Interesting work, good benefits, a possible chance to see new places – these are a few of the many reasons to seek government employment. Finding a job with the U.S. or state government offices may result in a lifelong challenging and rewarding career. There may be opportunities to continue an educational path or learn new skills while continuing to work and receive full benefits. Add this to the chance to meet fascinating people and it’s obvious why these positions are in high demand. Although government employment may not guarantee job stability, in many cases government assignments prove to be both steady and lucrative.
Description for Government Employment
As with other corporations and businesses, government employment covers a vast range of specialties. Many positions require a university degree and some level of experience. For someone just starting a career, entry level positions are available but most require passing an examination. For example, clerical workers and administrators are required to take a civil service exam while postal workers must complete an exam specifically for post office personnel. In addition to testing t, education and experience will be considered and applied toward salary grade and starting position levels. Any person considered for hire in a government office must also pass a health exam which could include drug testing. For any job opening that requires working with classified materials, an extensive background check will be performed. One of the benefits of government employment includes the ability to receive education and training on the job. Most federal positions require U.S. citizenship and state or local government positions require residency. Special opportunities may be found for disabled persons, veterans, students and seniors (and in some cases non-citizens). Good language and communication skills are necessary for a majority of the positions and fluency in multiple languages greatly adds to a job candidate’s chances for advanced opportunities.
Government Employment Career
A career that focuses on government employment offers a wide spectrum of opportunities across the U.S. and abroad. The first step in any lucrative career path involves completing some level of education, either with an Associate or Bachelors degree and then applying for a specific position. For instance, a recent graduate with an accounting degree may choose to apply for a job listed through the Department of Commerce in Seattle, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Cleveland or at the Drug Enforcement Administration in New York. A job candidate with fluency in German may try for a post in Europe or in a Washington D.C. office. Someone still completing their education may find a job in security, clerical or administration work, human resources or information technology that will offer the opportunity to work while going to school. Following this career path also provides advancement opportunities within government employment and the ability to gain additional knowledge and training. Because working for a government office often includes health care, investment and retirement benefits, these positions are highly desirable. There may be dozens or even hundreds of applicants for a single job opening.
Salary and Benefits for Government Employment
Federal government employees receive compensation based on job classification, location and years of service and may receive relocation pay and cost of living increases. A predetermined salary scale classifies jobs using the configuration of GS (General Schedule) from 1 to 15 with 1 being the minimum grade. For example, a job opportunity with a GS1 may pay an annual salary of $19,421 (U.S. dollars) and a GS15 grade paying $107,521. There will also be some variations between regions for instance a GS1 salary in the Washington D.C. area pays $1000 more than the same classification in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Salaries for state and local government work are locally regulated and vary between regions.
Opportunities for Government Employment
As economic conditions rise and fall, the need for hiring new workers and government employment follow the same pattern. Typically government jobs tend to be more stable than the corporate world and are less likely to see major cutbacks. This is particularly true in fields such as law enforcement, auditing and finance, the legal profession and medical and health care services. Finding a government position normally results in a long term career that will withstand economic fluctuation. With the increased trend towards globalization, there are more opportunities in the last five years for working abroad. Asia in particular has seen a rapid increase in trade with the U.S. and Europe and the need for regulatory officials, administrative workers and legal advisors has risen. Some corporations such as Rand Europe obtain funding from foreign governments and the European commission and offer job opportunities in a variety of disciplines. In the field of education, many opportunities exist for teachers with specific language skills who are interested in relocating. Other possible employment overseas involves work for non-military personnel at a U.S. military base or foreign concern. Several charitable organizations funded by the government hire workers skilled in education, construction, facilities management and labor.
Agencies and Resources for Government Employment
A good place to start a search for government employment that is managed by the United States Office of Personnel Management can be found at www.usajobs.com. Job listings are categorized by specialized field, for example: accountant, and location, for example: Las Vegas. Each job posting includes the GS salary grade and salary range. Another well organized source of government work, www.federaljobs.com starts job listing by selecting a particular region of the U.S. Links to overseas positions are also accessible from this website. At www.jobbankusa.com/federaljobs/federal-jobs-in-europe overseas career options in European countries are posted.
Conclusion Government Employment
When choosing a solid career path, several factors should be considered. The work must be challenging and of interest to the employee, there should be the opportunity for future advancement and employee benefits should be available. Taking the time to research a career path, prepare for the exams, and follow through with education and applications may result in locating an ideal job opportunity. The increased knowledge and job stability gained from selecting government employment become reachable goals.
