How to Get a Good Government Job in OR
Interested in getting a government job in Oregon? 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 Oregon government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous OR government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from basic level positions to highly specialized jobs that require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Oregon
One of the most appealing things about Oregon 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.
Oregon 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 portion of the overall compensation package that you need to be considering.
Where to Find Oregon 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 find 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 but it also has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Oregon 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 Oregon
In plenty of different ways applying for a government job is like applying for any other job. However, there are particular 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 must be met.
Background checks – You will probably have a background check done when applying for government jobs in OR. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have entry to sensitive information and that's 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 looking for highly qualified individuals. There's 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 Oregon are restricted to people 18 years or older.