Federal Jobs 101.com

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course is designed to give you a sound understanding of the federal jobs market.

Objective: Decide if you would like to work for the federal government and, if so, become familiar with the federal jobs hiring process.

The federal government employs millions of people across the country in a wide range of positions and professions. In 2005, government employment reached an all-time high, with nearly 22,000,000 employees. Close to 3,000,000 of those work for the federal government. This is good news for job seekers who want steady, reliable employment. However, getting a job with the federal government brings some added challenges. Knowing the pros and cons of working for the government, as well as some tips regarding the application process, can help you decide whether this is a career you wish to pursue and how to go about it if it is.

Federal government jobs hold appeal for job seekers for a number of reasons. First, there is a huge diversity in job opportunities. Each government agency requires different specialties and employs people with a wide range of skills. No matter what your area of expertise, you can probably find a government agency that has a need for someone with your skills. In addition, working for the federal government can be a very rewarding career. As a government employee, you have the opportunity to affect policies and programs on issues that are important to you, as well as have an effect on millions of citizens. Finally, government careers offer a lot of job security. For the most part, you don't have to worry about the company going out of business, and you can rely on a solid benefits package.

However, pursuing a career with the federal government has its drawbacks. First, the application process can be complicated and drawn-out. Depending on the agency and the position, it could take as much as six months to complete, even longer if you must gain security clearance. In addition, you'll likely have to face a fair amount of bureaucracy in not only getting a job, but also doing your job once you're employed. Again, this depends largely on the agency and position involved. Employees at some of the larger agencies claim they sometimes feel lost in the shuffle of such a big organization.

Before pursuing a job with the federal government, learn as much as you can about the agency, the position, and the environment in which you'll be working. Define a clear objective for yourself. Make sure you understand your goals, and outline your qualifications. Seeking a federal government job is similar to seeking a job in the private sector in many ways. Just like private companies, government employers want to know why you want to work for them and how your skills and experience will enable you to get the job done. And you should network as much as possible, same as you would for a corporate job. Getting to know the agency and the people who work there will not only help your chances of getting a job, but it will also help you understand what you can expect if you accept a job with the agency.

Employment with the federal government presents both opportunities and challenges, just as any job does. The more effort and determination you put into the process, the greater the rewards.