How to Get a Good Government Job in MA
Interested in getting a government job in Massachusetts? With some of the greatest benefits, job security and opportunity for advancement in the workforce today it’s no surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Massachusetts government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of MA government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from basic level positions to highly specialized jobs that demand years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Massachusetts
One of the most appealing things about Massachusetts government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when it comes to the extras like health insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Massachusetts government job benefits to consider 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 taking into consideration.
Where to Find Massachusetts 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 submit an application for them online. USAJOBS.gov is the official website for locating 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 Massachusetts the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which supplies links to state-specific job sites. These websites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in Massachusetts
In numerous ways applying for a government job is like applying for any other job. However, there are particular requirements to take into consideration.
Citizenship – Most all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens. You can 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 will probably have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in MA. It’s common for people in government positions to have entry to sensitive information and that's 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 searching 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 Massachusetts are restricted to people 18 years or older.