N
The Global Insight

Is it hard to get a job with the federal government?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 31, 2026

Many people believe applying for a federal job is a difficult and complicated process, but it is actually very achievable. The job search process in the federal government can last about 6-18 months, which can be lengthy for many people.

Can I have a second job while working for the federal government?

The default position is yes, federal employees can have a second job. As a federal employee, you are not prohibited from working a second job. However, you cannot “engage in outside employment that conflicts with your official duties”.

Is a government job a federal job?

The positions available within the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the government are federal jobs.

How many hours can a federal employee work in a day?

Standard (40-Hour/5-Day Week) Work Schedules. On a holiday, part-time employees under standard work schedules are generally excused from duty for the number of basic (nonovertime) hours they are regularly scheduled to work on that day, not to exceed 8 hours.

How long is the federal government hiring process?

Although every agency has a different hiring process in practice, most agencies strive to fill their open positions in 80 days or less. After the job is posted and closed, the agency should make a decision within 6-8 weeks.

Can a federal employee work for a contractor?

No. Federal empmoyees cannot offer consulting services to other Government Agencies, National Labs and/or their contractors, as well as any industry, licensees, businesses governed/regulated by their empmpying agency, or work for foreign Governments or related entities because of obvious Conflict of Interest.

Do federal employees get raises?

Annual Pay Raise: Each year, the President may recommend an annual pay raise to Congress for Federal employees. The Congress may accept the President’s recommendation or make its own proposal. An annual pay raise usually takes effect in January of each year.

Is a census worker a federal employee?

Here’s an exception: With prior consent, Federal employees are permitted to work as census workers with pay. The next U.S. Census will be held in 2010. The following exception to the dual compensation rule applies to Federal employees working as field workers conducting the U.S. Census. Bureau of the Census.

How to find a job in the federal government?

Federal government job seekers can link direct to thousands of job vacancies by occupation or through our Department & agency listings and list of 141 agency web sites. You can also call OPM’s USAJOBS hotline, 24 hours a day seven days a week, for updated job information at 1-703-724-1850 or visit USAJobs.

What should be included in a federal job application?

Complete Application or Resume – Employee applications should accurately represent the skills and competencies applicable to the position announced. For each past job, give the standard information found in most resumes. Begin with your current position and list all other positions held in chronological order.

Which is the official site of the federal government?

USAJOBS is the Federal Government’s official one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.

How to apply for federal government jobs in Canada?

In particular, the PSC is working on modernizing GC Jobs by developing a more modern recruitment solution that is accessible, user-centric, and that provides Canadians with an equal opportunity to apply to federal government jobs.