Without including the US Postal Service or the military, the federal government hires people for close to 90,000 positions annually. Many people think that applying for a job with the government is a challenging and confusing procedure, but it is actually extremely doable.

For many people, the application procedure for federal government positions might take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. But the majority decide it’s worth the time and effort because positions with the federal government come with perks like healthcare, paid time off for vacation and illness, life insurance, pensions, training, and more.

You must use a targeted federal-style resume, apply exclusively for positions for which you are actually qualified, and of course, be patient if you want to be successful.

You’ll discover that applying for a position in the public sector differs somewhat from applying for one in the private sector. While the latter can be found posted on a variety of job search websites, USAJobs.gov, the gateway for competitive service jobs, receives practically all applications for government jobs.

Some applications for and job openings with the federal government, including those with the CIA, FBI, and security contractors, are excepted service positions and have a slightly distinct hiring procedure.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, USAJobs.gov can be scary. Use these tips to make looking for and applying for employment with the federal government simpler:

• Apply only for federal jobs that match your qualifications: Candidates for federal positions must match the required criteria — there’s little flexibility here. For example: A position requires a bachelor’s degree and you don’t have one, but you do have several years of relevant job experience. You apply anyway. During the screening process, a human resources representative will likely remove from consideration any candidates for a federal job who don’t explicitly match the criteria.
• Use keywords generously: By using a wide range of keywords in your job search, your returned results will display an array of job opportunities — some you may never have known even existed.
• Use the Advanced Search feature: You can refine your search by clicking the “Advanced Search” button. Here you can filter opportunities based on location, salary, department and more, making it easier to find the perfect match. Note: The location is especially important to include if you’re not willing to relocate or are looking for a position in a certain city.
• Save searches: When you do find the perfect combination of keywords, you can save those searches, up to 10 of them, for one-click access later. You’ll also be notified whenever new jobs are posted that meet your saved search criteria.

After you’ve submitted an application for a government employment, keep in mind that the hiring and application process isn’t easy or quick. In reality, there are multiple steps in the application process for federal jobs, including screening applicants, choosing finalists, setting up and holding interviews, and running background checks. It takes many weeks to complete all of these stages, so don’t get disheartened if you don’t hear anything straight away.

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If you are contacted for an interview, first of all, be happy for yourself! According to statistics, each corporate job opportunity receives about 250 resumes, but only four to six candidates are contacted for an interview. How can you, therefore, prepare for your job interview and present yourself in the best possible light?

You may prevent some of the most typical interview blunders by making a plan in advance. In the days before the interview, do your homework so you can showcase your expertise:

• Know where you’re going: Make sure you understand how to get to the interview location and how long it will take you to get there.  
• Be on time: Punctuality is important for an interview. If you’re going to be late, call the interviewer immediately.
• Do your research: Study the agency to which you’re applying so you can speak knowledgeably about it during the interview — you’re bound to be asked what you know about the agency.  
• Prepare paperwork: Bring extra copies of your resume, any relevant work samples and any application materials that you’ve been asked to complete and bring.
• Exude confidence: Use confident body language, including eye contact, warm smiles and firm handshakes.
• Interact: Always come prepared with smart questions about the position and agency.
• Follow-up: After your interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to all who interviewed you. You may consider sending an email, a handwritten note or a formal card. Your interview will help you determine the best method for follow-up communications.

Most federal agencies use the General Schedule (GS) pay system, but note that there are other pay systems in the government as well. It can be difficult to tell where you might fit if you are unfamiliar with the various grades.

In essence, GS grades 5 to 11 are considered relatively entry-level level; grade 12 and 13 are mid-level; and grades 14 and 15 are senior level. Positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES) are at the executive level.

Instead of focusing on the grades and trying to figure out if you’re qualified, focus on the experience required (especially the specialized experience); if you have what the job announcement is asking for, then you should apply. Let the agency Human Resources (HR) office determine whether you meet the grade requirements.

If selected, most agencies will start you are the lower end of the grade’s pay band. However, if you are offered a job, salary is negotiable but recognize that agencies have many choices of applicants so they may not be open to your counter salary offer.

Interviews are difficult, but they aren’t meant to be. The hiring manager has the opportunity to determine how effective you’ll be on their team by probing you with inquiries that call for your knowledge and careful thought. Make sure you’re ready for your next interview before you go in. Focus on the abilities listed in the job requirements and consider how your expertise may be able to supplement them.

One element of a successful interview is being prepared to respond to interview questions. It’s not the only key, though. Make sure your resume shows the abilities and qualities that will make you a valuable asset to whatever organization you join.