How to Get a Good Government Job in CO
Interested in getting a government job in Colorado? With some of the best benefits, job security and chance of advancement in the workforce today it’s no surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Colorado government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of CO government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from entry level positions to highly specialized jobs that require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Colorado
One of the most appealing things about Colorado government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when it comes to the extras like medical insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Colorado government job benefits to take into consideration include:
- Insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Job security
- Retirement benefits
Even if pay isn’t quite as competitive as working for-profit companies, the benefits are a portion of the overall compensation package that you need to be considering.
Where to Find Colorado Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are many government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know where to find them.
There are many websites where you can find government job postings and apply for them online. USAJOBS.gov is the official website for finding jobs in the federal government and it has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Colorado the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which provides links to state-specific job sites. These websites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in Colorado
In many ways applying for a government job is the same as applying for any other job. However, there are specific requirements to take into consideration.
Citizenship – Nearly all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens. You will find exceptions, and at the federal level there are agencies that will consider non-citizens. There’s a special hiring process for non-residents and employability requirements that need to be met.
Background checks – You are likely to have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in CO. It’s quite normal for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which explains why background and drug tests are typically part of the hiring process.
Qualifications – Pay careful attention to the qualifications section of a job posting. Government jobs can be competitive and the government is only searching for highly qualified individuals. There is what’s known as KSAs which are given throughout the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA means knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Colorado are limited to people 18 years or older.