How to Get a Good Government Job in NC
Interested in getting a government job in North Carolina? With some of the best benefits, job security and potential for advancement in the workforce today it’s no real surprise that many people would like to be employed by the North Carolina government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous NC 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 North Carolina
One of the most appealing things about North Carolina government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when you are considering the extras like medical insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
North Carolina 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 part of the overall compensation package that you need to be taking into account.
Where to Find North Carolina 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 North Carolina the Department of Labor sponsor’s the website CareerOneStop.org which provides links to state-specific job sites. These sites will list both state-wide and local positions.
Applying for a Government Job in North Carolina
In many ways applying for a government job is just like applying for any other job. However, there are specific requirements to consider.
Citizenship – Nearly 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 has to be met.
Background checks – You are likely to have a background check done when applying for government jobs in NC. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information and that's 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 looking 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 North Carolina are limited to people 18 years or older.