How to Get a Good Government Job in MD
Interested in getting a government job in Maryland? With some of the best benefits, job security and potential for advancement in the workforce today it’s no surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Maryland government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of MD government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from basic level positions to highly specialized jobs which require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Maryland
One of the most appealing aspects of Maryland government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually on par with 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.
Maryland government job benefits to consider include:
- Insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Job security
- Retirement benefits
Even if pay isn’t as competitive as working for-profit companies, the benefits are a part of the overall compensation package that you should be considering.
Where to Find Maryland Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are many government job openings waiting to be filled. You simply need to know where to locate them.
There are several websites where you can find government job postings and apply for them online. USAJOBS.gov is the official website for locating jobs in the federal government but it also has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Maryland 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 Maryland
In plenty of different 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 – Most 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 can expect to have a background check done when applying for government jobs in MD. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which is why background and drug tests are typically an integral 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 looking for highly qualified individuals. There is what’s known as KSAs which are given during the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Maryland are limited to people 18 years or older.