Excluding the military and the US Postal Service, the federal government has about 90,000 jobs to fill each year. If you live in Texas and are aspiring to render services to your country by being a government employee, you should be up to the challenge because it takes about 6 to 18 months to search and apply for a federal job. The time frame may seem long and daunting to most people, but if you’re successful, you will reap the rewards of your hard work and diligence.
According to David Urban, the President of the American Continental Group, which is a top bipartisan government affairs and strategic consulting firm, most people find that going through this rigorous process is worth the effort and wait because federal jobs include healthcare, sick days, vacation leaves, life insurance, pensions, training, and many other perks. David Urban also said there is no need to pay any agency to get into a federal job. Here under are critical steps which you must do in order to get a government job in Texas:
Familiarize Yourself with Government Jobs
Understand your skills and know that three federal job categories. There’s competitive service, the largest federal service with the usual jobs only in the government setting. There is the except service, which offer positions outside the traditional government jobs that needs clearance like intelligence agencies. And finally, the senior executive service, which is the smallest service, at the executive level just below the Presidential appointees.
It is important to note that USPS fills their jobs outside the federal process. You must also be a US citizen to qualify for all government jobs. Give a detailed federal resume, which is longer than your usual civilian resume. You are encouraged to highlight all your accomplishments.
Create a Profile in a Legitimate Government Portal
You must apply through this portal at the USAJOBS.gov to be even considered for a government job. For specific jobs in Texas, checkout this portal. This will be used for all your applications, so you must make sure to double check all the information is accurate on the resume files you upload to the site. Your profile must be completed before you apply to any jobs on the site. Job announcements are posted daily on the site, so check your notices frequently.
Search for the Right Jobs
The portal uses your profile information to filter and match your job search results. Thus, it is for the best to create an account before you begin your search. You can still search for jobs even if you didn’t make an account, you just can’t apply for it. Search is narrowed through pay grade, job series, agency, salary, and more.
Focus on Your Qualifications
The federal government uses a General Schedule pay system, where you are assigned to a pay grade. You can search using this tool, but keep in mind that you must focus on your qualifications instead of the amount because you may be attracted to a higher pay grade but if you don’t have the skills to match it, you won’t get accepted for the position.
Review the Job Announcement
Read the announcement thoroughly because this will show if you are eligible to meet the requirements some need certain certifications, college degrees, and hours of service rendered. For each job, there are various specific qualifications that must be met. Read the “who may apply” section to see things in black and white.
Apply with Careful Consideration
Competition is very fierce, so apply the moment you see a job you like. Don’t waste time if you don’t meet requirements from the get-go. Be sure to meet all the requirements to be considered for the job. Ascertain the all documents are submitted and you have your referrals in place.
Ace the Interview Process
Finally, note that you may be called in for a panel, in-person, video, or phone interview. All federal interviews are structures so questions are asked in the same order. Prepare for this phase as this is a huge determinant for getting your government dream job. If they are happy with your interview, expect favorable results. If you pass, you will be asked to secure your clearance and be given a start date. Do well in your job so you can continue to prosper in a rewarding government relations career in Texas