How to Get a Good Government Job in WV
Interested in getting a government job in West Virginia? 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 West Virginia government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are numerous WV 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 West Virginia
One of the most appealing aspects of West Virginia government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when it comes to the extras like health insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
West Virginia 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 taking into consideration.
Where to Find West 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 many websites where you can find government job postings and submit an application 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 West 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 West Virginia
In many ways applying for a government job is just 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. 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 can expect to have a background check done when applying for government jobs in WV. It’s not unusual for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which is why background and drug tests are typically an integral 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 means knowledge, skills and abilities.
Age limit – Most government jobs in West Virginia are limited to people 18 years or older.