There is no larger employer in the world than the United States Government. Positions are available on a near regular basis, despite recent cutbacks. Not only are there opportunities domestically, but employment outside the United States is a possibility on military bases, overseas embassies and various departments of defense and state agencies. There are four basic types of positions within the federal government: 1) The Career Position: is the one to which most federal workers ultimately subscribe. 2) Career–Conditional: This position is of a probationary nature, lasting three years, after which you become eligible for a career classification. 3) Term: These are positions filled for a finite period of time. Generally, an agency may be given a project or research study lasting for a set period of time (one, two, three years, for example), after which a report is due. 4) Temporary: These positions are less than one year in length and do not carry any special privileges or benefits like health insurance. However, work well done is generally remembered. As you can see, these are stepping–stone types of positions. This is the way the federal government works. Within this structure is a pre–programmed format within which one moves slowly up the ranks. There is little room for diversity and flexibility within this framework, but there is a certain amount of stability and security the farther along you go. There is also the chance for part–time work on either a temporary or term basis and that information would be listed along with the posting of the position itself. The controlling organization is the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM fills the available federal positions with few exceptions. They are the clearing house for applications to which they compare your qualifications with the listed positions. Or, if your application is to be put on record only OPM reviews it with an eye towards agency suitability and places your name on a list for further reference as positions come up. When a job opening then becomes available, this list is consulted for potential names to be sent directly to the department looking for workers. A number of factors are used in qualifying people and your success will depend as much on your experience as it will on compensation available, number of people applying for the position; and number of openings. OPM’s lists do fill up and there are times when they are so plentiful they take no further applications. They will then invite you to contact them at a later date. Your best bet at this point is to contact the Federal Job Information Center. This guide will get you ready and in the right frame of mind to make the call and help you: - Finding an available job - Adhere to certain rules and requirements - Give you knowledge about job grading and advancement - Give you employment sources - Information you need on the Federal job banks - And much, MUCH more! This just scratches the surface of what’s in this guide. If you've ever been interested in a getting a job with the Federal Government, but didn't know where to begin, then this book will get started on the right foot. It contains everything you need to know about getting a job with them sooner than you ever thought today!
