Federal Jobs Resources

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course is designed to

Objective: Become familiar with

With so many different types of positions at so many different federal government agencies, it can be hard to know where to look for job openings of interest to you. However, many resources exist that list federal job openings and that can help you identify federal employment opportunities.

First, the Federal Job Information Center (FJIC) exists for the sole purpose of assisting people in applying for federal jobs. Your local FJIC is a great resource for learning more about these kinds of job opportunities. In addition, information on job openings is also available through the personnel departments of individual agencies. Hotline numbers and vacancy information is available online on the agencies' websites.

Several websites also list job openings with the federal government, including the Office of Personnel Management's website at usajobs.opm.gov, as well as allfederaljobs.com. In addition, a number of periodicals and directories contain information on federal job vacancies. Periodicals include "Federal Career Opportunities," "Federal Job Matching Service," "Federal Jobs Digest," and "Federal Times." Many directories also contain information on key offices and staff at federal agencies. Examples include The Capitol Source, The Complete Guide to Public Employment, and the Federal Career Directory, among many others.

In addition, many government employees belong to occupation-specific organizations and societies. With the importance of networking in obtaining a job with the federal government, contacting these organizations can provide a great opportunity to make networking contacts. Some such organizations include the American Federation of Government Employees, the American Public Works Association, the American Society for Public Administration, the Assembly of Governmental Employees, the Civil Service Employees Association, the Federal Executive and Professional Association, Federally Employed Women, the Federal Women's Interagency Board, the National Association of Government Employees, and the National Federation of Federal Employees. You should be able to find all these organizations online.

Information on federal job openings is out there waiting for you, and it's not hard to find. With a little research and effort, you should be able to identify government job opportunities of interest to you.