If you’re interested in a job with the federal government, visit USAJOBS.gov, the official one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information. There, you can:
Though most federal jobs are listed on USAJOBS, some agencies post jobs on their websites or elsewhere. If you’re interested in working for a particular agency, find its website through the A-Z Index of Government Agencies.
And be aware, there is never an application fee to apply for a government or U.S. Postal Service job. Find information about government job scams and how to avoid them.
New USAJOBS.gov Website Updates
USAJOBS turned 20 in 2016 and went through a major overhaul process. The end result includes a new mobile friendly website, a revised step-by-step application process, and a new help center. You can also contact USAJOBS for help or to get more information.
Former Federal Employees
If you are a former federal employee, you may be eligible for reinstatement, which allows you to apply for federal jobs without competing with the public.
If you've served in the military and want to find a federal government job, FedsHireVets.gov provides information on veterans' preference, special hiring authorities, and other tips for vets and transitioning service members seeking federal civilian jobs.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training and related instruction to give you skills to advance in your chosen field.
Apprentice programs vary in length from one to six years. During that time, as an apprentice, you'll work and learn as an employee. When you complete a registered program, you will receive a nationally recognized certificate from the Department of Labor (DOL) as proof of your qualifications.
If you’re a woman looking for an apprenticeship in the field of construction, transportation, or protective services, check out the Women Build, Protect & Move America portal. You’ll find resources for local and nationwide apprenticeships as well as information about the different jobs in each field, professional trade organizations, and your rights on the job.
Government internships provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge while gaining hands-on experience. Find internship opportunities and information within the federal government for undergraduate, graduate, and law students:
Whether for a government agency or private organization, a security clearance is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to certain information.
Federal Government
Not all Federal positions require a security clearance, but they do require the candidate to undergo a suitability adjudication process to determine if the individual is suitable for Federal employment.
Background investigations are conducted to assess the loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability of the person requiring the clearance.
Once a security clearance is granted, it allows a person filling a specific position to have access to classified information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold.
If you have questions about your specific security clearance, contact the security officer of the federal agency that requested your evaluation. If you are not sure who to contact at a federal agency, contact the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Systems Access Support Team (SAST) at 1-724-794-5612, extension 4600. They can help you find the right contact within a federal agency.
Private Companies
Sometimes private companies that do business with a local, state, or federal government agency are required to obtain security clearances for employees using that agency's security clearance granting system.
Some private companies also use security clearances to protect such things as intellectual property rights and financial information. Most of these companies use a background check, which usually researches work, criminal, and credit history.
There is no longer a single civil service exam to cover all government jobs. Many jobs with the federal government no longer require written tests, but any testing depends on the individual agency and position.
If you are applying for a specific job, the vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.gov will indicate if a specific written test is necessary and whom you may contact for more information.
To locate contact information for the personnel department of a federal agency, visit USA.gov's A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agencies. You may also try using the government section of your local telephone directory.
