variety of administrative tasks, which range from data collection and analyses to specialized research. Certain positions require a bachelor's or master's degree, while others require the high school diploma or GED certificate. It is essential to follow the instructions in the job advertisement so that your application will be considered complete.
Title VII and civil service laws protect Federal employees from discrimination in the workplace based on gender, race or religion. These laws are applicable to every aspect of employment, such as hiring and firing as well as compensation, assignments, classification promotion, transfer, and layoff. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces these laws.
Working for the Federal Government has another benefit: the government will do everything it can to find you an opportunity even if the one you've been offered is eliminated due to the budget being cut or a consolidation. However, this doesn't mean that you cannot be fired if there is an appropriate reason for it, for example, poor performance, disciplinary action, or budget cuts.
Many federal employers offer excellent health insurance and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension. Federal employees also have the option of taking advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which helps pay back their educational loans. Many agencies have an Employee Assistance Program, staffed by trained professionals to help employees deal with depression, stress and drug abuse. These programs can also assist with child or elder care. fela lawyer assist with financial issues, such as reconciling your checkbook or filing your taxes. The federal government also provides flexible options for working like telework or reduced work schedules.
Professional
Federal employees have a broad selection of opportunities to get meaningful jobs. They can assist in the development of vaccines, fight sexual and racial discrimination and tackle climate change issues. They also enjoy excellent compensation and benefits including low-cost life insurance, flexible schedules such as telecommuting and generous sick and vacation time. Many companies offer educational assistance which includes funding for graduate degrees.
The work can be challenging and demanding, but many employees report that it is satisfying and rewarding. They feel they have a sense of the importance of their work and believe that they make a difference in the lives of the people. This is why some of the most sought-after jobs on the annual "Best Workplaces" lists are from the federal government.
Federal job applicants have access to a variety of ways to look into career paths and apply, but the most effective method is via USAJobs. The website offers a range of resources for exploring career options and submitting applications for jobs, including tips on navigating the long and complicated federal application process.
A common misconception is you need to be connected with someone at the federal level in order to get a position. The majority of positions in the federal government are accessible to anyone. All applications are reviewed and the top candidates are then referred to hiring managers. The site is also a great resource for finding positions that match your major or professional background.
Technical
The federal government provides a wide range of technical jobs that allow candidates to use their skills and training. Tech jobs offered by the federal government are usually more lucrative and come with competitive benefits than those in private industries. Average salaries are higher in the federal sector than private and nonprofit sectors, and health insurance and retirement packages are superior to those offered by the majority of private companies.
The number of federal positions has increased by 22% on Handshake since last year according to a report published in January. As a result, the number of applicants to the positions has risen by 55 percent. The higher job security, benefits, and the work-life integration that come when working for the government attracts those who are interested.
A career in tech within the federal government is a great option for candidates who are interested in working in many different industries that include national security as well as medicine and science. Federal agencies need workers to design buildings, perform medical research and ensure the safety of airplanes. There are also jobs for those with technology backgrounds including managing and supporting computer systems.
Qualification standards for these roles will vary based on the agency, but include a person's educational background as well as relevant work experience. For example computer-related jobs could require a bachelor's degree in information technology or another related field as well as knowledge of databases. An applicant may also need to be aware of the transfer of data from source to destination and possess a solid understanding of how to create and maintain the system. Some computer occupations in the government sector include web administrators and digital forensics analysts. These positions aren't as prevalent in the federal government as they are that have a military orientation, but still exist in certain agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Blue-Collar
Federal employees can pick from a range of blue-collar job opportunities. They are mostly work-related positions that include jobs such as plumbers, welders, electricians and construction workers. A lot of these jobs require special training and apprenticeships. These jobs can pay salary-based or hourly wages and are often accompanied by the advantages of joining a union.
Blue-collar work is more physically demanding than white-collar work, however it also gives you a feeling of security. They will always be needed to offer the skills and services they provide. Toilet pipes can break, wires can burn, and packages have to be delivered. The balance between work and life can be tough but there are a variety of ways for workers to maintain a healthy balance by working from home, and working on weekends.
Federal workers, like those in the private sector, are involved in various valuable and essential tasks. These include creating vaccines to fight deadly diseases, fighting gender, sexual and racial discrimination and tackling climate-related changes. Many people 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 advertisement states that it is open to "Agency employees," this usually means that current Federal employees of the Department that has announced the vacancy are eligible to apply. It is crucial to go through the "Area of Belief" or "Who Can Apply" section, since some announcements don't state that student and temporary Federal employees (also known as time-limited Federal employees) are not eligible.
One of the best ways to get the perfect Federal blue-collar job is to network and talk to people already working in the field. Don't be shy about reaching out to your friends and family to see if they know someone who works in a field you are interested in.
Clerical
Clerical positions, often referred to as administrative or office support roles, are focused on managing the details and completing routine tasks for organizations. Most common clerical tasks include answering phones, managing customer or office requests and keeping company records and information. They could also be accountable for office machine tasks like operating photocopiers, scanners, and voicemail systems. Office clerks also communicate with clients and colleagues to answer questions, take messages or address complaints. Other common clerical duties include updating databases for mailings as well as delivering and collecting documents and mail, as well as handling packages.
Office clerks often work in a variety of different sectors and government agencies. A medical billing clerk, for instance is responsible for preparing and filing insurance claims and manages incoming and outgoing mail in a health care facility. A hospital receptionist is responsible for managing the front desk's phones and directing patients or visitors to the rooms of patients. They also keep records of outpatients as well as inpatients.
The qualifications that are most relevant for clerical positions are dependent on the type of work and industry. In general, good computer skills are essential and an high school diploma or equivalent is required for the majority of jobs in clerical entry-level positions. Clerical positions also require the ability to work under pressure and pay attention to details. Since many jobs in the field of clerical work involve numbers in some way having a good grasp of math is also useful. The most successful candidates are those who have a professional manner and a thorough understanding of proper telephone etiquette and email protocol. They also must have a great customer service experience. Providing examples of times that they have demonstrated outstanding customer service and problem-solving skills in past jobs is helpful during the interview process.