Careers >> Browse Articles >> 10 Steps to a Government Job
Step 1: Learn about Government Careers
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. has long symbolized representative government in America.
Kyle Stone | GovCentral Contributing Writer
Many people have a preconceived notion of what it’s like to work for the government based on sensational clips from the news and Hollywood movies. But what is it really like as an employee of the US Government? How many employees work for the recently created Homeland Security Department? What degree do you need to be highly qualified for the Department of Energy?
There are hundreds of career paths within government work; we’re here to help you discover the right one for you.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
● Types of agencies: an overview of the major federal departments, the executive branches of the Department of Defense, and independent agencies
● What they do: a quick look at the missions and job functions of each major component
● Where they are: a closer look at the environment and culture of each different department.
● Who they are hiring: a break-down of what specialists are currently needed.
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/1889-federal-department-overview”>Federal Department Overview
Provides a detailed summary of each of the 15 executive Cabinet departments, including labor statistics, a breakdown of popular careers , and information on current job trends
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/1903-independent-agency-overview”>Independent Agency Overview
The independent agencies of the Government are just as important as the executive departments. Learn more about each one.
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/benefits/1756-federal-wage-system-overview-facts”>Overview of Federal Wage System
Our walk through of the Federal Wage System will help you understand the vicissitudes of government payouts. Read on to clue yourself into what type of pay you can expect, and how increased experience will fatten your wallet.
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/402-largest-federal-departments”>Largest Departments + Independents
Check out profiles for the five largest federal departments here.
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/news/articles/10648-top-ranked-federal-agencies-to-work-for”>Top Ranked Federal Agencies to Work For
Finding out which federal agencies make their employees the happiest. Here you’ll find a list of the top ranked federal agencies as compiled by the Partnership for Public Service & Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation
<a href= “http://govcentral.monster.com/discussions/1-considering-government-jobs”>Considering Uncle Sam Discussion Forums
Got more specific questions about government agencies, or how you can position yourself most strategically for getting hired? You’ll gets answers to your questions here.
| Previous Step | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Table of Contents | 2: Become Familiar with the Hiring Process |
VickiBarone
19 days ago
2 comments
I would like to work for the local government in Goshen, NY. I have applyed for Grants Administrator I 25-044, Parks Regional Grants Administrator 25-045, & Lottery Marketing Rep I
25-252. I also applied for Labor Services Representative Trainee I at Dept of Labor at Orange
Works in Middletown, NY. I feel I have alot of qualifications for these positions. I am a very
honest, dependable worker who loves helping all people and can speak to a group or large
group of people. I think it would be a very interesting position and that I would be a good fit.
I always vote, as I did last night. I read all Government articles. I also wish to be a part of the
Government.
cynmanuel
2 months ago
2 comments
I would like to work in the administrative area of government. My interests include customer service related work with interest also in accounting. The Department of Treasury sounds like a good fit.
cindy
Zijuzijazijana
8 months ago
16 comments
I would like to enjoy what I do,so I would pick most likely a housing sector of government jobs.I like real estate,management and marketing.If I would find a job which combines all of it I would definitely be happy.
Eva
wachrist
9 months ago
2 comments
would like a career where I could make a significant difference helping others succeed or at least seeing there ability to do so. I would like every single American who abides the law to be able to support their families without government support. Let the free markets and the economy gain what it needs to. Disipate greed and disalloy special interest groups from taking away from others. I wish that We the people could come together on all fronts of this American continent without distubing parties who seem ununified. Martin Luther King had a dream and I admire his devotion towards that dream. I have a wish, a very small wish that I could do my part to make this country a little better, be a good neighbor and a good example for many generations to follow. This may not be the platform for my simple wish but I said what I need to, thank you John Mayer.
imran519851
about 1 year ago
6 comments
would like a career where I could make a significant difference helping others succeed or at least seeing there ability to do so. I would like every single American who abides the law to be able to support their families without government support. Let the free markets and the economy gain what it needs to. Disipate greed and disalloy special interest groups from taking away from others. I wish that We the people could come together on all fronts of this American continent without distubing parties who seem ununified. Martin Luther King had a dream and I admire his devotion towards that dream. I have a wish, a very small wish that I could do my part to make this country a little better, be a good neighbor and a good example for many generations to follow. This may not be the platform for my simple wish but I said what I need to, thank you John Mayer.
rleeg
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I would like a career where I could make a significant difference helping others succeed or at
least seeing there ability to do so. I would like every single American who abides the law to be able to support their families without government support. Let the free markets and the
economy gain what it needs to. Disipate greed and disalloy special interest groups from taking away from others. I wish that We the people could come together on all fronts of this American continent without distubing parties who seem ununified. Martin Luther King had a dream and I admire his devotion towards that dream. I have a wish, a very small wish that I could do my part to make this country a little better, be a good neighbor and a good example for many generations to follow. This may not be the platform for my simple wish but I said what I need to, thank you John Mayer.