Clerical Jobs at Federal Employers
In addition to offering competitive wages and good benefits, federal jobs also offer the chance to make a difference, which many workers consider to be an attractive feature. They also appreciate the security of employment.
To get a federal job, applicants must create resumes that match the requirements listed in the specific job announcement. To do this, emphasize work, volunteer and academic experiences that will help you build your skills.
Blue-collar
The federal government employs an array of employees. The employees carry out a wide range of tasks that aid the government in its operations and provide services to its citizens. The government organizes its employees into categories according to their work responsibilities. They include administrative, technical and professional occupations.
fela settlements -collar positions typically require the most manual labor than white-collar positions. They might require a degree in a specific field or a certification from an institution of trade. Many of these positions require specialized knowledge and involve working with heavy machinery. Blue-collar employees may also be exposed to hazardous materials or animals. The term "blue collar" is usually associated with lower-income employees and is used to describe their position from those held by white-collar professionals.
Blue-collar workers have traditionally worked in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and mining. Their work is typically done in an outdoor environment and they are likely to wear blue jeans or overalls since these clothes can conceal dirt. They must also be able stand for long periods of time. They are typically paid an hourly rate, whereas their white collar colleagues earn a yearly salary.
The federal government employs various methods to classify its employees and determine their salaries including the federal pay grade system. Each job is assigned an appropriate pay grade, based on the duties and qualifications required for the job. Federal employees are eligible for "step increases" every 3 to 5 years, which can result in an increase in pay.
Pophal says that while some choose to work for the government due to the security and benefits, the massive size of the federal bureaucracy can pose challenges for certain. An uncertain budget could make these issues more difficult.
Clerical
Clerical workers are responsible for the day-to-day office tasks that keep companies running smoothly. Answering the phone, filing documents and entering data are all part of their job. They can also assist with scheduling appointments and handling information requests. They are therefore essential in nearly every industry.
Clerical jobs are usually entry-level positions. Candidates might be required to take short courses which introduce them to basic office procedures and equipment. This includes learning to use a computer as well as other relevant software programs. In addition, some personnel in the clerical field must be cleared for security clearance to ensure they do not pose an enigma to national security.
In general, administrative workers have little or no supervisory authority. They must follow the instructions of a more senior employee. Some clerical jobs do provide opportunities to advance into administrative positions such as executive assistants and secretaries. Some positions, such as those in insurance companies or financial institutions, are more likely to be managerial in their nature.
Although clerical jobs are often considered entry-level jobs, candidates for these roles must be detail-oriented. They must be able to quickly review resumes and find any errors or inconsistencies. They must then be able explain these details in greater detail. Some employees in the clerical field must be able to use databases of the company or manage them. Other clerical employees may need to travel or deal with mail.
Many clerical workers work in a number of different industries, ranging from the finance sector to health care and human resources. They are able to assist with payroll accounting, tax documentation, or the hiring and firing process. Certain clerical employees are entitled to additional benefits in addition to those offered by their employers.
Administrative
The federal government provides its employees with a first-class compensation and benefits package. The benefits include health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans. The agencies also permit employees to take annual and sick leave as needed. Employees can use their accumulated annual leave and sick leave for themselves and family members. However, the amount of time taken is contingent on the length of service.
Administrative employees are exempt from the Federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, they must be paid at minimum their regular rate of pay for any hours working more than 40 hours per week. They can be employed to perform tasks directly related the management or general business operation of the company's clients or customers and provide advice or providing consulting services. This includes auditing, tax and accounting work, as well as computer and information technology support activities, such as database management and data management, as well as security and web-based client service.
Certain federal administrative employees can avail flexible work schedule options such as part-time and job sharing. These arrangements enable employees to adjust their work schedule to suit their professional and personal requirements. Federal employees also earn holiday pay. In addition, employees can carry over up to 30 days of leave or vacation from one year to the next.
In the event of a pandemic health crisis, administrative managers are critical to the agency's ability to accomplish its mission. This guide can be used by managers to gain a quick overview on what to do during a crisis. It outlines what information to relay to employees and what procedures are in place for dismissal or closure outside of Washington DC.
Professionals
The federal government employs employees with a wide range of professional qualifications in offices across the country. A majority of these jobs require an extensive background check, drug test and security clearance. The Federal Government pays its employees well and offers excellent benefits, including low-cost insurance and generous sick and vacation leave policies and flexible work schedules. It also offers an employee retirement plan with a defined benefit pension which is not common for private sector employers.
The Federal Government pays most professional and technical positions through the General Schedule Pay Scale, which has 15 grades that range from GS-1 all the way to GS-15. There are 10 steps for each grade. Senior Executive Service is the highest-level position in the Federal Government.
Under a variety circumstances, federal agencies can promote, demote, or transfer employees who are on a career-conditional or on a career track. They also can make time-limited promotions to finish projects as well as fill vacancies on a temporary basis and to meet other needs that are temporary. Promotions to higher pay grades are usually processed via a career ladder or merit-based promotions.
Like most organizations, the Federal Government has its challenges. One of the biggest issues is a lack of funds, which can limit the ability of an agency to upgrade equipment and foster creativity. The bureaucratic nature in the Federal Government can also be a challenge, as it can result in long and lengthy delays in processing paperwork or hiring new employees. The vastness of the Federal Government is intimidating to anyone who is new to the job. Employees need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time navigating complex administrative procedures and learning how to navigate through the numerous departments and offices.
Technical
Federal agencies are seeking tech-savvy employees. In fact, applications per job on Handshake have increased by 5x for federal tech jobs since the beginning of 2023. If you are a recent college graduate or possess strong technical skills and experience, then working for the government could be the right choice for you. One of the major draws for federal employees is the chance to "serve" people with their technical skills to help our nation. Many federal employees say this is a new way of looking at work.
Many people who want to work for government are also interested in its stability competitive compensation packages and benefits. According to the Partnership for Public Service (PPS), federal workers have more security in their jobs and generous vacation, personal and sick leave policies than private sector employers. The federal government is also an innovator in the area of innovative workplace arrangements, including remote work. This is now a common choice for many employees.
The federal workforce is less than the majority of US industry workers but is larger than industries like mining and utilities. It is similar in size to the Information (Publishing Broadcasting, Publishing and Telecommunications) Industry, which employs almost 3 million workers.
To help recruit and hire top candidates, the federal government is testing new methods to streamline the hiring process and make it easier for technology professionals. This includes launching a new searchable online catalog of positions in technology at each agency, as well as expanding its use of expert assessments on subject matter to determine the talent of groups of candidates and prequalify them for specific roles. This will result in an efficient, fair and faster hiring process for both the agency and its stakeholders.