How To Get a Government Job

What, like it's hard?

Published on January 3, 2006 By singrdave In Misc

Earlier tonight I received an email from a friend in Pennsylvania
wondering how I got my government job. I had also had a conversation
this afternoon with a guy at work who is in the Navy and planning
to get out. He wanted some advice, too. So I sense a need...

Below is the email that I sent back to my buddy Gavin.

Hey Gavin,
The government is ALWAYS hiring, it is true. I would suggest the following
resources:

http://usajobs.opm.gov/
This is the Federal Government's official hiring
website. They will have positions in multiple
agencies and will be able to show you stuff from all
over the country. You can register for free and
upload a current resume. They will match you with
positions or you can tell the computer to find
positions that you would like.

If you like what you see on any of the government's websites, then
please let me know.

If you would like to do language, apply as a language
analyst or linguist. If you would like to do more
rounded work, not language-specific, then intelligence
analyst is your best bet (that is what I am, a
Korean-speaking intel analyst).

http://www.federaljobsearch.com/
This is a pay website that you subscribe to. I use
its free service to "tip me off" and then go search
for the actual ad at the actual agency.

Expect a four-to-six-month turn-around time for your
application to be finally accepted and for you to start work.
The timing is key, especially if you are currently
unemployed (which I know you aren't). Uncle Sam doesn't
do anything quickly.

That was my letter. Any additions to it? What did I leave out?
Anything anyone would like to add?

Comments

singrdave

on Jan 03, 2006

pseudosoldier

on Jan 04, 2006

Sometimes I wonder, should I have applied as an Arabic-speaking Intel Analyst?

I can't look back now, but... I guess I have another shot in just under four years.

Spc Nobody Special

on Jan 04, 2006

You left out another fave, www.goarmy.com.

I can't look back now, but... I guess I have another shot in just under four years.

You've already got a government job. And the magic eight ball says Yes. to your question.

Dr Guy

on Jan 04, 2006

I just applied! Have gotten 3 now, and looking for number 4! But once you are in, you learn the system, and can play it to your advantage as well.

singrdave

on Jan 06, 2006

You've already got a government job.

With an excellent number of years towards retirement. Finish your 20, then get the cushy government job that will pad your wallet until you reach your 60's. Then you get two pension checks! That's my advice!

And the magic eight ball says Yes. to your question.

I concur with the eight ball. It speaks truth!

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