How to Get a Good Government Job in WI
Interested in getting a government job in Wisconsin? With some of the greatest benefits, job security and opportunity for advancement in the workforce today it’s no surprise that many people would like to be employed by the Wisconsin government.
Fortunately for job seekers, there are lots of WI 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 Wisconsin
One of the most appealing things about Wisconsin government jobs is the benefits. Pay is usually comparable to averages in an industry, however when you are looking at the extras like medical insurance and paid time off government jobs are likely to out-do the private sector alternatives.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 locate 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
In many ways applying for a government job is just like applying for any other job. However, there are particular 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 need to be met.
Background checks – You will probably have a background check done when applying for government jobs in WI. It’s quite normal for people in government positions to have access to sensitive information which is why background and drug tests are typically a 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 hiring highly qualified individuals. There is 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 Wisconsin are limited to people 18 years or older.