How to Get a Good Government Job in TN
Interested in getting a government job in Tennessee? 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 Tennessee government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous TN 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 Tennessee
One of the most appealing things about Tennessee 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.
Tennessee 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 Tennessee Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are many government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know where to find them.
There are a number of 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 but it also has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Tennessee 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 Tennessee
In numerous ways applying for a government job is the same as 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. 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 are likely to have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in TN. It’s common for people in government positions to have entry to sensitive information which is 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 throughout the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA means knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Tennessee are restricted to people 18 years or older.