Trying to get a Government Job
 

Alright so I want to make this short enough to keep people interested but detailed enough to get good advice. Anyway long story short I've been looking for a way to get a job that would allow me to work in NOVA. My parents have been pushing me to look at government jobs mainly because they pay well and offer a great work/life balance.

I used to be an accounting major but had a hard time keeping up with the course work so I switched to Marketing. Now I have a degree in Business Administration though these days I find myself regretting the switch.

My question is what jobs would be a good fit for me? I know there's some sort of general business job out there and I've taken classes in Accounting (15 credits), finance, marketing, logistics, stats, computer information systems, and management so I know I can can find a fit somewhere. However most of the jobs seem to want accounting majors.

My parents have suggested revenue agent for the IRS but I'm not sure I qualify for that position.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[url=http://www.usajobs.gov/]USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site[/url] - Fed's Job Listing Site. Go here first and do a search on those areas you listed above and see what comes out.

There are various Federal Government contractors and subcontractors that you should look into, as they will be a bit easier to navigate and get your foot in the door. Here is a list off the top of my head:

CSC, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, NetStar1, General Dynamics, SAIC, Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI

Go to their websites and look at the job openings in the NOVA area and apply for what you think you can do. And while it's not direct Federal Government work, if you get onto a contract, there is always the possibility that you get selected to be plucked from the contract to work directly for the government.

The company I work for hired me to work on a DoD contract, and I'm now getting transitioned to do work on a contract for USCIS. And while I will not have the direct contact with the client like I did when I worked for DoD, I love working for my company and they've taken very good care of me.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

What do you enjoy doing? An ideal job?

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706397]What do you enjoy doing? An ideal job?[/quote]

My friends keep telling me I should do some sort of work with information technology. I'm not exactly a computer science major nor have I ever built my own computer but at the same time I'd say I'm pretty good with computers. It's funny to because before you asked me that question I hadn't even considered the IT field. Though with me it would probably have to be geared towards the business side of things. At the same time I'd love to have some sort of position that would allow me to interact with a lot of people on a regular basis.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706400]My friends keep telling me I should do some sort of work with information technology. I'm not exactly a computer science major nor have I ever built my own computer but at the same time I'd say I'm pretty good with computers. It's funny to because before you asked me that question I hadn't even considered the IT field. Though with me it would probably have to be geared towards the business side of things. At the same time I'd love to have some sort of position that would allow me to interact with a lot of people on a regular basis.[/quote]

I have zero experience with gov't jobs. I've been private sector my whole life, but I would suggest trying to get your foot in the door doing something with which you have experience, even if it's not ideal. Again, I know nothing of working for Uncle Sam, but I would think you could get a higher starting pay grade and level of respect if you enter into public sector work with something that's not totally ground level. That way doors can open up faster.

Whoever recommended surfing the gov't job listings, I would take that advice. Read as many job postings as you can. It may spark some interests. It sounds like you're not too sure of exactly what you want to do, but I wouldn't let your future employer know that.

Just my two cents.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706400]My friends keep telling me I should do some sort of work with information technology. I'm not exactly a computer science major nor have I ever built my own computer but at the same time I'd say I'm pretty good with computers. It's funny to because before you asked me that question I hadn't even considered the IT field. Though with me it would probably have to be geared towards the business side of things. At the same time I'd love to have some sort of position that would allow me to interact with a lot of people on a regular basis.[/quote]

I'm not sure what being pretty good with computers means, can you clarify? What computer skills do you have?

It seems to me Business Analyst or Project Management jobs would be something that might appeal to you. You get to work with computers and there's quite a bit of demand for these types of people in both the government and the private sector in NOVA area. As a business analyst you'll get to use a suite of software to do some number crunching and you can always get a project management job where you get to interact with people with a software/hardware government contractor.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706408]I'm not sure what being pretty good with computers means, can you clarify? What computer skills do you have?

It seems to me Business Analyst or Project Management jobs would be something that might appeal to you. You get to work with computers and there's quite a bit of demand for these types of people in both the government and the private sector in NOVA area. As a business analyst you'll get to use a suite of software to do some number crunching and you can always get a project management job where you get to interact with people with a software/hardware government contractor.[/quote]

Good with computers in that I'm very good with the basics in Microsoft Office (Access, Powerpoint, Word, Excel) especially when it comes to making queries, designing formulas, or dressing up powerpoint presentations. I also frequently get asked by my friends and family to set up programs and teach them how to use it. In the past month I've done task such as importing songs from an iPod onto a computer, increasing the sharpness on a scanned picture, converting files so we can play our avi home movies on my brothers 360, and importing files over a media server on a PS3. Basically a laundry list of odd jobs. Nothing along the lines of programming or physically installing RAM, though I do have a friend thats about to teach me how to install extra RAM.

Still if my job relied on learning navigating and learning a certain type of software theI'm fairly confident that I would be able to pick it up quickly. To put it in more relateable terms, if there was a such thing as a technology IQ mines would be around 130.

Still I like the idea of Business Analyst or Project Manager. Those actually sound a lot like the type of jobs I would be suited for. Thanks Saden. When I was training for accounting it was so much easier to know what types of jobs would be waiting after school since if worse comes to worse you go to Monster and simply type accounting. With a business administration degree it's a little bit wider in terms of scope but it's harder to search for jobs and right now the ones listed on our schools career net aren't exactly the type of jobs I'd consider.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=GMScud;706402]I have zero experience with gov't jobs. I've been private sector my whole life, but I would suggest trying to get your foot in the door doing something with which you have experience, even if it's not ideal. Again, I know nothing of working for Uncle Sam, but I would think you could get a higher starting pay grade and level of respect if you enter into public sector work with something that's not totally ground level. That way doors can open up faster.

Whoever recommended surfing the gov't job listings, I would take that advice. Read as many job postings as you can. It may spark some interests. It sounds like you're not too sure of exactly what you want to do, but I wouldn't let your future employer know that.

Just my two cents.[/quote]

This.. plus once you get a foot in it's A LOT easier to transfer even to another department.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706408]I'm not sure what being pretty good with computers means, can you clarify? What computer skills do you have?

It seems to me Business Analyst or Project Management jobs would be something that might appeal to you. You get to work with computers and there's quite a bit of demand for these types of people in both the government and the private sector in NOVA area. As a business analyst you'll get to use a suite of software to do some number crunching and you can always get a project management job where you get to interact with people with a software/hardware government contractor.[/quote]


Helps to have a security clearance as well but he won't get that until he has his foot in the door. It took me two years at my current job before they gave me one plus it took another 6 months for it to go through but once you get one it may trump my education. I swear if you have a top secert with poly (I don't) you could have a high school education and be in demand for high paying jobs.

My wife has one friend that got out of the army with her secret clearence and just HS education went to work for a contractor, thus contractor paid for her education both BS and Masters and now she has a pretty high up job making bank, took 10 years but it paid off.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

The big pain with gov't jobs is they tend to have very specific education and experience requirements. I've been looking at gov't and state jobs for a while now, finally got to sit for my first civil service exam a few months ago. Even then I had to make a few phone calls to argue my experience to just get my foot in the door for the exam. Very frustrating. Still don't even know what I got on the test yet, it can be a very drawn out process.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

The hard part is getting a goverment job the easy part is keeping it. Good luck.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=firstdown;706453]The hard part is getting a goverment job the easy part is keeping it. Good luck.[/quote]


Very true!!! I work for a contractor and we basically carry the government office that we support.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

Do what Bohnzie said above. Send your resume out to a bunch of contractors and see if anything sticks. A job with a good contractor is just as good as a job with the government.

I started out with Booz Allen Hamilton 8 years ago and turned that into a federal job with the client that I supported. I got lucky, though. Booz pursued me, as did the government after 6 years with Booz. I took the government job because of a guaranteed promotion after the first year (equaling a $30k raise in pay). If that hadn't been offered, I probably wouldn't have taken the job. I do the exact same thing I did as a contractor. There have only been two negatives with being a federal employee; 1) health insurance isn't as good as what I had with Booz, and 2) I don't have as much room to grow financially (GS scale, I'm near the top these days) as I would have with Booz.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=firstdown;706453]The hard part is getting a goverment job the easy part is keeping it. Good luck.[/quote]

You are fire-able within the first year, but after that, all you need is a pulse.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=cpayne5;706456]Do what Bohnzie said above. Send your resume out to a bunch of contractors and see if anything sticks. A job with a good contractor is just as good as a job with the government.

I started out with Booz Allen Hamilton 8 years ago and turned that into a federal job with the client that I supported. I got lucky, though. Booz pursued me, as did the government after 6 years with Booz. I took the government job because of a guaranteed promotion after the first year (equaling a $30k raise in pay). If that hadn't been offered, I probably wouldn't have taken the job. I do the exact same thing I did as a contractor. There have only been two negatives with being a federal employee; 1) health insurance isn't as good as what I had with Booz, and 2) I don't have as much room to grow financially (GS scale, I'm near the top these days) as I would have with Booz.[/quote]


There are a lot of openings for Booz jobs in Annapolis Junction/ Ft Meade right now, just say'n.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

i worked a md state gov't job on a 1 year contract. it was great. my experience and everyone in all the depts i became friends with have it freaking easy. they work at their own slow pace. have great benefits. decent pay. you can make more in the private sector if you have a specialized degree but if your looking for any entry level 35k a year job that will turn into 60-90k after 10 years or so, gov't is the way to go.

like you said, govt jobs allow for a great balance of work and life. when you get off at 4:30 you are done for the day. no work to take home, no weekends spent in the office for a big deadline. you show up, with a pulse, maybe do some work, goof off with your co-workers then at 4:30 you draw straws to see what employee (out of 50 ina division) is going to stay for the last 30 minutes the gov't is open to answer phone calls.

i wanted to get back into a govt job but now im working for 2 firms and am way to invested in it to back out.

good luck.

like matty said, theres lots of requirements. sometimes degrees or certs, sometimes you need to be a level I employee to apply for a level II job, etc so i say get your foot in the door on an entry level job, make friends and a good impression, then 6 mos or a year down the line a level II type job opens up and you are a lead candidate.

good luck my man.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=cpayne5;706457]You are fire-able within the first year, but after that, all you need is a pulse.[/quote]

[quote=firstdown;706453]The hard part is getting a goverment job the easy part is keeping it. Good luck.[/quote]

Is this what they refer to on the listings as the one year probationary period?

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706591]Is this what they refer to on the listings as the one year probationary period?[/quote]

Probably, yes.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706408]It seems to me Business Analyst or Project Management jobs would be something that might appeal to you. You get to work with computers and there's quite a bit of demand for these types of people in both the government and the private sector in NOVA area. As a business analyst you'll get to use a suite of software to do some number crunching and you can always get a project management job where you get to interact with people with a software/hardware government contractor.[/quote]
Bingo. Each agency has a budgets (sometimes multiple) department, so you could search budget analyst, marketing analyst, finance analyst along with business analyst and see what is out there. And be sure to search the contractor websites for these jobs as well, because the Fed outsources a lot of analyst positions.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=mredskins;706455]Very true!!! I work for a contractor and we basically carry the government office that we support.[/quote]

dude story of my life.

as for the OP, you are surely qualified for plenty of entry level financial analyst jobs. i am a finance contractor for a federal agency, and you would be qualified get a job with companies like mine. many of the men and women i work with get the skills as a contractor and then work their way into a govt job. 2-3 years as contract support and you can be more than qualified to make the switch.

if you are looking in nova exclusively, i would keep an eye on jobs on base at quantico. there are jobs to be had in acquisitions. if you are willing to work in dc, there are opportunities to be had there too. all federal agencies spend money, and as a result, there are jobs to monitor said funds.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706410]Good with computers in that I'm very good with the basics in Microsoft Office (Access, Powerpoint, Word, Excel) especially when it comes to making queries, designing formulas, or dressing up powerpoint presentations. I also frequently get asked by my friends and family to set up programs and teach them how to use it. In the past month I've done task such as importing songs from an iPod onto a computer, increasing the sharpness on a scanned picture, converting files so we can play our avi home movies on my brothers 360, and importing files over a media server on a PS3. Basically a laundry list of odd jobs. Nothing along the lines of programming or physically installing RAM, though I do have a friend thats about to teach me how to install extra RAM.

Still if my job relied on learning navigating and learning a certain type of software theI'm fairly confident that I would be able to pick it up quickly. To put it in more relateable terms, if there was a such thing as a technology IQ mines would be around 130.

Still I like the idea of Business Analyst or Project Manager. Those actually sound a lot like the type of jobs I would be suited for. Thanks Saden. When I was training for accounting it was so much easier to know what types of jobs would be waiting after school since if worse comes to worse you go to Monster and simply type accounting. With a business administration degree it's a little bit wider in terms of scope but it's harder to search for jobs and right now the ones listed on our schools career net aren't exactly the type of jobs I'd consider.[/quote]
Good with computer won't get you any IT job.. if you want to do stuff like that you might get on with a non-profit if you have other things to offer as well, such as writing, fundraising, etc

Otherwise get your A+ and do desktop support (you'll probably start in helpdesk) or basic comp tech work. I do it on the side and if you get in with the right networks there is plenty of work. Be prepared to do everything from installs, data transfer, POS rollouts, etc.

Otherwise what you say that you're good at really only qualifies you to be a secretary.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=tryfuhl;706697]Good with computer won't get you any IT job.. if you want to do stuff like that you might get on with a non-profit if you have other things to offer as well, such as writing, fundraising, etc

Otherwise get your A+ and do desktop support (you'll probably start in helpdesk) or basic comp tech work. I do it on the side and if you get in with the right networks there is plenty of work. Be prepared to do everything from installs, data transfer, POS rollouts, etc.

Otherwise what you say that you're good at really only qualifies you to be a secretary.[/quote]

Yeah, I figured as much. Probably best to stick to something along the lines of Business Analyst.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706711]Yeah, I figured as much. Probably best to stick to something along the lines of Business Analyst.[/quote]

That's a little more "fun" and guaranteed anyways.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=firstdown;706453]The hard part is getting a goverment job the easy part is keeping it. Good luck.[/quote]

So true. I tried for YEARS to get an Auditor job or a position in the NSA (with a person inside helping me).

With 3 degrees, I think I am overqualified.

They had "testimonials" on the one job site for my auditor positions and I noticed something...most of them were from a.)minorities b.)women c. minority women. Their quotes did NOT make them look very intelligent either...hate to say it, but it's a legitimate observation.



So I'm apparently overqualified and too white. :doh:

I more than meet the requirements outlined in the job listings and understand they have a very strict formatting preference with their resumes (had tips from someone in NSA), but I applied for probably a dozen positions over years and never even heard a response.

Maryland was my locality focus, as well as some Federal jobs in PA (near Harrisburg).

I suppose I'll keep trying. I am not unhappy with my current job, in fact I love it...but I'm always looking to improve myself and my family's life.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Buster;706770]So true. I tried for YEARS to get an Auditor job or a position in the NSA (with a person inside helping me).

With 3 degrees, I think I am overqualified.

They had "testimonials" on the one job site for my auditor positions and I noticed something...most of them were from a.)minorities b.)women c. minority women. Their quotes did NOT make them look very intelligent either...hate to say it, but it's a legitimate observation.



So I'm apparently overqualified and too white. :doh:

I more than meet the requirements outlined in the job listings and understand they have a very strict formatting preference with their resumes (had tips from someone in NSA), but I applied for probably a dozen positions over years and never even heard a response.

Maryland was my locality focus, as well as some Federal jobs in PA (near Harrisburg).

I suppose I'll keep trying. I am not unhappy with my current job, in fact I love it...but I'm always looking to improve myself and my family's life.[/quote]

Maybe you're just a POS human being? I could see why anyone wouldn't want to hire you, you have serious character flaws.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706860]Maybe you're just a POS human being? I could see why anyone wouldn't want to hire you, you have serious character flaws.[/quote]

Are you joking?

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=GMScud;706863]Are you joking?[/quote]

If his posts here are any indication I am afraid not.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706866]If his posts here are any indication I am afraid not.[/quote]

Wow...I won't even directly respond to that immaturity. You seem to really keep the stereotype about people from Seattle alive though. Politics aren't everything to normal people.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Buster;706873]Wow...I won't even directly respond to that immaturity. You seem to really keep the stereotype about people from Seattle alive though. Politics aren't everything to normal people.[/quote]

You did directly respond. And no, my opinion isn't based on your politics but the quality of you posts. It's shit. If you want to land those jobs don't keep it real when you interview, don't be yourself cause that clearly hasn't worked.

p.s. I will try to keep the stereotype of Seattle going.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=GMScud;706863]Are you joking?[/quote]

Go back and read Buster's post again. I could see why saden wrote what he wrote. Take the high road next time saden

I'll keep my opinion of Buster to myself but I think I can safely assume that Buster doesn't think much of me. I work for ESPN, am part Hispanic, and can pass for Muslim. So in Buster's mind I'm an idiot who wants to steal everything he has...and then blow it up

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Buster;706770]So true. I tried for YEARS to get an Auditor job or a position in the NSA (with a person inside helping me).

[B]With 3 degrees, I think I am overqualified.
[/B]
They had "testimonials" on the one job site for my auditor positions and I noticed something...most of them were from a.)minorities b.)women c. minority women. Their quotes did NOT make them look very intelligent either...hate to say it, but it's a legitimate observation.



So I'm apparently overqualified and too white. :doh:

I more than meet the requirements outlined in the job listings and understand they have a very strict formatting preference with their resumes (had tips from someone in NSA), but I applied for probably a dozen positions over years and never even heard a response.

Maryland was my locality focus, as well as some Federal jobs in PA (near Harrisburg).

I suppose I'll keep trying. I am not unhappy with my current job, in fact I love it...but I'm always looking to improve myself and my family's life.[/quote]

It's very likely that the government DOES look at you as overqualified. Often too much knowledge is as bad as too little. Why? Well alot of times it's a money issue. Someone who has 3 degrees may qualify for a different salary than someone with one. Plus there is the trainability factor as well as other intangibles. Bottomline the govt is a fickle employer and if you don't match what they are looking for close to exact, then you aren't going to be getting that job.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=SmootSmack;706893]Go back and read Buster's post again. I could see why saden wrote what he wrote. Take the high road next time saden

I'll keep my opinion of Buster to myself but I think I can safely assume that Buster doesn't think much of me. I work for ESPN, am part Hispanic, and can pass for Muslim. So in Buster's mind I'm an idiot who wants to steal everything he has...and then blow it up[/quote]

hmmm, I knew there was something about you SS. Matty is the server REALLY secure?

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[YT]QYI3WAt4Wo0[/YT]

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;706899]It's very likely that the government DOES look at you as overqualified. Often too much knowledge is as bad as too little. Why? Well alot of times it's a money issue. Someone who has 3 degrees may qualify for a different salary than someone with one. Plus there is the trainability factor as well as other intangibles. Bottomline the govt is a fickle employer and if you don't match what they are looking for close to exact, then you aren't going to be getting that job.[/quote]

That brings up another point. I have a friend (yes a real friend) that's an engineer from Georgia Tech who's been out of work for a while. He recently got charged with a DUI. Would he be allowed to hold a government position.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706910]That brings up another point. I have a friend (yes a real friend) that's an engineer from Georgia Tech who's been out of work for a while. He recently got charged with a DUI. Would he be allowed to hold a government position.[/quote]

Only if he is charged and convicted of a feloney. He better get himself a fine lawyer.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Buster;706770]So true. I tried for YEARS to get an Auditor job or a position in the NSA (with a person inside helping me).

With 3 degrees, I think I am overqualified.

They had "testimonials" on the one job site for my auditor positions and I noticed something...most of them were from a.)minorities b.)women c. minority women. Their quotes did NOT make them look very intelligent either...hate to say it, but it's a legitimate observation.


So I'm apparently overqualified and too white. :doh:
[/quote]
Yep.. not trying to open the can of worms but that's just how it is.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=saden1;706860]Maybe you're just a POS human being? I could see why anyone wouldn't want to hire you, you have serious character flaws.[/quote]

wow.. that judgmental are we?

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=SmootSmack;706893]Go back and read Buster's post again. I could see why saden wrote what he wrote. Take the high road next time saden

I'll keep my opinion of Buster to myself but I think I can safely assume that Buster doesn't think much of me. I work for ESPN, am part Hispanic, and can pass for Muslim. So in Buster's mind I'm an idiot who wants to steal everything he has...and then blow it up[/quote]

Alright, got my can opener ready.

I work with mostly minorities and I'm fine with it, I like my coworkers and their skin color has no bearing on how I feel about them.

But the govt does try to hire minority and female candidates if possible, there is policy for it. Working for the state of VA I witnessed it, go into any DMV, public transportation center, etc and it's easy to observe, the fed is no different. There is usually a higher precedence on contractor selection based on minority and female ownership and in some localities is the law that they must take their bids if presented.

I agree with Chris Rock in general on things like that when he made the joke about getting into college. If someone's more qualified for the job they should get it regardless of skin color. If it's a tie though, give it to the minority.

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;706910]That brings up another point. I have a friend (yes a real friend) that's an engineer from Georgia Tech who's been out of work for a while. He recently got charged with a DUI. Would he be allowed to hold a government position.[/quote]

It could cause some issues if he needed to obtain a clearance

Re: Trying to get a Government Job
 

[quote=tryfuhl;706935]Alright, got my can opener ready.

I work with mostly minorities and I'm fine with it, I like my coworkers and their skin color has no bearing on how I feel about them.

But the govt does try to hire minority and female candidates if possible, there is policy for it. Working for the state of VA I witnessed it, go into any DMV, public transportation center, etc and it's easy to observe, the fed is no different. There is usually a higher precedence on contractor selection based on minority and female ownership and in some localities is the law that they must take their bids if presented.

I agree with Chris Rock in general on things like that when he made the joke about getting into college. If someone's more qualified for the job they should get it regardless of skin color. If it's a tie though, give it to the minority.[/quote]

My friend and his father have a construction company and back like 20 yrs ago they stopped getting bids to work on goverment housing projects. While talking with his dad about business he was telling me about the drop off and I said its because your a white male and you need to put the business in your wifes name. He did that and in no time he was getting contract after contract and had to hire a few extra workers. Not sure if its still like that but I'm guessing it is.