Dispelling Myths about the Federal Job Market: guest blogger Dr. Daphne Houston

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Myth #1: All the government jobs are in Washington, DC.  

Fact:  Only 15% of federal jobs are actually in DC.  That means almost 85% of the federal jobs are outside of DC throughout the US and the rest of the world.

Myth #2:  Federal Government Salaries are Low

Fact: Actually government salaries have risen faster and higher than private sector salaries.  In most cases you will find that they are very competitive.  In fact, it’s been reported that from 2000 to 2008, the pay for federal civilian employees skyrocketed 57%, while the pay for workers in the private sector grew by only 31%.  And the White House recently proposed a 1.4% pay increase.

Myth #3: To get into the federal government you have to be connected –  all the jobs are wired. 

Fact: If that was the case, then the government wouldn’t currently have over 60,000 job openings worldwide.  Don’t you think the people that know the current government workforce would have networked their way if that was the case?

Myth #4: All government workers do is push papers, they don’t have jobs for what I do. 

Fact:  The government has over classifications of positions and over 300 departments and agencies.  There are all kinds of jobs. There are so many ways to make a difference to America doing this work. Here is a very short list of federal job titles: Accountants, Business Operations, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Administrative Assistants, Secretaries, Assistants, Civil Engineers, Airline Pilots, Computer Systems Analysts, Program Managers, Construction Managers and Social Workers

Myth #5: The Government is one huge bureaucracy. 

Fact: The Government is made up of several entities. Each of the over 300 departments and agencies operates as their own stand alone “corporation” within a network of companies designed to serve the best interest of America. Some do operate more efficiently than others and are more progressive than others.

Based on your agency research, consider 3-5 agencies you would like to further explore.

Myth #6: All Federal jobs are posted on USAjobs.com

Fact: Only about 70% are on USA jobs. Many jobs (perm, temp, special) are on each fed agency website.  And some are not posted on the sites at all.

If you would like to learn more about the Federal Job Search Market, join Dr. Daphne Houston for a free webinar: “The 5 Critical Keys to Landing a Federal Job.”  Dr. Houston is a certified federal job search trainer whose clients get hired!

2008 – 2010(c) Kevin Kermes Inc.