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The federal government is one of the largest employers in the United States. Employees of the Federal Government serve their fellow citizens in different ways. Federal employees play an important role in:
- Defending the nation
- Ensuring the everyday safety of citizens on land, air and water
- Protecting the environment
- Working on progressive research to prevent and cure diseases
- Extensive exploration of unknown frontiers, as in space research
A US federal government job is demanding, yet rewarding in more ways than one. If the Federal Government is to function effectively and efficiently, it needs the best and brightest minds. In a Federal government job, people must share their knowledge, skills and energy for the betterment of the nation. US Federal Government jobs have a high level of employment security. The pay package is competitive and there are numerous health and retirement benefits. These include thrift savings plan, health benefits program, group life insurance, family-friendly flexibilities, relocation bonus and many more. Training and development is an integral part of the workforce. A federal government employee also has many opportunities for advancement. A government job gives the satisfaction of making a difference in others' lives in a big way.
Even the federal government has not been exempt from downsizing, elimination of programs, budget cutting and base closures. Because of this, fewer employees were being hired. But with the existing workforce maturing and retiring, more opportunities can be expected. The US Federal government has embarked on a new succession-planning program, one that would attract and retain valued employees.
How to Apply for a Government Job
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides guidance and assistance for information on federal employment. Federal job opportunities are posted on the federal employment information center at www.usajobs.opm.gov. The site provides general federal job opportunity information and is updated everyday.
The site contains:
- An online resume builder - helps to create a resume online
- Job announcements - contains deadlines to send in applications, job profile, salary, other requirements
- Job applications and forms - apply online or print out
- Employment information
- The resume must contain details like job information, personal information, education, work experience, and other qualifications.
The recruitment process is streamlined, since the government agencies receive hundreds of applications for a single vacancy. Ensuring that the application is complete in all respects, and sending it on time is the first step.
Once the applications are logged into a database, they are reviewed to determine if the candidate meets the basic requirements of the position. The details of qualified candidates are entered in a roster prepared by the OPM and is sent to the specific hiring official. The official then decides on the candidates to be interviewed. The hiring official has the final word, and the entire process takes an average of 3 to 6 months.
The government has a Selective Placement Program. This program includes special appointing authorities for people with disabilities. Federal officials can use these authorities when considering certain people with disabilities.
The federal government uses a label, called a job series, to categorize jobs. This label is used to announce a federal job opportunity. For example, the series for building management is 1176; environmental protection is 0028; security administration is 0080 and so on.
US Military Job
The US military is the largest and most influential employer in the nation, even perhaps in the Western hemisphere. It is composed of:
- The Air Force
- The Army
- The Navy
- The Marines
- The Coast Guard
A career in the military can be rewarding on many levels, whether you join for a few years or make a lifetime commitment to serving in the Armed Forces. Before joining, it is essential to understand that a stint in the military is not like having a regular job. One cannot quit the service at anytime, though the military can throw a person out anytime. Disobeying orders can have serious consequences.
Statistics show that about 40% of recruits will never complete their full service term. This is largely because recruits don't completely understand what a military tenure entails. It is important to decide on the service one wants to join based on one's interests.
Once enlisted, a significant amount of time will be spent away from the shores of home. For instance, about 40% of Navy personnel are assigned to a ship or submarine and 30 to 40% of those will be deployed to sea. In the Air Force, personnel may be deployed to countries like Iraq, South Korea, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Army personnel may be deployed to Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. Marines may find themselves deployed almost anywhere in the planet.
All services offer enlistment incentives. These incentives are used to attract qualified recruits and sometimes, to choose a specific, hard-to-fill job. The Army and the Navy are the only services offering less than four years enlistment options. Most services offer college funds for designated jobs. Other benefits include tuition assistance, college loan repayment schemes, enlistment / re-enlistment bonuses, basic pay, basic allowance for housing, and basic allowance for subsistence, and others benefits based on the service, rank and duty.
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