Federal jobs, internships, and fellowships are posted in a variety of locations and require resumes specifically created for federal use. Learn more about why opportunities in federal employment may be of interest to you and what types of employment the federal government has to offer at:
- Go Government
- Career Guides on Go Government
- FedScope from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Vol Guide to Federal Resume Writing
Federal Job Search Considerations
Federal job search timelines and application processes differ from other types of job searches and applications. The federal hiring process is different than other sectors in the following ways:
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- All job seekers go through a competitive process to assess their qualifications for the position.
- All federal job applications go through a manual review by a federal HR professional to determine which candidates are qualified for the position.
- The timeline for federal hiring is very different- the average time to hire is around 100 days. Jobseekers should keep this in mind and plan accordingly when applying to federal internships and jobs.
- Federal jobs require a unique resume with specific criteria.
- All federal employees must complete a background check or security clearance before beginning their job.
- USAJobs
- Agency Websites (Not sure of what agencies to start with? Go Government’s Find the Right Federal Agency For You quiz is a great starting point!)
- Agency Social Medial
Sometimes an overlooked way to learn about agencies is by following them on social media. It’s a great way to learn more about government.*It is recommended that individuals interest in employment opportunities in intelligence DO NOT follow their social media accounts. - Connect directly with agency of interest recruiters at career fairs, events, and LinkedIn or Handshake. Ask questions:
- How does your agency post jobs? How often?
- What are the best opportunities for a student or recent graduate?
- What makes a strong application for your agency?
- Can I stay in touch with you about my application?
When it comes to federal hiring and securing federal jobs, the system takes some patience and focus to navigate. However, the federal government has included special provisions for certain populations to streamline the hiring process.
- People with Disabilities
People with disabilities may be eligible for a special hiring authority called Schedule A. Federal agencies can use this hiring authority to hire a person with a disability; however, the candidate still needs to compete and apply. - Veterans
Veterans’ preference gives preferred status in appointment to an opportunity over other applicants. This applies to all new appointments in both the competitive and many in the excepted service, but it does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments and reinstatements.- FedsHireVets
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans Employment & Training Service Transition Assistance Program
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The ABC’s of Schedule A: Tips for Applicants with Disabilities
- Hire Heroes
- Wounded Warriors Project
- Native Americans
- Non-Competitive Eligibility
Alumni of programs the following federal programs may be eligible for non-competitive eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs for up to one year after the service period. NCE does not translate to an automatic hire in these scenarios, and jobseekers must still submit their applications and meet qualification standards and requirements such as a background investigation.
- Federal Internship Finder
The GoGovernment Federal Internship Finder, created by the Partnership for Public Service, will simplify your search for federal opportunities. The tool compiles publicly accessible information about professional and academic opportunities in government for students and recent graduates into one centralized place. - OPM Internship Finder
This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Your resume is the primary way for you to communicate your education, skills, and experience to the federal agency that you are applying to. Federal resumes differ from industry resumes. Please visit the following resources to learn more.
- How to create a resume
- What should I include in my federal resume?
- What should I leave out of my resume?
- How to supply work experience
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Federal Resume Tips
- U.S. Department of Labor – Tips for Writing a Federal Resume
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission- federal resume template
- General Services Administration- TTS Handbook
- Airforce Civilian Service – Federal Resume Writing
- Vol Guide to Federal Resumes (Coming Soon)