Get a Job! Part I

Recently while conducting research for an article, the words “Get a Job” on the Department of Justice website got my attention.   Since there are still millions of people unemployed, underemployed, unhappily employed or employed and looking for something different, I decided to dedicate a series of blog articles to jobs in international trade.  

Let’s start the series with government jobs in international trade.  There are several ways to find international trade-related jobs with government agencies.  One of the most popular methods to find government jobs is to use USAJOBS, the official job site of the U.S. Government.  This website allows users to create accounts, search for jobs with any federal agency, automate job searches and apply for jobs. The website also provides tutorials on how to search and apply for jobs.  Users can create accounts to set up job searches and store resumes; however, it is not necessary to set up an account to search.  Users can customize searches based on agency, location and keywords.  The site also provides lists of jobs that are in demand and those that are most popular.  Clicking on the Jobs in Demand link today shows that Patent Examiners are in demand.  You can view the basics such as location and salary.  If you see a job that interests you, click on the job title and the details on location, salary duties, benefits, requirements, etc. appear.

If you wanted to work for a specific agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, you could select the “Browse Jobs” option.  Under “Agency,” scroll down to Department of Homeland Security, expand and select Customs and Border Protection. Today's results show positions for Import Specialists and Telecommunications Specialists in various locations.  Scroll through the pages until finding a job that interests you and click on the title.   

Before investing time in applying for jobs, it is important to review the information provided and follow the instructions.   For example, the Telecommunications Specialist position can be filled by all U.S. citizens.  Some of the jobs require the applicant to already have status as a government employee.  If relocation is necessary, check to see if relocation expenses are paid.  Review the duties to determine if you can fulfill them and have interest in doing these tasks.  Review the qualifications to determine if you meet the minimum requirements to be considered.   Government jobs often allow the substitution of education for the required experience, so don’t overlook that option.  If you decide to apply for the position, follow the instructions provided.   After you have submitted the required documents, you will receive electronic notification that your documents have been received.  Now, it’s time to sit back and wait.  You should receive another notification stating whether you are qualified or not qualified for the position.   If you are qualified, then the next notification you receive will be to let you know if your application was submitted to the hiring official for consideration.  The last notification will inform you of the final disposition.

This concludes our tour of USAJOBS.   Since the DOJ was kind enough to post a catchy phrase to provide information about their jobs,  we’ll discuss jobs available at the Department of Justice next week.  To the readers who love their jobs, please consider passing this on to your children and friends to give them an idea of what types of jobs might be available for them.