Government jobs can be very appealing: There’s no better place to make a difference in your community (local and beyond) quite like the government, which touches all aspects of our lives, from the air we breathe and the food we eat to the laws that keep us safe. But trying to land such a job can be an overwhelming—and often frustrating—process.
The government is the nation's largest employer with about three million civilian workers (active-duty military aren't considered employees), and federal jobs often match almost every set of skills and interests. From clerical to healthcare roles, there is a wide range of occupations.
When figuring out how to get a job with the federal government, it's easy to get lost in a maze of agency websites and federal job openings if you don't know what to look for. But once you understand the process and know what you want, you can focus on specific careers—whether it's based on salary or different agencies—and increase your chances of success.
What are government jobs?
Government jobs are positions within government agencies at a national, state, or local level. Employees of government agencies may be involved in public policies or maintenance of public services, such as libraries, post offices, museums, and public schools. Therefore, there are opportunities for a broad range of education and specialization levels.
How to get a government job: Your step-by-step guide
Applying for government jobs is somewhat similar to applying for other positions—you’ll still need a resume and references. But there are key differences, especially in resume format and potential advantages based on your background.
Here's our best advice on how to apply for government jobs, with a breakdown of what to do before, during, and after the application process.
1. Bookmark federal job search websites
First and foremost, bookmark USAJOBS.gov on your browser. Most federal job openings are listed there, along with details about duties, minimum qualifications, basic benefits, and application instructions.
Browse agency and professional field pages on the site to find positions in your area of interest and to learn the level of experience required, the salary range, and the location. You’ll also want to check individual agency websites for more information on the work and missions of federal organizations.
2. Find roles that match both your qualifications and interests
In other industries, it may be worth applying for a job you’re not qualified for, or at least not entirely. But in the federal job market, you can’t fudge it—if you don’t meet the listed qualifications, you won’t be considered.
Start by identifying roles that align with your experience, education, and background. Then, narrow it down based on your interests: What agencies, locations, and types of work appeal to you? This way, you’ll focus your search on jobs you're both qualified for and genuinely excited about.
3. Check if you have a special status
If you're a disabled veteran or served on active duty during certain time periods or military campaigns, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference. This does not guarantee that you’ll get the job, but it gives those who have served a distinct advantage over similarly qualified non-veterans.
Returned Peace Corps volunteers as well as AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers also get special preference during the year following successful completion of service. Agencies can interview and select qualified former volunteers on the spot without engaging in steps that are part of the normal hiring process.
4. Craft a multi-page, detailed resume
A one-page resume is typically the way to go for a regular job application, but a federal resume should be more detailed and run two to five pages. Yes, you read that correctly.
The Bureau of International Labor Affairs specifically advises candidates not to trim important information just to shorten the resume: “A good federal resume should clearly outline your key work, volunteer experiences, academic accomplishments as well as extra-curricular activities. It should also highlight the unique skills that set you apart and make you uniquely qualified for the position.”
For example, in the work experience section, you're required to provide the following details:
- Prior employer's name and address and any positions temporarily held
- Average number of hours worked per week (or “part-time” or “full-time”)
- Salary or wage earned
- Supervisor's name, address, telephone number, and whether your most recent supervisor may be contacted
- Any relevant volunteer or National Service experience
When it comes to personal and contact details, you'll need to provide your full name, mailing address, home email, phone numbers, and country of citizenship if you aren't originally from the U.S.
Candidates that are entitled to a hiring preference have to provide additional information to confirm their eligibility:
- Veterans: Must upload supporting documentation, such as a DD214 form or a statement of service (if still on active duty), SF-15, or a disability rating letter of 30% or more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair, if applicable
- Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers: Must provide a Description of Service (DOS) to claim non-competitive eligibility
- Person with disabilities (Schedule A): Must provide proof of disability issued by a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal or state agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits
Note: This is a snapshot of some of the required information for applying to federal government jobs. For the complete list of requirements and resume formatting recommendations, check the full list provided by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs.
5. Tailor your resume for each job
Rather than submit the same resume for every federal position, craft new ones to match your experiences to the specific requirements outlined in separate job announcements. Most importantly, add keywords and phrases used in the job description to your resume to emphasize that you meet the criteria.
Hint: The same use of keywords should be also included when answering online application questions. And don’t be modest! Give the agency representative a reason to pull your resume out of that huge pile and make you one of the top candidates.
To make your life easier, USAJOBS give applicants two options: upload a resume you have ready or build a resume within the platform, which will provide you guidance of what to write in each section. It's worth noting that the platform doesn't update your resume automatically, so you'll have to tailor it for different opportunities manually. When in doubt, refer to the USAJOBS guide on how to use the resume building tool.
6. Dot all of the i’s and cross all the t’s
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed—no exceptions. It’s critical that you completely fill out the online job application and questionnaires. You must also supply transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples when those are part of the required supporting documents.
Most importantly, submit your application on time. Agencies will absolutely not accept late applications. This also goes to show your commitment, attention to detail, and ability to follow clear instructions.
7. Write a cover letter at your own discretion
Cover letters are not mandatory for a federal government job application and, as stated by the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, will not be used to verify experience. But you can submit one if you believe it will provide relevant additional information and strengthen your candidacy.
Because it's not a required document, there isn't one official government-provided writing guide for cover letters. So you might have to follow the standard cover letter format used on applications in the private sector and use your own discretion to determine what to include in it.
If you have interest in a specific agency, it's worth looking if they specifically have any guidelines for cover letters. For example, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a pretty straightforward guide with instructions on what to write in each paragraph and cover letter samples.
8. Prepare thoroughly to the interview
If you’re called in for an interview, you’re on a short list of those being seriously considered. However, you still may be among a dozen folks who are vying for one slot. Interviews are the time to sell yourself and set yourself apart.
Discussing your specific qualifications is only one piece of the puzzle. It can’t be stressed enough: Hiring managers want to see that you’re committed to the agency’s mission. You should prepare a short speech explaining why you would be a perfect choice based on your specific skills and experiences.
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9. Be patient and persistent
The federal hiring process can be slow and full of hurdles. Some agencies are better than others, and a number have special hiring flexibilities for critical positions that allow them to go outside the normal process and make quicker decisions.
But in truth, applying for federal jobs requires patience and persistence—and you may be competing against hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants. You can track the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS.gov account or from within the agency system that you used to submit the application.
If there is radio silence for several weeks after the submission period has closed, email the contact person listed on the job announcement. Following up by phone is OK, too. You may not always get a response, but it’s worth trying to determine the state of play.
FAQs
How long does a federal job background check take?
It could take a few days to several weeks—there's no standard period for all agencies, as employees who deal with sensitive information might need a longer background check than the ones who don't, for example.
How to get a federal job with no experience?
Aim for typical entry-level positions within your level of education (e.g. associate's degree > administrative assistant or secretary). You should also try to get some hands-on experience before applying by doing internships or volunteering for local government events or public service initiatives.
How long does it take to get a federal job?
There's no maximum or minimum time. It all depends on competition, the hiring agency, your qualifications (experience, skills, education), interview performance, and references. Refer to the USAJOBS Help Center for further information.
Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.