I’ve been doing a series on finding/getting work with the federal government, and I’ll list some of the best soureces of information I’ve found, along with my comments on why they’re useful.
USAJOBS – The Federal Government’s Official Job Site http://www.usajobs.opm.gov This is THE site to begin exploring, if you’re new to the federal job sector. In particular, look through the Info Center, where you can find career information that may help you direct your search for careers within the federal government. And, pay attention to information in “the Hiring Process, which is worth knowing before you begin. The more thorough your exploration, the more help you will find, from career search to building a federal resume to KSAs and application explanations.
However, note that government agencies are encouraged to use this site to post all jobs, but they are not required to do so. So remember that you’ll want to check with the agencies you are interested in beyond looking here, because a few will be posting jobs and/or internships on their own site only.
Student Jobs http://www.studentjobs.gov A good place for students to start, even grad students, just to get the lay of the land. Part of the site includes a list of government agencies and many have specific links to student employment and internships at http://www.studentjobs.gov/agencies.asp Note that you’ll find many links back to USAJOBS, too.
THE Office of Personnel Management – OPM – www.opm.gov This is the mother-ship site for government, but it’s directed more for government personnel and retirees than wannabes. Note that the top right corner of the opening page links to a Subject Index and another to Important Links – very useful for finding where they’ve stowed the information on the federal wage system, salaries, benefits and such fascinating topics.
Careers In Government (CIG) – http://www.careersingovernment.com Run by former fed workers, this site has a search that extends to recruiters and “government sector” jobs, which means jobs supported by tax dollars, and that includes state and local government, as well as education, quasi-government authorities, and even non-profs supported by federal grants.
Federal Jobs Digest – http://www.jobsfed.com Sounds federal, but is another kind of search for federal jobs. Has some useful information on fed resumes, but you pay to have them do it for you.
Federal Job Search – www.federaljobsearch.com Another site with search agents.
GovLoop – “connecting the government community” Or Social Network for Government http://www.govloop.com This is a wonderful opportunity to chat and connect with government people, who can answer many questions. Check the “main” first page for who can become a member. They have grooups, formus, and you can learn about jobs and events and use the resources. Very cool.