UMUC

Career Services

The Federal Job Search

Finding a position within the federal government is a very long process that takes a little more work than just submitting a cover letter and resume. Below, we will provide you with information to assist you in your search and application process.

Learn more about:

The Federal Hiring Process

  1. Job Analysis – This starts before the job candidate becomes involved. A manager analyzes the responsibilities of the position, and skills required for the position and develops a job description. This job description will outline the knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed by any potential applicant.

  2. Recruiting – The manager works with an HR specialist to broadcast the opening through the appropriate channels. Those channels may be Web sites (USAJobs.gov) or other resources like universities and associations related to the position. All government positions do not have to be posted in USAJobs.gov. They could instead be posted on individual agencies' Web sites.

  3. Screening Applications – The agency human resources specialist, or in some cases, an automated “expert” system, evaluates the application against the position's qualification requirements and determines eligibility, and in some cases, ranking relative to other candidates.

  4. Referral – The human resources office issues a list of qualified candidates to the selecting manager.

  5. Selection – A hiring manager may select from among a pool of qualified candidates.

  6. Interview – The hiring manager will interview the candidates selected.

  7. Job Offer – If selected an offer will be made and a start date will be determined. An applicant can negotiate salary with the federal government but cannot negotiate grade.

If Not Selected – If you are not selected during any of the steps of the process continue applying, there are many positions in the federal government that will may fit your knowledge skills and abilities.

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The Application Package

When applying for government positions do not deviate from what is asked for in the job description. If it is stated that KSA's are optional, provide them anyway. Below are the typical things that are required when applying for a federal job.

  • •Resume – This will be different than the one that you use when applying for private industry jobs. Visit USAJobs.gov and that Web site will take you through a tutorial. You can also find information in our online Resume Guidebook, or you can visit NetLibrary, where you can search on the book title Federal Resume Guidebook. If you have any questions about using NetLibrary, please contact the UMUC Library Staff.

  • KSA's – Knowledge, skills and abilities essays. For further information regarding writing KSA's, please go to our webpage Writing KSA's

  • Cover letter – For further information regarding writing cover letters, please go to Writing Cover Letters.

  • Transcripts (maybe)

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Where to Find a Federal Job Listings

The majority of federal positions are posted on www.usajobs.gov but not all of them. It is very important to visit the webpages of the various agencies because you may find additional opportunities. If you are looking for entry level positions for new college graduates then please visit the website www.studentjobs.gov .

For further information on the federal job search, please visit Making the Difference.org.

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How to Find a Federal Internship

Many federal internships are posted on www.studentjobs.gov but once again not all of them. It is very important to visit the webpages of the various agencies because you may find additional opportunities.

For further information on finding a federal internship, please visit Making the Difference.org Another good resource that lists a number of internships is http://www.watt.house.gov/constituentservices.asp?ARTICLE3305=3333

If you have any further questions and would like to speak with a Career Counselor, please fill out our Talk to a Career Counselor online form.

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