Things You'll Need:
- U.S. citizenship
- College degree (recommended)
- Graduate degree (may be required)
- Professional credentials (may be required)
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Step 1
Take stock of your work skills. Remember, the Department of Homeland Security requires workers with all sorts of skills, just as any large corporation does. Accountants, computer scientists and programmers, lawyers and legal aides, human resources personnel, administrative support staff...the Department of Homeland Security hires them all. If you hold a professional designation (engineer, accountant), make sure your certification is up-to-date and recognized nationally.
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Step 2
Visit the Homeland Security portal at the USA Jobs website to see what vacancies the Department of Homeland Security is currently looking to fill (see Resources below). Or, you can contact human resources personnel in the department directly, though they're likely to direct you to the USA Jobs DHS portal.
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Step 3
Browse the job database by entering search criteria. You can specify the location(s) you prefer to work in as well as your expected salary range.
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Step 4
Read the job posting(s) that interest you carefully, noting the qualifications and experience required of successful applicants.
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Step 5
Follow the instructions attached to the job posting in regards to how to apply to it. The required application materials will differ for each specific position.
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Step 6
Be able to pass a drug test. Expect that you'll be screened if you're chosen to work for the department.
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Step 7
Contact a Homeland Security selective placement coordinator if you're a veteran or if you've spent time in a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office. You are specially qualified for Department of Homeland Security positions and have additional resources available to you.
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Step 8
Prepare for the interview process. In exceptional cases, you may be hired based only on your qualifications. Usually, however, you'll have to go through several telephone and in-person interviews before a job offer is extended to you.
