Did you know that the federal government is the largest employer in the nation with *2.1 million federal civilian employees*? However, *less than 7% of all permanent, full-time federal employees are under the age of 30, compared to more than 19.7% of all private sector employees. Simultaneously, about 1 in 3 federal workers are eligible to retire in the next five years*. This means the federal government is urgently hiring young, diverse and fresh talent, just like you!

Federal Career Myths, debunked:

1. Most federal jobs are located in Washington D.C.: MYTH! 85% of federal employment opportunities are outside of the DC area, with California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia being the states with the largest numbers of federal workers outside of the DMV area.
2. You have to be interested in politics to work in the federal government: MYTH! Federal careers span every single industry and career field from Engineering, to healthcare, arts and entertainment to community service and beyond. There is a career for everyone.
3. I shouldn’t bother applying since federal applications are scanned by a computer and human being won’t even see it. MYTH! All federal applications are REQUIRED to be reviewed by a trained human resources professional!
4. You have to know someone in the federal government in order to get a federal job. MYTH! ALL applications are reviewed by a human resources professional and the most qualified individuals are then forwarded on to the hiring manager. That means you need to be sure to articulate how your skills and experience align with the position you are applying for! There’s a catch, however. Networking with people in the federal government can help you learn more about the inner workings of relevant institutions and may provide you with some insight on what to emphasize in your application materials.

A large number of federal jobs, though not all, are posted on USAJobs, which has a very detailed application process. The USAJobs website offers great resources on how to set up a profile, explore hiring paths and tips on how to navigate the application process . Start the process of exploring federal careers today and secure a career path of service with great benefits, student loan repayment, stability and fulfillment.