Ten Rules You Need to Know Before Applying for a Government Job!

 

Ten Rules You Need to Know Before Applying for a Government Job!

When applying for a government job, you’re probably going to have to submit to an in-person interview, which can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.

 Luckily, here are 10 rules that apply to government job interviews regardless of the specific agency or organization you’re applying with. If you want to be prepared and feel confident, read these rules now!

1) No Experience, No Problem

Government jobs are some of the most competitive and sought-after, but it's easier than you think to get your foot in the door with no experience. The first step is figuring out which type of job you're interested in and what qualifications are needed.

Once you have that information, you can research positions that would be perfect for your skill set and apply them accordingly. Here are ten rules of government jobs that will help make your journey a little smoother:

1. Be careful when submitting an application it's important to keep in mind which government agency is hiring before sending any materials their way, since agencies like the FBI do not accept applications from external candidates, while other agencies like the Census Bureau may take outside applications but only at certain times of the year.

2. Beware of scams one common scam is called spear phishing, where scammers pose as recruiters on email platforms, such as LinkedIn or Indeed, and request sensitive personal information about you or ask for money upfront for background checks.

3. Stay active! One great way to increase your chances of getting hired is by staying active within the community stay involved in local politics and volunteer work so recruiters know who you are when they need someone new!

4. Dress appropriately! When going into a government building or meeting with an official, it's best to dress formally or conservatively so as not to stick out like a sore thumb among more serious individuals.

5. Speak slowly!

2) Customize your resume

The resume is the first chance you get to impress an employer. It needs to be clear and concise, with enough information so the hiring manager can assess whether or not you are a good fit for the position. Here are 10 rules of a government job:

1) Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job that you are applying for, but it should include your current position.

2) A resume should never exceed one page in length.

3) The first section of your resume is called Objective and is where you state what type of work you're looking for, followed by an accompanying description if necessary.

4) Work experience should be listed chronologically and have brief descriptions of your duties at each company.

5) Education should always come after work experience.

6) Include any extracurricular activities that might show you in a positive light, such as community service, volunteering, or other volunteer positions.

7) Include any skills that might prove relevant to the position, including computer programs and languages you know how to use or special certifications obtained from other institutions.

3) Prepare for the interview

You'll need to pass a background check and be interviewed by your potential boss, who may ask you any number of questions. This process can take anywhere from days to months. Here are some rules you should know before applying for a government job:

The first rule of government jobs is that you need to have an impeccable resume. You will also have to fill out an application, which can include everything from your contact information, education history, and past work experience.

It's best not to lie on this application or provide false information because the employer will find out what the truth is in due time and it will hurt your chances of getting the position. 

When filling out your application, there are certain sections where it's alright to leave off some details if you're not sure how to answer them. For example, if you don't want the government agency to know about your criminal record or other personal information like religious affiliation, then just skip those sections when completing the form. 

If someone else has already submitted a résumé with similar qualifications as yours but they've left off one piece of required information like their driver's license number or Social Security Number, then don't worry! It doesn't automatically disqualify them for consideration and leaves room for another candidate with more skills than them.

4) Do your research on each agency

1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers many different opportunities in the fields of environment, natural resources, and agriculture.

2. The USDA is committed to helping rural communities thrive by working with farmers and ranchers on conservation, economic development, and trade issues that create jobs in these areas.

3. USDA employees work closely with other federal agencies and organizations such as the National Park Service, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state agencies, universities, private companies, and nonprofit groups to serve Americans better by protecting the food supply while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

4. In addition to being one of America’s oldest government agencies, the USDA has been at the forefront of agricultural research and education.

5. When applying for a job at the United States Department of Agriculture there are two ways you can go about it: you can apply directly through their website or visit your local state employment office.

6. There are many benefits that come with being employed by this agency, including some excellent healthcare plans available through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

7. If you do decide to apply for one of these government positions then make sure you read up on all 10 rules before applying so that you are fully prepared!

5) Get help from an insider

In reality, there are many more rules that you need to know before applying for a government job. However, these ten will keep you out of trouble and may help you get the job.

1) Follow all federal employment laws- there are plenty of them.

2) Apply according to the instructions on the website or in the vacancy announcement (where it says how applications should be submitted).

3) Be on time- government employees are expected to show up when they say they will, so if you want the job don't be late or cancel your interview last minute.

4) Prepare thoroughly- it's better to take your time and submit an application with thoughtful answers than rush through it and risk not getting called back.

5) Don't lie on your resume.

6) Show up clean - this one is self-explanatory, but it's important!

7) Answer questions honestly and provide examples from past jobs- lying is going to catch up with you eventually.

8) Make sure your social media pages are appropriate - just because you're applying for a government position doesn't mean that you can post whatever you want!

9) Check the box I am willing to serve outside my country.

10) Dress appropriately - this is especially important during interviews and at work functions, where suits or dresses will likely be necessary.

6) See if you can get an early release from active duty

I am an active-duty soldier and I would like to request an early release from active duty. I'm currently enlisted in the Army National Guard and have been on active duty for more than 12 months.

I've been thinking about my future and want to continue my education at a college in my home state.

I am requesting an Early Release because it will help me get back on track with my life goals, as well as help the Army by relieving them of some of their personnel needs.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate you looking into this request. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can provide to better answer your questions.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

7) Do not be desperate

The worst thing you can do when applying for a government job is desperate. Here are 7 rules you need to know before submitting your application:

1. Be honest about who you are and what you have done in the past. The most qualified candidate will get the job, not necessarily the one who makes the most compelling case.

2. Fill out your application as thoroughly as possible, making sure that all of your contact information is correct on every page so that someone doesn't have to search through pages of data looking for something as simple as your email address.

3. Read the job listing carefully so that you understand what is expected of you in terms of experience and qualifications, then make sure you include those details on your resume and cover letter.

4. Check your grammar and spelling; nothing shows a lack of professionalism more than grammatical mistakes.

5. Follow instructions closely: When they say they want an electronic or paper copy of your resume, send both.

6. When writing emails or letters to human resource departments, use formal language, and don't forget to follow up with a phone call if you haven't heard back from them after two weeks (although this isn't always necessary).

7. Research the company beforehand so that you understand what it does and how it operates internally, then mention some specific examples in your cover letter about how well-suited you are for the position (do not focus on why the company needs you; focus on why YOU need them).

8) Use social media wisely

If you are looking for a government job, using social media is the way to go. It's never been easier or more beneficial to do so. The following seven tips will help you use social media wisely so that it works in your favor when applying for a government job:

1) Join any and all groups related to your field of interest.

2) Follow any and all people that are even remotely connected to your profession or industry.

3) Comment on posts or blogs and ask relevant questions.

4) Share articles with potential employers, colleagues, friends, and family members who might be interested in them.

5) Connect your LinkedIn profile and update it often.

6) Do not overshare information about yourself that could harm you professionally (i.e., alcohol consumption).

7) Use tags appropriately to categorize your photos and videos for easy searching by employers.

The first rule of the 10 rules you need to know before applying for a government job is this: Use social media wisely!