Jobs Search

Despite the demands of constant rule by politicians and policy makers in public spending, the federal government remains the largest employer in the United States. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, there are currently more than 2.7 million workers in the federal public service positions. For almost all states of vacancies, the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies to ten times less.

Why are so manyThe Americans are looking for a federal job? The answers are many. Some consider it a patriotic duty, while for others it is an act of enlightened self-interest. Whatever your motivation, but the benefits are significant. In other words, Uncle Sam is an excellent cook.

Federal working group offers employment stability that can not be replicated in the private sector. Once a new employee added to a given trial period (usually one year), employment for lifeis almost guaranteed. Laws and regulations of the Federal Personnel practices make it extremely difficult to fire, lay-off, or forcibly transfer most employees. In rare cases, if there are layoffs, employees are moved very preferential hiring treatment for similar positions that may be available. The result is that very few employees have the federal government is always a day of work lost due to dismissal.

Additional services, including an excellent retirement package, are also aimportant motivating factor. Health benefits for federal employees are generally better than those offered in the private sector and the government is currently more cost premium compared to most private employers. For an employee enrolled in Blue Cross / Blue Shield family coverage, for example, the government currently pays $ 578 monthly premium of $ 771. Retirement benefits are a complicated formula that the employee's salary, years of service and retirement base consists ofAge, but independent studies consistently determine that the plan is more generous than most employers in the private sector.

Federal salaries are competitive, too. In 2005, the average salary for all federal workers in the world $ 60,203. Because of the structure of wages and political realities, raises are virtually guaranteed every year. In January 2005, the increase was set at 3.5%. In addition, salary adjustments for employees in large cities are made.

Federal Servicealso offers more opportunities for advancement than most other employers. A management level (known as the Senior Executive Service, or SES), salaries range from $ 107,550 to $ 162,100. Currently approximately 7,000 SES employees in federal service.

With all these advantages, it is no wonder that many job seekers looking for a position of government land with the federal government. While competition is tough, here are some key strategies that can helpYour search:

1. Review the official website of the government work (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov) thick. Virtually every federal job is listed and is updated every day. Most jobs are tender open for a period of about 3 or 4 weeks, and the application process can be detailed, so you should check regularly so you can work on your application as soon as possible.

2. Avoid services that allow you land claims to a federal stateApplication to. Companies that guarantee you a federal job scams, and these services can not do anything that you do not own.

3. Be willing to accept a pay cut. While federal salaries are competitive, the salary structure so that salaries typically start low but growing rapidly. Every job has an initial degree and a federal "full power" statement. Typically, professional positions start at grade 7 of the wage scale of the Member (the GeneralProgramme-7 or GS-7) and increase the GS-9-11 GS-12 and GS 1-year intervals. For an employee in Washington, DC, which means an annual salary of $ 35,452 to start, but now $ 62,886 after three years of service (not counting the annual wage increases at the state level by about 3% per year ).

4. Consider "trainee" positions. The term has a negative connotation, but at a certain training course, a good way to get your foot in the door of Uncle Sam to arrive.These positions, which are generally no specific experience and are usually at the GS-5 level (- $ 30,000 a year $ 25,000) filled. How many employees of federal jobs are only for current or former federal, worked as an intern for a year or two often opens many doors.

5. Read the job announcement carefully. Procedures for applying for a federal job have been streamlined in recent years, but it is extremely important to follow theInstructions to the letter. Unlike their private counterparts Federation are responsible for human resources with standardized procedures without exception. a day too late - for example, are legally separate from the consideration of applications that arrive after the deadline is forbidden on the job advertisement. Similarly, if you do not provide the requested documents in time (transcripts, etc.), they can not collect from you later.

6. Bulk your resume. This may be good advicefor job hunters, but is important when applying for a federal position because of the way that degrees (starting salary) are determined first GS to be more. Several vacancies may be filled at any time by a few different types of GS, and the aircraft is brought to a new recruit on board, is determined by his years of employment history relevant. It 's a little known secret that federal hiring managers to new employees in the highest class, you may want to start justifyingbecause it can minimize the risk of turnover. Most employees who leave federal government service before retirement do in the first five years of their career, because starting salaries in the private sector are higher.

So how can you help your new agency, you pay more? If you remember in a location that is difficult to gain experience in the field, because when you make legitimate self-employment are counted as employees for Federal-regulationPurpose. For example, if you stay at home mother, with the aim of reintegration into the world of work as a writer working from home as a freelance writer for three years of experience count might work if you apply for the Feds. Incidentally, the time of this writing there are currently 27 writing and editing jobs listed on the website of the U.S. job!

7. Especially do not give up. Although the competition for federal jobs can be difficult toThe benefits are worth it. Like any job search, candidates can realistically expect more to be asked many times before being offered a place. Persistence and positive attitude are your most valuable assets.

jobth