Find a Federal Government Job

Finding and Applying for Federal Jobs

Get information on federal jobs from USAJOBS.gov:

• Search for jobs
• How to apply for jobs
• Find jobs located outside the U.S.
• Jobs for non-U.S. citizens

Note: Most federal jobs are listed on USAJOBS. However, some agencies post jobs independently on their own websites or elsewhere. View the A-Z Index of Government Agencies to locate the agency you are interested in.

If you need help or more information, visit USAJOBS Support.

There is never an application fee to apply for a government or U.S. Postal Service job. Find information about government job scams and how to avoid them.

Former Federal Employees

If you are a former federal employee, you may be eligible for reinstatement, which allows you to apply for federal jobs without competing with the public. 

Students and Recent Graduates

Find student job opportunities to work for the government through internships and entry level positions.

Veterans

If you've served in the military and want to find a federal government job, FedsHireVets.gov provides information on veterans' preference, special hiring authorities, and other good tips for vets and transitioning service members seeking federal civilian jobs.

People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can be appointed to federal jobs non-competitively through a process called Schedule A.

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Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training and related instruction in which you can learn skills needed to advance in your chosen field.

Apprentice programs vary in length from one to six years. During that time, apprentices work and learn as employees. When you complete a registered program, you will receive a nationally recognized certificate from the Department of Labor (DOL) as proof of your qualifications.

For more information:

• Visit the DOL's website on Registered Apprenticeships.
• To locate an apprenticeship program near you, visit the state apprenticeship web page.

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There is no longer a single civil service exam to cover all government jobs. Many jobs with the federal government no longer require written tests, but any testing depends on the individual agency and position.

If you are applying for a specific job, the vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.gov will indicate if a specific written test is necessary and whom you may contact for more information.

To locate contact information for the personnel department of a federal agency, visit USA.gov's A-Z index of U.S. government departments and agencies. You may also try using the government section of your local telephone directory.

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Government internships provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge while gaining hands-on experience. Find internship opportunities and information within the federal government for undergraduate, graduate, and law students:

• Pathways - Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates
• State-Specific Job Sites
• Senate Page Program
• White House Internships

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Whether for a government agency or private organization, a security clearance is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to certain information.

Federal Government

• Not all Federal positions require a security clearance, but they do require the candidate to undergo a suitability adjudication process to determine if the individual is suitable for Federal employment.  
• During the security clearance process, background investigations are conducted to assess the loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability of the person requiring the clearance. 
• Before an investigation begins, the job candidate will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. The type of questionnaire to be filled out will depend on the level of clearance required for the position. The levels used by the U.S. government are confidential, secret, and top secret.
• Once a security clearance is granted, it allows a person filling a specific position to have access to classified information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold.
• For more information about security clearances and background checks for U.S. government employment, please visit the Federal Investigative Services (OPM-FIS).
• If you have questions about your specific security clearance, please contact the security officer of the federal agency that requested your evaluation. If you are not sure who to contact at a federal agency, please contact the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Systems Access Support Team (SAST) at 1-724-794-5612, extension 4600. They can help you find the right contact within a federal agency.

Private Companies

• Sometimes private companies that do business with a local, state, or federal government agency are required to obtain a security clearance using that particular government's security clearance granting system.
• Some private companies also use security clearances to protect such things as intellectual property rights and financial information. Most of these companies use a background check, which usually researches work, criminal, and credit history.

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