How to Become a Census Taker for the U.S. Government
The U.S. Census Bureau offers employment opportunities for those who have flexible work schedules. Census employees can earn an hourly wage of up to $16.75 and are compensated for work-related expenses like mileage. Not everyone who applies for a Census job is hired, but the bureau does most of its hiring in the spring of each year. Following these simple steps will give you the best chance of becoming a Census taker.
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Instructions
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Log on to the Internet and visit the U.S. Census Bureau's website to find the Census office closest to you.
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Call the local Census Bureau office to schedule an appointment. Applications and testing for Census Bureau jobs must be done in person.
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Log on to the Census Bureau's website to download the application for a job. Applications must be submitted in person, but filling out the application in advance will speed up the process and will allow you to begin your testing session sooner. The application also outlines all of the documentation that will need to be submitted at the testing session, like your driver's license and proof of citizenship (birth certificate or Social Security card).
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Complete your testing and submit your necessary paperwork at your local Census Bureau office once you have been notified of the date. There is no time limit for when the Census Bureau office has to respond to your application, but you can call your local office for an update.
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Tips & Warnings
Download the practice test from the Census Bureau's website. This will give you a better idea of what to expect when you do go to the local office for your test.
Bilingual applicants have a better chance of being hired for Census jobs, so be sure to let your interviewer know if you speak another language.
Clerical and customer service skills will translate well to a U.S. Census Bureau job. Be sure to highlight any of these skills on your application.
The more flexible you are with the type of hours you can work, the better your chance of being hired.
You can call the toll-free job line at 866-861-2010 to learn more about vacancies with the U.S. Census Bureau.
Most of the Census-taking jobs will be filled during the spring, so try to be patient if you have applied well before then, but have not had a testing session scheduled.
