How to Get a Government Summer Job
Applying for a government job is more complex than simply securing a summer stint at your local retailer. For one thing, expect to fill out a lot of paper work as you follow a detailed application process with tight deadlines. But don't worry. It's well worth the extra effort. Even a summer job with the government can add weight and irreplaceable experience to your resume.
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Instructions
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Explore the vast and dynamic host of government agencies that make up the United States government. A number of state and federal organizations have full-time and temporary summer opportunities for students and the general public.
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Get a summer job that will enhance your school studies or your future career prospects. Summer positions and career development opportunities within the government exist from health care to finance to environmental work. In your search for a government agency to work for, you'll encounter a wide range of departments. A mere sampling of agencies includes the Department of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Justice, the National Parks Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
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Make an appointment with a professional counselor who can assist your search. Seek out your high school or college guidance office, career planning or placement office, or the employment office at the agency where you are interested in working. At such locations you'll be able to get pamphlets, job listings, skill requirements and deadlines.
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Ask your guidance or career counselor about The Student Educational Employment Program. Most federal agencies use this program to organize student jobs, internships, or fellowship programs to meet their specific business needs. It is available to all levels of students ranging from high school, vocational and technical students to junior, associate, graduate and professional degree students.
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Head to the civil service office in your township to view the summer job postings. You can also look up agencies that fall under the umbrella of the government, such as educational programs and family services.
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Submit an online application for a government job. These jobs tend to fill up quickly, so start your search well before summer. Go to the official employment site of the U.S. Federal Government, USAJOBS, to search for summer job openings (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
When a government position becomes available, the hiring agency creates a vacancy announcement, describing in depth the nature of the position and everything you need to submit in order to apply.
In some cases, even a summer job with the U.S. government will require you to get a criminal background and fingerprint check, while others simply require applicants to be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
