Government Jobs / Federal Government Jobs / US Government Jobs

Career Guide to Government

Government jobs can be great, as they provide long-term security and ensure regular income for its employees!

There are many governmental jobs that are advertised almost every day through every medium, ranging from newspapers, to television and radio and even the Internet. This is because there are millions of government jobs that are available every time in the nation. However, there is one major problem that often comes to notice whilst relating to government job descriptions. This is that most government job descriptions are vague and not to the point. Besides this, they sometimes advertise for requirements that far exceed the actual needs of the job.

The reason for bulking up the qualification in job advertising is simple: while the government wants to fill a managerial level position, they would advertise for it and seek the qualifications of a executive level position, hoping someone overqualified will apply and accept the job. It is hence very important to work through the clutter when talking about government job descriptions.

One can do that by first of all knowing the true strengths that one possesses. It is easy to decide from there what field you would like to go into. Then one can decide whether one would like to go in for private sector jobs or rather opt for government jobs in that field.

If one chooses to get a government job, one can search the newspapers and the various Web sites for the particular job. Often when you are not expecting it, suddenly a government job description pops that matches what you were seeking. Hence, it is very important to be an alert opportunist.

Once one finds a government job description, matching what one was looking for, the next step is to understand the job profile, which most of the time can be extremely confusing. This is in fact, one of the major complaints that the government gets. However, there is nothing one can do about it and one needs to simply read the ad thoroughly to understand the requirements. One can also call up the government office to learn more about the job profile and similar details.

 If this sounds like something you interested in, then a career in a Government Job might be for you!

Excluding education and hospitals, State and local governments employ about 8.0 million workers, placing them among the largest employers in the economy. Seven out of 10 of these employees work for local governments, such as counties, cities, special districts, and towns.

In addition to the 50 State governments, there were about 87,500 local governments in 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These included about 3,000 county governments; 19,400 municipal governments; 16,500 townships; 13,500 school districts; and 35,100 special districts. Illinois had the most local government units, with more than 6,900; Hawaii had the fewest, with 20.

Working conditions vary by occupation and, in some instances, by size and location of the State or local government. For example, chief executives in very small jurisdictions may work less than 20 hours a week; in larger jurisdictions, they often work more than 40 hours per week. Chief executives in large jurisdictions work full time year round, as do most county and city managers. Most State legislators work full time only when in session, usually for a few months a year, and work part time the rest of the year. Local elected officials in some small jurisdictions work part time.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:
Government Jobs / Federal Government Jobs / US Government Jobs

The educational level and experience needed by workers in State and local government varies by occupation. Voters elect most chief executives and legislators, so local support is very important. Taking part in volunteer work and helping to provide community services are good ways to establish vital community support. Those elected to chief executive and legislator positions come from a variety of backgrounds, but must conform to age, residency, and citizenship regulations regarding the positions that they seek. Advancement opportunities for most elected public officials are limited to other offices in the jurisdictions in which they live. For example, a local council member may run for mayor or for a position in State government, and State legislators may decide to run for State governor or for the U.S. Congress.

For city managers, a master’s degree in public administration is widely recommended. Many cities prefer but do not require a master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field is usually required. City manager candidates may gain experience as management analysts or assistants in government departments, working with councils and mayors. They may also gain experience by moving to an executive position in a government agency or becoming a deputy or assistant city manager. They may initially be hired to manage a town or a small city and eventually become manager of larger cities.

 Other qualifications. Police departments in most areas require applicants to be U.S. citizens of good character, at least 20 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and mental standards. Police departments increasingly encourage applicants to take college courses, and some require a college degree. Many community and junior colleges, as well as colleges and universities, offer programs in law enforcement or criminal justice. Officers usually attend a local or regional police academy that includes classroom instruction in constitutional law, civil rights, and State and local law. They also receive training in patrol, accident investigation, traffic control, using firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency management. Promotions for police officers are highly influenced by scores on a written civil service examination and subsequent performance evaluations by their superiors.

Current & Future Job Outlook for:
Government Jobs / Federal Government Jobs / US Government Jobs

Job prospects. Although job prospects vary by State and region, overall prospects are expected to be favorable. In addition to job openings from employment growth, many opportunities will be created by workers who retire from the industry. Additionally, many State and local governments are considering cuts in their retiree pension and benefits programs. Such cuts may make State and local government jobs attractive to fewer people, reducing competition for available jobs.

 Employment change. Wage and salary employment in State and local government is projected to increase 8 percent during the 2006-16 period, slower than the 11 percent growth projected for all sectors of the economy combined.

Job growth will stem from the rising demand for services at the State and local levels particularly demand for public safety and health services. An increasing population and State and local government assumption of responsibility for some services previously provided by the Federal Government are fueling the growth of these services. Despite the increased demand for the services of State and local governments, employment growth will be dampened by budgetary constraints due to the rapidly increasing proportion of revenues devoted to the Medicaid program, and public resistance to tax increases. Outsourcing of government jobs to the private sector will also limit employment in State and local government. When economic times are good, many State and local governments increase spending on programs and employment.