Starting Your Career at the U.S. Department of Labor
A Reference Guide for College Students and College Placement Officers
II. How to Find Federal Job Opportunities
In the private sector, the first step in finding the right position is to identify companies which have work suited to your experience or academic background. You would then send a resume to those companies to hopefully obtain an interview. In the Federal government, your approach is somewhat different as your application or resume plays a far more significant role.
Step 1: Identify the type of position which appeals to your career goals and/or personal interests. For example, DOL's Opportunities are Open brochure provides specific information regarding our organizations and major occupations.
Step 2: Identify the advertised position(s) or hiring program for which you wish to submit your application. You can find out about job openings through the following recruitment vehicles:
- OPM's USAJOBS website
- DOL's Jobs website
- Career Fairs
- DOL Advertisements in Newspapers and Magazines
- DOL Human Resources Offices
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