Working for the federal government: Part 2, November 2014 – “Changes to the federal hiring process have made it easier than in the past to apply for federal jobs. But getting a job in the federal government can still be challenging. You might have to sort through dozens of vacancies to find a job that matches your qualifications, for example. Understanding how to find and apply for vacancies can help you focus your search. This article covers the federal hiring process. The first section gives an overview of how to find vacancies for federal jobs. The second section explains how to interpret these vacancy announcements. The third section discusses how to master the application process, and the fourth section describes the final steps. Resources for more information are listed at the end of the article. This is the second of two articles about working for the federal government. The first article, published in September, covers frequently asked questions about working for the government, employment details, and the rewards and challenges of federal work.”

Working for the federal government: Part 1, September 2014 – “The U.S. government needs a lot of workers to provide its many services. Federal workers carry out key government functions. For example, federal workers ensure food safety, investigate criminal activity, provide emergency care, and develop science and technology. Their work affects millions of people. As you might expect from an organization with so many important functions, the federal government offers a variety of careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2013, more than 2 million federal civilian workers were employed in 350 different occupations. Whatever your interests or skills, there is likely a federal job that suits you. This article can help you decide whether federal work is for you. The first section answers some frequently asked questions about the U.S. government and its employment. The second section describes some of the rewards and challenges of government work. Resources for more information are at the end of the article. This is the first of two articles on working for the federal government. The second article, scheduled to be published in November, covers the application process.”