Federal Government Search Tips

Know Yourself

Explore your motivation for a federal career. What attracts you to public service? How did your interest develop? How have you nurtured your interest? What strengths can you apply to federal service?

Consider specific knowledge you have acquired through courses, research, lectures, study abroad, or certifications.

Reflect on the skills you have developed both inside and outside of the classroom.

• Research
• Writing
• Regional Knowledge
• Editing
• Organizing/Planning
• Budgeting
• Leading
• Communication
• Languages

Recall your accomplishments and achievements. What awards have you received? Have you been elected selected into any significant roles? What goals have you worked towards and achieved? What accomplishments are you proudest of?

Know Your Target: Explore Federal Careers

Create a list of agencies that interest you. Use websites to explore federal agencies.

• Making the Difference 
• Where the Jobs Are
• Best Places to Work

Conduct a basic search.

• Usajobs.gov
• Agency Websites
• Avuecentral
• Hoya Career Connection

Connect with people who have federal experience.
Friends, family, neighbors, professors, fellow Hoyas are all potential resources. Reach out to alumni using the Alumni Career Network and LinkedIn. 

Deepen your knowledge of the federal government and your target agencies. 

• Washington Post Fed Page
• Federal Times
• 1500 Fed News Radio
• Govloop
• Twitter: @USAID_Careers, @doscareers, @fedreservejobs, @edgovjobs, @nihforjobs

Resources

Federal Government Occupational Series Codes
Federal Government Salary Tables