Consumer Focus

Federal Jobs-How to Find Them and Apply Online

Thanks to the Internet, if you're interested in Federal employment, the job descriptions are right at your fingertips. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal government's human resources manager, uses the Web to provide information on jobs available worldwide. You can search for a job according to your education, where you live, the agencies you're interested in, and more.

Scams

You've seen the ads-"Just $19.95 to get the inside scoop on how to get a Federal or Postal Service job." Many of those ads use names that sound like those of Federal agencies or Postal Service offices, like "U.S. Agency for Career Advancement" or the "Postal Employment Service." When you see these ads, read them carefully. Fraudulent companies may lie about the availability of Federal jobs in your area or guarantee you a high score on postal entrance examinations. Federal agencies never charge application fees or guarantee that an applicant will be hired.

Other Resources

This is just a brief overview. For more information on Federal government and Postal Service employment or helpful information for job seekers in general, check out these resources on the World Wide Web:

• Changing Your Job
• Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters
• Employment Interviewing

• Publications available for ordering from the Employment Page

Websites*:

• The Job Page
• Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor
• Occupational Outlook Quarterly
• Federal Trade Commission
• Office of Personnel Management
• United States Postal Service

*If you click on these links, you are leaving our website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. We are not responsible for the content of these websites.

For more information on other popular consumer issues check out our Consumer Focus Archive.

Federal

The Federal government offers a wide range of opportunities for people with varying skill levels across the occupational spectrum, everything from student jobs to executive-level management positions, from bricklayers to soil scientists, in fields from accounting to zoology. Currently, the government is especially interested in hiring individuals with experience in national security and readiness for emergencies. There are special opportunities for veterans and for individuals in particular fields such as attorneys. Of course, like any other employer, the Federal government expects its employees to be well qualified for the jobs they hold. And applicants generally must be U.S. citizens.

Over the last few years, the Federal government has made the application process a lot easier. Most jobs no longer require you to take a "civil service test" or complete multiple forms. In many cases, all that's required is your résumé or an optional form and a supplemental experience statement. If you do need to submit some optional forms, OPM provides them for you for free to complete via its web site. For some jobs, you may be able to submit your résumé electronically.

Postal Jobs

On August 12, 1970, President Nixon signed into law legislation transforming the federal Post Office Department into the United States Postal Service, an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. If the U.S. Postal Service were a private company, it would be the 10th largest in the country.

When people think about Postal Service jobs, most may think of letter carriers, desk clerks, or mail handlers. However, the Postal Service also hires marketing specialists, attorneys, information systems specialists, and other professionals. Information on many Postal Service vacancies can be found on the Internet, and you can download for free the forms you'll need to complete in order to apply. However, job information for positions that require testing, such as clerk, carrier, and mail handler cannot be accessed at the Postal Service web site. Job opportunities, testing dates and eligibility requirements for these positions may be found by contacting the human resources office at your local post office.

We will not retain or use this information for any other purpose.