Federal Employment Overview

The Federal Government is the nation's largest employer providing jobs to over 2 million Americans.

There are opportunities for virtually every interest. Individuals pursue Federal service in order to make a difference in the lives of other Americans, influence the direction of the country, take advantage of rapid advancement opportunities, and enjoy the job security and competitive compensation and benefit packages. Most employees (85%) work outside of the Washington, D. C. area. A substantial number of job openings will arise over the next decade as many Federal workers are expected to retire. The resources and links on this website are designed to help you learn how to search and apply for Federal government internships and full-time positions.

Partnership for Public Service Webinars

This is a series of PowerPoint presentations that provide helpful information on Finding Your Federal Dream Job or Internship, applying to the position that's right for you and knowing your next steps. 
 

Starting the Application Process

The Federal job search and application process is different than seeking employment in the private or nonprofit sectors. Federal resumes will require additional information and you may need to answer questionnaires and complete online forms. In addition, the hiring process is slower than that of the private sector. Despite the differences, the Federal government is taking steps to streamline its process.

The best place to begin a search for Federal employment is USAJobs.gov.

USAJobs.gov provides access to more than 30,000 job listings daily as well as applications, forms, and employment fact sheets. Job postings are updated hourly and are available to job seekers in a variety of formats to ensure accessibility for those with differing physical and technological capabilities. You can search for jobs by location, job category, and agency and you can complete and submit your application directly to the agency online.
 

Federal Jobs by College Major

To help you explore and choose the right career field, the Office of Personnel Management prepared a table that groups Federal jobs which are often filled by college graduates with appropriate academic majors.
 

Student Jobs

The following USAJobs.gov website will provide you with information about part-time, summer and internship positions in the Federal government.

Current Internship and Pre-Graduation Opportunities
 

Federal Resume Information

The Office of Personnel Management has created one resume format that can include all of the crucial data required for Federal applications into one uniform format. That product is called USAJOBS Resume Builder. Instead of creating multiple resumes in different formats, you can build your resume once and be ready for all job opportunities. (It is still possible to upload a resume in any format.) Your resume must contain the information required by the job opportunity announcement. Be sure to review the 'How to Apply' section of the job opportunity announcement very carefully.
Check out resume and application tips at the following links:

Helpful Resources

The following two websites are independent nonprofit organizations that contain very useful and current information about Federal government careers.

  • Making the Difference
    Making the Difference is an independent source of information for Federal jobs and internships including where to find them and how to get them.
  • Partnership for Public Service
    The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to revitalize our federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works.

Foreign Service Officer Exam

 Steps to becoming a Foreign Service Officer 
 

Individuals With Disabilities

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities