Ten Reasons to Work in Federal Government

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U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool (Photo: Architect of the Capitol)

In our increasingly complex and challenging world, Uncle Sam is looking for people with the right skills. Do you have them? If you do, you should consider bringing them to the federal government. Here's why.

Related: Search for Government jobs.

Make a Difference

The federal government impacts the lives of all Americans, and you can too. Use your skills to protect the environment, strengthen the nation's security, ensure the safety of our skies, help kids get a good education, fight crime or serve in any number of rewarding federal careers.

The Government Is Hiring

While prospects for finding a good job in the private sector shift with the prevailing economic winds, there are literally thousands of opportunities in the federal government. Federal agencies need to hire 250,000 new employees in the next few years.

No matter what your interest or aspiration, chances are there's a federal job that matches it in the 15 cabinet departments and hundreds of US government agencies.

Build Your Resume

Serving your country can be a great resume builder. You can gain real hands-on experience and develop marketable skills doing work that matters in internships or in various career fields.

Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.

Advance Your Career

Since more than 70 percent of federal senior executives will reach retirement age in the next few years, there are ample opportunities to gain more responsibility and achieve management and leadership positions more quickly than you might expect.

Work Just About Anywhere

You can work for the federal government in any of the 50 states or in one of the 180 countries where the US has a State Department embassy or consulate. In fact, 84 percent of all federal jobs are located outside Washington, DC.

Get the Benefits of Government Work

The total package of federal pay, health and child-care benefits, and retirement savings plans are competitive with those offered in the private sector.

Continue Your Education

The government offers some of the country's best advanced education and training assistance opportunities. You can complete a graduate degree or executive program at your local college or university while working for Uncle Sam.

The federal government also helps its employees pay for school through hundreds of scholarship opportunities.

Work with People Who Reflect America's Diversity

The federal government is a leader in providing real opportunities for career growth to all Americans regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. The government simply wants the best and the brightest.

That includes America's veterans, who may have an advantage when seeking employment with the federal government.

Get a Life!

Unlike many private sector employers, the federal government offers a variety of work/life balance programs -- from flexible work schedules to telecommuting -- to make life easier for its employees.

Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, including jobs related to government, visit the Military.com Job Search section.

The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job

Whether you want to polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.

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