How to Find, Apply, and Land Federal Government Jobs
The federal government is the largest employer in the United States, offering thousands of job opportunities across diverse fields. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or a veteran, USAJOBS.gov is the official portal for federal employment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from creating a profile and using the USAJOBS resume builder to finding remote jobs, internships, and specialized roles like pharmacist or NASA positions.
The Ultimate Guide to USAJOBS
What Is USAJOBS?
USAJOBS is the federal government’s primary hiring platform, connecting job seekers with opportunities across hundreds of agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), NASA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The site allows users to search for jobs, save applications, and track their progress through the hiring process.
One of the key features of USAJOBS is its hiring paths, which help applicants determine eligibility based on their background (e.g., veterans, students, individuals with disabilities). For example, veterans may qualify for preference in hiring, while recent graduates can explore internship programs .
How to Create a USAJOBS Account and Profile
Before applying for any federal job, you must create a USAJOBS account. This profile stores your resume, work history, and eligibility details. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign Up – Visit USAJOBS.gov and click “Sign In” to register with Login.gov, ID.me, or another approved method.
- Complete Your Profile – Fill in personal details, work experience, education, and skills.
- Upload Documents – Save your DD-214 (for veterans), transcripts, and professional certifications.
A well-optimized profile improves your chances of matching with relevant jobs. Agencies use this data to filter candidates, so ensure your information is accurate and up to date .
Mastering the USAJOBS Resume Builder
Unlike private-sector resumes, federal resumes require extensive detail, including hours worked per week, supervisor contact information, and specific job duties. The USAJOBS resume builder simplifies this process by structuring your resume in a government-approved format.
Steps to Build a Federal Resume:
- Go to Documents in your USAJOBS account.
- Click “Upload or build resume” and select “Build resume.”
- Enter work history, education, and references.
- Save periodically to avoid losing progress due to session timeouts .
Pro Tip: Some agencies only accept resumes built in USAJOBS, while others allow uploaded files. Always check the job announcement’s “How to Apply” section .
How to Search for Jobs on USAJOBS
Finding the right federal job requires strategic searching. Here’s how to maximize your results:
1. Keyword and Location Filters
- Use terms like “remote jobs”, “pharmacist”, or “NASA” to narrow listings.
- Location-based searches (e.g., “San Diego”, “Puerto Rico”) show openings within a 25-mile radius .
2. Hiring Paths
- Select filters like “Veterans”, “Students”, or “Direct Hire” to see eligible roles.
- Direct Hire Authority (DHA) jobs skip competitive rating, speeding up hiring 1.
3. Advanced Filters
- Adjust for salary, work schedule (full-time/part-time), and agency (e.g., VA, DHS, NASA).
For example, a search for “no experience” jobs may yield entry-level GS-4 to GS-7 positions, while “remote” filters display telework opportunities .
Key Federal Job Opportunities in 2025
1. Law Enforcement & National Security Jobs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is hosting a Career Expo (June 5-6, 2025) in Chantilly, VA, for roles in border security, immigration enforcement, and public safety .
2. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Hiring Events
- FCC Pollock, LA (June 18, 2025) – On-the-spot interviews for correctional roles.
- FCI Englewood, CO (June 26, 2025) – Bring a federal resume and IDs .
3. NASA & STEM Careers
NASA frequently posts engineering and science roles. Use keywords like “aerospace” or “engineering” for specialized listings.
4. VA Medical & Pharmacist Roles
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hires pharmacists nationwide. Look for GS-12 to GS-13 positions with competitive benefits .
The Federal Hiring Process: What to Expect
- Application Submission – Follow the “How to Apply” instructions precisely.
- Agency Review – HR verifies eligibility and qualifications.
- Interviews – May include panels, phone, or video calls.
- Job Offer & Onboarding – Selected candidates undergo background checks and orientation .
Veterans Tip: Use the Veterans Eligibility Tool (VET) to check preference status before applying .
Final Tips for Success on USAJOBS
✔ Tailor each resume to the job announcement.
✔ Set up job alerts for new postings.
✔ Attend virtual workshops (e.g., VA Federal Application Webinar on June 17, 2025) 4.
✔ Network on LinkedIn and follow @USAJOBS on Twitter/X for updates.
Conclusion
With the right strategy, USAJOBS.gov can be your gateway to a rewarding federal career. Whether you’re seeking remote work, entry-level roles, or high-level positions, this platform offers unparalleled opportunities. Start your search today and take the first step toward serving the nation while advancing your professional future.
50 official and related websites that can help you find federal, state, and private-sector jobs in the USA, including USAJOBS.gov and other government hiring portals:
Federal Government Job Websites
- USAJOBS.gov – Official federal job site
- DOD Civilian Careers – Department of Defense jobs
- FBI Jobs – Federal Bureau of Investigation careers
- CIA Careers – Central Intelligence Agency jobs
- NSA Careers – National Security Agency jobs
- NASA Careers – National Aeronautics and Space Administration jobs
- USDA Jobs – U.S. Department of Agriculture
- VA Careers – Veterans Affairs jobs
- State Department Careers – U.S. Diplomatic & Consular jobs
- USPS Careers – United States Postal Service jobs
State & Local Government Job Websites
- GovernmentJobs.com – State & local government jobs
- State & Local Agency Portals – Links to all state job boards
- California Careers – CA state jobs
- Texas Jobs – TX state jobs
- New York State Jobs – NY government jobs
- Florida Jobs – FL state jobs
- Illinois Jobs – IL state jobs
- Pennsylvania Jobs – PA state jobs
- Ohio Jobs – OH state jobs
- Georgia Careers – GA state jobs
Military & Veterans Job Websites
- Military.com Jobs – Veteran job board
- HireVets.gov – Veteran hiring initiative
- DOD SkillBridge – Military transition program
- Veteran Employment Services – VA job assistance
- RecruitMilitary – Veteran job fairs & hiring
Private Sector & General Job Search Websites
- LinkedIn Jobs – Professional networking & jobs
- Indeed – Largest job search engine
- Glassdoor – Company reviews & salaries
- Monster – Job search & career advice
- CareerBuilder – Job listings & resume tools
- ZipRecruiter – AI-powered job matching
- SimplyHired – Aggregated job listings
- FlexJobs – Remote & flexible jobs
- Dice – Tech & IT jobs
- AngelList – Startup & tech jobs
Internship & Entry-Level Job Websites
- Pathways Program (Federal Internships) – USAJOBS student programs
- Internships.com – Internship listings
- WayUp – Entry-level & internship jobs
- Handshake – College student job platform
- Idealist – Nonprofit & public service jobs
Specialized & Industry-Specific Job Websites
- Healthcare.gov Careers – Healthcare jobs
- Federal Reserve Careers – Banking & finance jobs
- EPA Careers – Environmental Protection Agency jobs
- FEMA Jobs – Emergency management jobs
- NGO & Nonprofit Jobs – Social impact careers
- ClearanceJobs – Security clearance jobs
- US Courts Jobs – Federal court system jobs
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jobs – Aviation careers
- Energy.gov Jobs – Department of Energy careers
- National Park Service Jobs – Park ranger & conservation jobs
Final Tips for Job Seekers
✔ Bookmark USAJOBS.gov for federal job updates.
✔ Use niche job boards (e.g., ClearanceJobs for security jobs).
✔ Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and USAJOBS.
✔ Check state government websites for local opportunities.
Would you like recommendations for resume builders, interview tips, or salary negotiation guides? Let me know how I can help further! 🚀
Need more help? Visit the USAJOBS Help Center or explore USA.gov job resources for additional guidance.
