How to Get a Good Government Job in NY
Interested in getting a government job in New York? With some of the greatest benefits, job security and chance of advancement in the workforce today it’s no real surprise that many people would like to be employed by the New York government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous NY 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 New York
One of the most appealing things about New York 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.
New York 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 should be taking into account.
Where to Find New York Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are thousands of government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know where to locate them.
There are many 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 New York 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 New York
In numerous ways applying for a government job is the same as applying for any other job. However, there are specific requirements to consider.
Citizenship – Most all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens. There are 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 applying for government jobs in NY. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which is why background and drug tests are typically 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 during the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA means knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in New York are restricted to people 18 years or older.