How to Get a Good Government Job in WA
Interested in getting a government job in Washington? With some of the greatest 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 Washington government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are many WA government job opportunities at the city, county and state level. They run from entry level positions to highly specialized jobs which require years of training and expertise.
Benefits of Government Jobs in Washington
One of the most appealing aspects of Washington 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.
Washington 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 consideration.
Where to Find Washington Government Jobs
Despite the recent economic turmoil there are thousands of government job openings waiting to be filled. You just need to know how to locate them.
There are several 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 and it has helpful information and advice on getting a government job . If you’re interested in government jobs within Washington 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 Washington
In numerous ways applying for a government job is like 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. You can find 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 can expect to have a background check done when trying to get government jobs in WA. It’s common for people in government positions to have entry 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'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 Washington are restricted to people 18 years or older.