The phrase “government job” might elicit images of aging men clad in grey suits, hunched over mountains of bureaucratic paperwork. But recent buzz about government jobs suggests that perception is changing. These days, job seekers are gravitating toward Washington because of new leadership and the relative stability of the public sector. But Sean Clayton, human capital specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy, says working for Uncle Sam has always been a bright idea.
There’s been a lot of news about people seeking the stability of government jobs during a recession. What other benefits are there?
Stability is one benefit, but there are also personal benefits, like healthcare, a 401k savings plan, good work-life balance, and opportunities to train, which are sometimes funded by the government. You also get to be ahead of the curve with emerging technology and products. Additionally, many folks like the idea that at the end of the day, the work you do isn’t just for yourself or money—it’s being a trusted steward of the public’s interest.
Are government jobs really that plentiful right now?
Yes—both because of spending from the recession and accelerating retirement of government employees (who retire earlier than in the private sector). We see a lot more entry-level and [temporary contracts] on special projects, like those from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding has a trickle-down effect and there are new opportunities from an analytical standpoint, IT standpoint, and research standpoint.
Have you seen an increase in applicants?
Definitely. For instance, the Office of Personnel Management’s Presidential Management Fellows Program, which puts recent master’s program graduates into all different government agencies, typically gets 5,000 applicants a year. This year we saw 40 percent more applicants.
What entry-level opportunities are there in the DOE?
Right now we have our core mission-critical occupations, which cover several areas in science, technology, and more. I’ve seen the most postings for nuclear, electric, and mechanical engineers, HR specialists, budget and financial analysts, IT management, accountants, economists, and statisticians. There’s also a Federal Career Intern Program, which is a two-year professional development program where students can learn what the DOE does.
What should students know before applying, and how can they better position themselves?
You really have to know yourself and what you’re looking for. Be specific about the skills you have. Also, think about your resume. I typically see resumes following the private sector model: one-pagers, brief details. The government wants the opposite: We want to know everything that you’ve done. Not necessarily just jobs but also leadership roles on campus or in the community, times you worked with a team, etc. Focus on how your competencies will mesh with our organization’s values. Reorganize your resume to show that.
I’ve heard that the online application process can be tedious. Do you have any tips for getting through it?
Look for jobs early. Start building contacts, and go on informational interviews to understand more about the agencies and roles. Every job posting has a point of contact within the agency. They are really key, especially if it’s hard to tell what a job is from its title.
Do you have any additional advice for people interested in government jobs?
There’s a site called
Online.onetcenter.org, which provides in-depth information about different job titles. I’d use that to build your resume and make sure you’re highlighting the right skills and experiences. And as I said before, go to the next level and contact people to get more information. People love talking about their jobs. I recently had a one-hour long meeting turn into two hours because my colleague really wanted to share his knowledge of the department. That kind of insight makes your job search more discerning.