A Comprehensive Guide to Government Jobs

Despite the many myths that surround government work, for those who want to serve their country unselfishly and have a chance to make small differences that can blossom into system-wide changes, working for the federal government can be a very rewarding career choice.

Covering everything from application requirements (including a special guide to writing federal resumes) to tuition assistance and student loan debt forgiveness, this comprehensive book will help anyone interested in a career in public service.

1. A Chance to Serve

The government needs people like you to keep it running, from the park rangers who protect America's natural landmarks to the police and homeland security workers. While many people have the perception that government jobs are boring, cynical, and offer little opportunity for advancement, that is not always true.

Civil service positions provide stability unmatched by private-sector employers and can allow employees to do their part in making the world a better place. And while it is easy to get hung up on the fact that you might have to answer questions such as "Why should we hire you?" or be required to take a civil service exam, it's important to remember why you want to work in the first place.

2. Stability

During economic downturns, government agencies typically remain functional and continue to provide essential services. This stability is an attractive feature of a career in the public sector for many people.

A strong sense of job security can inspire workers to perform at a higher level because they do not have to worry about being laid off or losing their position. While the recent 35-day government shutdown was unsettling, federal jobs tend to be more stable than private sector positions, even at the lowest levels.

Government positions also often come with generous vacation and sick leave policies, which allow employees to spend time with family or pursue personal interests outside of work. This type of flexibility is not always available in the private sector, where job satisfaction may be lower due to a lack of work-life balance.

3. A Service-Focused Mindset

Many people assume that government jobs don’t pay as well as private-sector positions, but there are positions available for nearly every major and special interest. There are also opportunities for advancement that would be difficult to achieve in the private sector.

In a free-market economy, businesses must produce results to stay in business. This can result in layoffs, which can affect a large number of workers, or it may cause employees to lose motivation. Government jobs, on the other hand, offer a level of stability that is unmatched by the private sector.

Author Dennis Damp provides an insider’s look at how the federal employment system works, including how to find jobs, how to apply and how to prepare for civil service exams. He also includes examples of a properly completed OF-612, before and after federal resumes, and other useful information.

4. A Good Pension or Retirement Package

If you're a Baby Boomer or older, you may be able to take advantage of the good pensions and retirement packages offered by some government sectors. Whether you're a firefighter working for the local or county level, or you're a doctor who works for a state agency, you may be able to receive a decent pension when you retire from your government job. Additionally, most government jobs offer health and dental insurance as well as low-cost life insurance. You can find a wide variety of government jobs in the local, state and federal sectors. This includes administrative jobs like database administrators, assistants and office clerks.

5. Opportunities for Growth

For people who want to make a difference, government jobs offer them the opportunity to do so. Civilian workers can become park rangers, protecting America’s landmarks and helping tourists learn about their significance, or serve as police officers, helping people through tough times or providing safety in public places.

In addition to a good salary, most government positions include an impressive pension or retirement package, making them an excellent choice for those seeking stability in their careers. However, most of all, government employment provides a chance to help make the world a better place, something that it needs right now more than ever. A Comprehensive Guide to Government Jobs will show you how to find the ideal job for your interests and skill set.