I’m finding it hard to get my foot in the door for government jobs without prior public service experience. Despite a solid resume in the private sector, I keep hitting a wall when it comes to landing government roles. Has anyone been in a similar situation and found a successful strategy to break through? Are there specific skills or certifications that helped bridge the gap, or is volunteering a viable path to gaining relevant experience? Would love to hear your stories or any advice you might have!

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If you apply federally, good luck. It can take half a year before they look at your app. But getting a city, county, or state job is more obtainable. I'd start there. Coming from someone who went from county to state position.

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A few ways to try to enter public service is to become a contractor with the agency you want to work for and gain knowledge. If that works well and they like you they might try to convert you. This can take awhile but you could try. If you have a disability or a veteran it can be easier because there are different pathways such as a schedule A hire (disability hiring authority) or veterans hiring authority. They can place you in a job without it being posted/announced but you will have a 2 year probation instead of 1. Make sure to have your resume tailored to the specific job you want because they look for keywords.

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I got into the government via a temp agency. Once my temp contract was up, the agency opted to hire me under the old STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program) because I was in college at the time. I don't remember if I had to apply or not.

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I have 31 years experience in uk local government and still not got a job yet in the industry I love

Good luck hope you get the job you deserve

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Is you have private sector business experience and a college degree then apply for 1102 federal jobs

I have found it impossible to get a federal job. In my career of over 22 year’s experience with 15 years as a Defense Contractor with a TS/SCI, I still am not able to get a federal position. Years go by, life happens, and realizing, it’s not worth the fight anymore. == Gov. Shutdowns, contract modifications, positions becoming eliminated within the base years, getting laid off from current positions, Then, there is no place left to put you on the contract. Also, security breaches - as they say they are… BS). —Can’t give you any reasons why things can’t be explained. — Just ridiculous. You are better off working for Private Industry. What I have gone through, I would never wish this upon anyone. — Thank you, Federal Government for not helping me gain Federal employment. Things happen for a reason!

I almost feel like asking Donald Trump or Elon Musk for a job. It couldn’t hurt, right? For me, I wont waste any more time applying for a Federal job.

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