Federal Government Careers

Working for Uncle Sam!

The Hiring Process: how it works

The hiring process used by the federal government is similar to how civilian employers find employees, but different in several key aspects.  The federal government is empowered to create our laws and has established a set of laws that govern how its agencies and departments hire employees.  These laws were developed to ensure that all governmental positions are filled by individuals who have the best talent regardless of race, creed, color, national origin or religion.  The federal hiring process can best be understood by examining its two forms of employment:

Competitive Civil Service

Approximately 80% of all federal positions are filled through a "competitive examination" process.  With this system your qualifications are determined from a review of your educational background, prior work experience and other qualifications (as determined by the hiring agency or department).  In some cases, an examination may be required to further assess your suitability.  This system solely relies on your talent when selecting an employee, and not on other factors (including illegal factors) sometimes found in civilian hiring.

Excepted Civil Service

Approximately 20% of all federal positions are filled through an "excepted" process.  This system allows each federal agency or department to set its own criteria for selection.  This process was developed to meet the special hiring needs of certain agencies and departments, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

How to find and apply for jobs:

[1] To find advertised employment openings, visit the following websites:

USAJOBS.GOV

the website of the agency or department where you would like to work.

[2] Apply to the positions you prefer.  In most cases, you can apply by simply filling out an online application form.

At the USAJOBS.GOV website, you may post up to 5 different versions of your resume and forward any version electronically to any position advertised.

Also at the USAJOBS.GOV website, you can set up an "automatic job alert" system whereby you can be notified via email when certain jobs notices are posted.

What happens next?

Your application will be evaluated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Human Resource Department for all federal positions, and/or the agency or department that is offering the position.  If it is determined that you have the necessary qualifications, you will be called in for any interview.  You may also be asked, in select cases, to take an examination to demonstrate proof of your ability to carry out the position.