Political Science Career Blog

Veterans hold more government positions than they do jobs in the private sector. In fact, 24% of all federal employees are veterans. The government has developed programs to ensure that veterans are honored for their service with government job opportunities.

For example, there are 2 special-emphasis civil service  hiring programs known as Veterans Preference and the Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA). Not only do veterans benefit from programs like these but spouses and dependents do too. Under the Military Spouse Preference Program and the Family Member Preference Program, they can receive hiring preferences for government jobs as well if the spouse or parent is an active duty personnel.

If retiring from the military, most are only in their late thirties or early forties, and have several productive years left before they are of legal retirement age. Seeking employment in the federal sector after military service is a natural progression. Often this is because the work environment in government bureaucracies mirrors the regulations in the military.

There are several benefits to progressing from military service into federal occupations. For instance, the time spent in the military counts towards federal retirement. The employee will usually start with 4 weeks of vacation time or more depending on how many years he/she served on active duty.

Ever since the Civil War, veterans of the armed forces have been given a degree of preference for federal jobs. Personnel management is clearly looking for the best applicants. However, the official must have sufficient reason for passing over a Veterans’ Preference candidate and offering the job to someone else lower on the list.

When seeking a government position, there are two types of interviews a job candidate encounters. First, an informational interview is performed by the person seeking the job. It is used as a networking tool to make connections and explore different job openings. Second, an employment interview is initiated by the employer. This serves to assess a potential employee’s qualifications.

The interview process in any field can be intimidating. In order to be better prepared, it is advisable to thoroughly understand the interview process. There are several different types of interviews. Unfortunately, there is no way to know in advance what type of interview format will be presented. Therefore, it is prudent to be familiar with each one in order to know more of what to expect.

Types of Interviews

• Screening Interview: This is considered a preliminary interview which is conducted either in person or over the phone. The purpose is to determine whether the job candidate has enough qualifications to merit a subsequent interview.

• Structured Interview: This type of interview is very typical and follows a traditional interview format. The interviewers questions are predetermined and are formulated upon the premise of finding the “ideal” candidate who meets all the specific requirements.

• Unstructured Interview: Unlike in a structured interview, the interviewer is not confined to cover specific areas during the interview.

• Multiple Interviews: A series of interviews are held so the candidate can meet several representatives of the organization. After the round of interviews has been completed, the interviewers meet together to concur about which candidate is most qualified.

• Stress Interview: Particular questions are asked to see how a candidate reacts under stress. These questions attempt to make the candidate feel uncomfortable or upset.

• Targeted Interview: This format is similar to a structured interview. However, a targeted interview aims at key qualifications to test and see if the candidate will be successful.

• Situational Interview: This often forms only a portion of an interview. The candidate is presented with problems that may be encountered while on the job. The candidate’s responses to these situations are measured.

• Group Interview: A candidate is interviewed by two or more agency or company representatives at a time.

Often, people who are passionate about defending people’s rights will enter a career in law. Consequently, because of their empathy for others and a love of debate, they will use their degree in a public service field. Most public service organizations that are seeking to further the rights of a particular group will require a lawyer’s expertise and services.

This may include working in an advocacy role withing a public service organization. In addition, coalitions of organizations might run campaigns encouraging voting for a particular initiative. At the federal, state and local level, governments need people to be equal opportunity specialists and complaints processors. Claims investigators and enforcement positions usually require a  law degree, along with prosecution and judicial appeals positions.

Protecting Civil Rights at the Federal Level

There are a number of agencies within the federal government that exist to protect people’s rights.

• The Office for Civil rights within the Department of Education seeks to prevent discrimination issues in schools.

• The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity within the Department of Housing and Urban Development seeks to secure people’s access to housing selections.

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission carries through federal employment laws against discrimination.

• The Commission of Civil Rights considers complaints concerning voting right and collects information.

Protecting Civil Rights at the State Level

At the state level, there are Civil Rights Commissions designed to focus on similar issues as federal agencies. They also provide training for the public on how to eliminate discrimination in a particular line of work. This includes everything from training landlords to stop housing discrimination to training management to stop hiring discrimination.

Many people are drawn to jobs in the public sector because they have a strong sense of justice and want to be a stimulus for change on a significant level. There are opportunities to defend people’s rights to education, to fair work compensation and healthy work environments and to civil rights.

Often, people committed to serving in the public sector are passionate about integrity and equality. These types of qualities are ideal for people holding advocacy positions. According to the dictionary’s definition, an advocate is a “person supporting an idea or cause publicly.” Interestingly, the word advocat is french for lawyer.

In a sense, a lawyer serves as an advocate of their client’s position in court. Advocates in the public sector have a wide-range of job responsibilities. Often, advocates are employed at nonprofit organizations.

Advocate Job Responsibilities

Obviously, these responsibilities vary depending on the position and requirements of the nonprofit organization. Community advocates are also known as  field organizers, campaign managers, or community organizers.

In general, advocates may be called upon to…

• conduct community outreach

• offer advocacy training to community members

• organize awareness campaigns which may start by simply going door to door

• recruit and organize volunteers

• develop and implement grassroots campaigns

• create fundraisers to finance a cause

This broad scope of responsibilities requires someone who is extremely outgoing, persistent and passionate about a particular cause. An advocate may also act as a lobbyist. However, nonprofits that file under the 501 (c)(3) tax exemption are not allowed to participate in direct lobbying.

A lobbyist represents the views of an organization. They seek to raise the elected officials’ awareness about their cause. Some nonprofits may work with a separtely incorporated lobbying affiliate to enable them to influence legislative policies indirectly. Whether an advocate or a lobbyist, these career paths are viable catalysts for change.

Having an outstanding resume to present to a potential employer will set any job applicant apart from the others. Resumes for federal government jobs are unique. Resumes for a federal government job position are very different from resumes used in the private sector.

The federal resume writing rules are very distinct. Following them carefully will help ensure an interview. Federal resumes require more deail and depth. The government is interested in the particulars of the applicant’s skills, duties and accomplishments.

To assist potential applicants, the Federal government has created a resume template that automatically generates one in a standard format and font. They want to level the playing field so all applicants are assisted in communicating their background in the required manner.

Assessing Your GS-Level

The General Schedule (GS) is a federal pay system geared toward white-collar jobs. There are 15 levels noted as GS-1 all the way to GS-15. The applicant’s GS-level depends on a variety of factors, from education and experience to the job itself.

The GS-level equivalent may be difficult to assess if the applicant is moving from the private sector to the federal government job. The GS-level will be stated in the job announcement. The applicant can confidently apply for the same pay level if they’ve completed the outlined duties of the job in consideration in the past.  Or, if he has the assurance that he could perform them in the future and his resume appropriately reflects this.

It is even suggested to add the targeted GS-level equivalent to the resume. When writing out the list of accomplishments, try including a line stating the equivalent level of experience.

For example, if the applicant has a Bachelors’ degree and has only recently graduated, it is advisable for him to seek out GS-5 jobs. An applicant with a  Bachelor’s degree with an exceptional grade point average of at least a 3.0 could apply for GS-7 positions. The more education, the higher the pay level. If the applicant has a Master’s degree, he can enter a job at a GS-9 level or if he possesses a doctorate, he is eligible for GS-11 positions.

The benefits offered by government jobs often entice people to seek employment with the federal government. Once a position has been secured, the federal government offers a degree of job security not always found in the private sector. In addition, salaries are competitive and there is an excellent retirement system in place.

Some people consider government careers because of the opportunities to travel. Jobs can be located in a variety of locations nationwide as well as overseas. Another benefit is the training offered by the federal government.

More Federal Government Job Benefits

• Vacation and Sick Leave: All employees receive 10 paid holidays. As the length of employment increases, so do the vacation benefits. For the first 3 years of service, the employee receives 13 days. For 3-15 years of service, an employee is allotted 20 days. In addition, 13 sick days are given and any sick leave accumulated passes on to the next year. An employee might be able to exchange a sick leave balance with an increase in annuity pay. Furthermore, military time counts towards paid vacation and retirement. Three years of military service is ensures 4 weeks of paid vacation right from the start.

• Health Benefits and Life Insurance: Medial benefit plans and the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) programs are available to all employees. The FEGLI program offers up to five times the employee’s salary in death benefits. In 2007, the federal government began offering comprehensive dental and vision under a new program known as the Federal Employees Dental & Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

• Retirement: The federal retirement system is based on a combination of Social Security contributions, an annuity and a THRIFT 401K contribution plan. The government matches the employee’s contribution to the 401K. Contributions are tax-deferred and reduce the taxable income by the amount contributed.

The process of applying for government jobs is a lengthy and necessitates persistence. Although it requires intentionality and strategy, the job benefits and security are exceptional and well worth the effort. A first step when trying to break into the public sector is to conduct informational interviews.

Most government job opportunities are first advertised within the agency. Initially, they are offered to employees in-house. Once a job position is secured by the applicant, this gives current employees the advantage of less competition when seeking a higher-paying position.

However, if no adequate candidate can be found, the agency then advertises the job in the private sector through the Office of Personnel Management. In certain cases, the agency itself does the advertising.

Conducting Informational Interviews

The main purpose for conducting informational interviews is to acquire job leads. Although this is the ultimate goal, it is important to not press the issue to firmly. When asking for the interview, be clear that you only desire information and are not asking for a job. Most people are willing to discuss their position even if job vacancies don’t exist. Spending time with someone within an agency provides a face-to-face connection that could lead to referrals and insight into upcoming job openings.

Request a 30 minute window to speak with someone in person to discuss federal career paths with the agency. Dress for success. Come appropriately attired for the position you are seeking. Speak with a supervisor in your specialty or any person employed in a position you desire. Bring a signed copy of the employment application or federal resume and a cover letter to the interview.

Types of Questions to Ask

Ask questions about the experience and background required for the job position. How would they rank the importance of a variety of credentials concerning a position with the agency? Retrieve information about how available job positions are advertised. Inquire about the career development potential of the position. Most importantly, ask if there is anyone else they would recommend you speak with. Ask for permission to use their name when contacting them.

There are many noble career opportunities in public service. There are several careers that exist for defending people’s rights. One of the largest areas in this sector is worker’s rights. There are two main entities involved in protecting the rights of workers-the government and labor unions.

The Department of Labor

The Department of Labor has several agencies on the federal level. Their main objectives are to ensure laws regarding wages, hours, equal employment opportunities, and safety issues. They also seek to protect the rights of people to join unions.

• The Wage and Hour Division: This division exists to promote fair laws regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, family leave, youth employment and migrant workers.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): This administration helps guarantee safe working conditions for workers.

• Offices like the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Women’s Bureau, and Office of Disability Employment Policy: The purpose of these offices is to safeguard certain populations from discrimination. Also, they ensure that these populations have the resources necessary to obtain employment.

• The Mine Safety and Health Administration: This administration protects miners by enforcing mining safety laws.

Unions

There are a variety of unions and each represents many different kinds of workers. Within the unions themselves, there are a variety of positions available from accounting, administration, education to legal, legislative relations, management and research. Examples of unions:

• United Farm Workers

• American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

• Public Service International

• AFL-CIO

For many applicants in the federal civil service sector, job requirements are misunderstood. Some assume they don’t qualify at first glance at the job announcement. However, the federal government goes to great lengths to ensure that education as well as work experience are equally weighed when considering an applicant.

Many applicants will submit a private sector resume. They are unaware that federal resumes require more detail. Therefore, it is important to be well-versed in federal job requirements. Most likely, you are eligible for more positions than you realize.

Federal Job Eligibility

Job eligibility is determined by evaluating the applicant’s related education and/or work experience.

• College Degree: If you lack a college degree, in many cases, you might be able to make up for it with work experience. In one group of federal jobs, for example, applicants can substitute three years of general experience for a four year bachelor’s degree.

• General Experience: Any type of work demonstrating the applicant’s familiarity with the subject matter. Specialized experience can be substituted for general experience.

• Specialized Experience: Experience in the occupation or related occupation acquired which gives the applicant the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics. This is also known as the KSAOs.

• Written Tests: These are used for some jobs but they are no longer the compulsory first step in the hiring process. An applicant can bypass the written test by filling out an “Occupational Questionnaire.”

Choosing to work in the public sector for the United States government has it’s benefits. Currently, at a time when unemployment rates are on the rise, the government has plans to hire. In fact, between 2010 and 2012, it was projected the government will hire nearly 600,000 new employees. Government positions create a viable job market for the public sector.

Why the Government is Hiring at a Staggering Rate

Contrary to popular belief, the reason for government hiring is not bigger government. The number of civilian government workers is the same today as in 1963. However, those who have filled those jobs in the past are retiring. The baby boomers are on their way out. The government needs to fill these positions. By 2015, the Office of Personnel Management estimates that more than 550,000 federal employees will leave the government.

In addition, as the needs of the American public change and political priorities alter, an emphasis on certain sectors becomes apparent. With the huge influx of the retired population, health care has taken a forefront. The terrorism of 9/11 developed demands for Homeland Security positions. Political changes affect government hiring.

Government Legal Jobs Available

The good news is legal positions employed by the government are considered one of the current Top Five Hiring Areas. If you have the job skills required, consider the following positions. According to the “Where the Jobs Are” survey, the “Legal” sector estimates 23,596 projected hires from fiscal year 2010-2012.

• Attorneys

• Contact Representatives

• Paralegals

• Passport/Visa Examiners

• Claims Examining/Assistance Professionals

The government offers great benefits and competitive pay. Government positions are available in every location, including foreign countries. Once you have your foot in the door, their are opportunities for advancement within. Working for the government also offers a degree of job security not found in the private sector.