USA Government Employment: How to Get a Job with the U.S. Federal Government

When people talk about USA government employment, paid positions with federal agencies like the Department of Defense, NASA, or the IRS. Also known as federal jobs, it offers stability, health benefits, and retirement plans that most private companies don’t match. Unlike private sector roles, these jobs follow strict hiring rules, use a centralized system called USAJobs.gov, and often require U.S. citizenship. You don’t need an Ivy League degree — many roles only ask for a high school diploma or some on-the-job training.

Most federal jobs, positions filled through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Also known as USA civil service, it includes everything from IT specialists and nurses to park rangers and auditors. The application process is different from private jobs: you fill out a detailed resume using specific formats, answer supplemental questions, and sometimes take a test. Background checks are standard. You can’t just email your resume — you have to apply through the official portal. And yes, it can take months to hear back, but if you get hired, you’re often in for the long term.

Many people think federal jobs are only for lawyers or engineers, but that’s not true. There are openings for customer service reps, data entry clerks, and even wildlife biologists. Some roles pay over $100,000, especially in cybersecurity or healthcare. Others start at $40,000 but come with paid leave, telework options, and pensions. If you’re looking for work-life balance and job security, this is one of the few paths left in today’s economy.

What you’ll find below are real posts that break down how to navigate this system — from which exams to take, to how to write a federal-style resume that actually gets noticed, to which agencies are hiring right now. No fluff. Just what works.