How to Get a Good Government Job in MN
Interested in getting a government job in Minnesota? 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 Minnesota government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of MN 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 Minnesota
One of the most appealing things about Minnesota government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually on par with averages in an industry, however when it comes to the extras like health care insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Minnesota government job benefits to take into account 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 ought to be taking into account.
Where to Find Minnesota Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are thousands of government job openings waiting to be filled. You simply need to know where to locate them.
There are a number of 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 Minnesota the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which supplies links to state-specific job sites. These sites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in Minnesota
In many ways applying for a government job is like 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 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 must be met.
Background checks – You can expect to have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in MN. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have entry to sensitive information which explains why background and drug tests are typically a part of the hiring process.
Qualifications – Pay attention to the qualifications section of a job posting. Government jobs can be competitive and the government is only hiring 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 Minnesota are restricted to people 18 years or older.