Note: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Searching and applying for positions among the many federal government agencies can be overwhelming for those who have had limited or no exposure to the workings of government. Fortunately, abundant resources are available to guide an applicant through the process.

The most comprehensive source for federal government employment opportunities is the USAJobs Internet site at http://www.usajobs.gov/. USAJobs is the official employment site of the U.S. Federal Government and lists thousands of openings. Potential applicants can search for vacancies on the basis of multiple criteria, including agency name, job title, location, job category, vacancy announcement number, and general schedule (GS) level. In addition to serving as a vacancy database, USAJobs provides a centralized resource for information related to the hiring process, employment benefits, and career exploration.

The GS system sets the pay scale for employees who work in positions classified in the administrative, clerical, professional, and technical occupational categories and includes 15 grade levels, GS-1 through GS-15. Each grade level has a salary range of 10 steps. Employees can advance to a higher step within their grade if they meet time and performance requirements.

Job seekers also can gain government work experience through other mechanisms. For example, those just completing their graduate education have opportunities to work at different federal agencies as interns or fellows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) advertise internship and fellowship opportunities for postgraduates through the Association of Schools of Public Health (http://www.asph.org) and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research Internet sites (http://www.atpm.org/). Additionally applicants can search the employment online sites of contracting agencies the federal government uses to supplement its workforce. Keep in mind that although fellowships and contract positions might be located within a government agency, these positions are not considered federal employment. However, these positions provide excellent government, networking, and training experiences that might prove valuable in applying for future positions.

Your résumé and how well you respond to the questions used to describe your experience and qualifications for the positions for which you choose to apply are critical in garnering the attention of hiring officials. Résumés for government positions require more detailed information than a standard résumé. USAJobs Résumé Builder walks users through a series of questions to build a résumé that contains the required elements for all government agencies. In addition, USAJobs' Ten Tips for Letting Federal Employers Know Your Worth (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei64.asp) serves as an optimal source for tips in résumé writing and responding to these questions. Applicants should print out these questions before filling out the online application to allow time to think and prepare a response before answering the questions online. Another tip when writing your résumé and answering the additional questions is to include the same keywords used in the description of your desired position. Keywords are terms used across vacancy announcements that pinpoint the important knowledge and skills required for a position. In contrast, exclusion of these keywords will greatly lessen the chances that a recruiter will be able to identify you as a qualified applicant.

Applicants should be certain to read carefully the How To Apply section of any posted vacancy, because different positions might require such supplemental information as official college transcripts or copies of other professional certifications. Another recommendation is for applicants to keep multiple official copies of college transcripts and other certifications on hand when applying for government positions. The process to obtain transcripts varies from one academic institution to another and can take longer than an applicant expects. Vacancies are often only available for 5–10 business days; therefore, having these required documents on hand can prove valuable when time is limited.

Remember, if you have made it to the interview stage, your skills and experience probably meet the required elements of the position, and the interview is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other qualified applicants. Your goal is to emphasize and expand upon the information provided in your résumé and position questions to highlight qualities that cannot be assessed by your résumé alone.

Interviewing for government positions is similar to interviewing for any other position. The usual interview tips and advice of being prepared to give a short synopsis about yourself and your experience and displaying confidence and knowledge of the agency or department remain true. Keep in mind that the majority of positions within the government require working closely with others as a team. Be sure to highlight any experience you have working in a team environment, especially if team members were from different disciplines or areas or even if that experience occurred during your academic training. Government managers and supervisors are not only looking for competent employees but also applicants who demonstrate the potential for growth and leadership.