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Government
Contract Jobs
Fill A Vital Role
Government
Contract jobs are those related to filling a specific government agency
need.
The government has a mandate to reduce the
size of federal government.
As such, a lot of the work
typically accomplished by a federal employee is now done by a
contractor.
Contract government jobs may involve
reporting directly to a government agency or working for publicly or
privately held companies that are contracted by the government for
specific projects.
Consider these factors when
looking for a government contractor job.
Location
- Government agency jobs are more common in the
Washington DC area than in other
parts of the country.
- It is not unusual for the
Department of Energy or the Department of Justice, for example, to have
ongoing relationships with area temp agencies.
- But
you don't have to live in the nation's capital to gain access to these
opportunities.
- For instance, if you live in a location
that's active in
oil production or shipbuilding, local agencies may work to match you
with private-sector companies that have been awarded government
contracts.
Pay and
Benefits
- Income
from government contract jobs is generally comparable if not higher
that
corresponding civilian positions.
- Furthermore, most employees enjoy
great benefits as civilian employees, including health insurance,
vacations, etc.
- Frequently, government contractors
find themselves in temp-to-perm hiring situations, which could bode
well for long-term career prospects.
A Way In
- With
a tight job market, many college graduates are opting for government
contract work as their way into their chosen fields.
- Not
only do you gain valuable experience, but it's a great way to make good
contacts (networking) for a future career.
Be
Prepared
- If you're
specifically trained or educated, seek out
temporary agencies that focus on placement in your discipline.
- Researching
the temp agencies in your area can be a good first step in determining
your best fit in the government contract arena.
- Depending
upon the type of work you do, be prepared for the temp agency to
conduct certain aptitude screenings.
Employment
Background Screening
- Be
aware that some
government agencies require specific clearances for anyone who works in
their environment.
- Achieving these clearances is
often a slow-moving process; students who foresee government contract
work as an option after graduation should begin their application
process early.
If you set your sights on specific government contract jobs or
agencies, learn all you can about that agency in
advance of your placement.
Working for the
government can be very regimented and is often the subject of certain
protocols, many of which are strictly procedure-based and will require
your conformity to the specific agency's standards.
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