Consider a Career in the Federal Government

Have you ever considered working for the federal government? Did you know that the federal government could offer you career opportunities with competitive pay, job security and excellent benefits? Here are the facts:

• The average annual salary of all full-time employees now exceeds $51,000.
• Federal jobs offer almost every work environment that you may find in the private sector.
• Most federal jobs are available across the nation and overseas. Only a small percentage of federal government positions require that you relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.
• Federal jobs offer very attractive benefits including vacation and sick leave, health benefits and life insurance, retirement, and training and career development.
• The federal government has recently made great strides to streamline the hiring process in efforts to recruit those with high demand skills from the private sector.

• Federal Government: Learn the functions of the federal government (will open new window)
• Careers In Federal Governemnt Good introduction to federal employment (will open new window)
• Federal Jobs by College Major Who wants to hire me?
• Research Agencies: How can I fit in? (will open new window)

Step 2: Learn About Opportunities
Finding a full-time job with the federal government right out of school can be difficult. We suggest that you start by searching the various intern and co-op programs offered by the government. This is the best way to get your foot in the door, even after graduation. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may choose a program that allows them to gain experience for a semester or a summer. Seniors and graduate students have the opportunity to intern for as many as two years. This could allow you to rotate through various departments, paid as a full-time employee with all the benifits of a permanent position. Either way, the benifits are enormous: approximately 80% of those in student positions are hired into full-time positions!

• Student Opportunities
• Job Listing Web Sites

Step 3: The Application Process
The application process for each job will vary, and some of the Vacancy Announcements may look very intimidating at a first glance. Don't be discouraged.

• Application Process, Resumes, and Forms: How do I apply?

Additional Information:

Congressional and Gubernatorial Internships

• Congressional and Gubernatorial Internships

Civil and Foreign Service Exam Information

• Civil Service Exam from Federal Jobs Net (will open new window)
• Civil Service Exam from Government Jobs, PSE-Net.com (will open new window)
• Foreign Service Officer and the Foreign Service Exam from U.S. Department of State (will open new window)

Salary and Benefit Information

• General Schedule Pay (will open new window)
• Benefits (will open new window)

Advice & News

• Federal Jobs Digest (will open new window)
• Ten Tips for Letting Federal Employers Know Your Worth (will open new window)