How to Get a Good Government Job in VA
Interested in getting a government job in Virginia? 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 Virginia government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of VA 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 Virginia
One of the most appealing things about Virginia government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually on par with averages in an industry, however when you are considering the extras like health insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Virginia government job benefits to take into account 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 need to be taking into consideration.
Where to Find Virginia 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 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 but it also has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Virginia 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 Virginia
In plenty of different ways applying for a government job is just like applying for any other job. However, there are particular 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 are likely to have a background check done when applying for government jobs in VA. It’s common for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which explains 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's what’s known as KSAs which are given throughout the hiring process for many government jobs. KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in Virginia are limited to people 18 years or older.