How Do I Choose the Best Civil Service Jobs?

People in civil service jobs most often have jobs in which they work for government agencies. To choose the best civil service jobs, you first should familiarize yourself with official government resources in your area. In many places, you can find information about civil service opportunities on government websites and in informational pamphlets that can be found at government buildings. It also is a good idea to consider your level of education, your skills, and scores you receive on related proficiency exams. To qualify for civil service jobs, it almost always is necessary to go through a training and assessment process.

Individuals who hold civil service jobs work in a wide range of fields, so levels of pay, as well as benefits, vary greatly. In general, and depending on where you live, the pay and benefits associated with civil service positions are comparable to those in the private sector. At the same time, however, you might expect that a person who has a government job as a plant physiologist might make more than a first-year receptionist, if for any reason because a physiologist probably has more years of training and preparation.

To choose the best civil service jobs, you should think about what your skills are and which kind of work you are qualified to perform. If you already have trained in a particular field, you might want investigate your options based on your certification or degree. For example, if you have a degree in architecture, you might search your local government employment website to learn about jobs available for people who have backgrounds in architecture. Some jobs that might be found under a civil service architecture heading are construction analyst and naval architect.

It is important to remember that getting civil service jobs might require a process that is slightly different from that required to get jobs in the private sector. When it comes to getting private sector jobs, people often must fill out applications and resumes and then appear for interviews if employers are impressed by these documents. People who are interested in civil service jobs, on the other hand, often must complete proficiency exams and even attend special training and informational sessions.

Individuals who are interested in finding the best civil service jobs should, however, consider some of the same factors as those searching for private sector jobs. While many government jobs are thought to be well funded and secure, it still is important to find out how secure a position truly is. It also is important to research wages and salaries, as well as benefits and the potential for promotion.