Many people would still probably prefer government sector jobs over private sector ones. However, not everyone is able to get such jobs as demand for jobs in the public sector tends to be very high. Therefore, civil service vacancies don’t usually last for a long time. If you want to be a public servant and if you see such a job vacancy, apply as soon as possible.
What are civil service vacancies? Generally all public servants excluding those employed by the armed forces would fall under this category. You might not be aware that civil service vacancies are not just job vacancies in the federal government structure. Even vacancies at state and local level would fall under this category.
Why is there so much demand for these jobs? There are several reasons for this. Many who want stable, secure jobs always look out for civil service vacancies. In addition you are will receive many benefits even after your retirement. Various health benefits are also available to public servants. In most cases, salaries are not inferior either when compared to the salaries in the private sector. People seek out civil service vacancies due to all these factors. The workload of an average private sector worker could be greater than that of government worker in a similar capacity.
There might be certain disadvantages of being employed by the government as well. Some apply for civil service vacancies with the notion that it is easier to work in the public sector since you won’t be penalized for being inefficient. This idea is completely wrong and many civil servants are quite skilled and are as efficient as private sector workers. Before applying for civil service vacancies you should also be aware that though your job would be more secure than if you were in the private sector, there is no guarantee that you won’t be fired. During certain periods civil servants have been retrenched due to various reasons. Inefficiency, corrupt and illegal practices and deterioration of government finances could lead to contraction in civil service.
You can find civil service vacancies that suit your interests whatever they might be. Whether you are interested in law enforcement, forest conservation, foreign affairs or education, you can find jobs that match with your field of interest, in the public sector. If you apply for civil service vacancies you would have to go through a screening process and would have to sit for an exam. Based on the results and your qualifications, you might or might not be chosen to fill the vacancy in question.
You won’t be able to find all civil service vacancies in one place but there are many websites that could be helpful. You could also get the contact numbers from the ‘blue pages.’ The websites of various government departments could provide information on the civil service vacancies pertaining to the particular department. Keep your eyes and ears open for such opportunities.
The Civil service tests are mandatory for some professions and sectors such as Foreign Service, postal service, law enforcement air traffic control, customs, and some secretarial and clerical jobs; however in most government sector jobs civil service tests are not necessary. A competitive assessment of the applicants back ground, education, and work experience is what is required in 80% of the job vacancies available in the civil service.
Most administrative and secretarial exams have been replaced with what is called “Occupational questionnaires” The Office of Personal Management and various other job posting sites such as USA jobs announce their vacancies online. Interested candidates may apply to the positions directly. They have to complete the application, a federal style resume- which is a standardize resume expected of candidates applying for jobs in the US Government, and a questionnaire, all these nay be submitted online with the respective job agency. When or if the civil service tests are required of the applicant the agency will notify the time and the venue.
Most of these civil service tests pertain to jobs in the clerical and administrative area, Samples of the clerical and other civil service tests are available in The Book of U.S. Government Jobs, there is also in this books examples of tests of reading, vocabulary, arithmetic reasoning etc, however most such exams are now being replaced by the Occupational Questionnaire which measure ones educational and professional experience for the job at hand. Clerical job announcements are usually found in The Admintrative & Clerical GS-300 Job series, you have to identify the clerical job announcements available in your state, city or town before applying online. If civil service tests are required the agency will alert the applicant and you have to bring with you to the test center the following items of a three median No.2 led pencils, eraser, a pen and the forms and documents required of you.
The clerical civil service tests consists of two sections, the civil service tests usually measures clerical aptitude and verbal ability, to pass the test the candidate has to score a minimum of 33 in the verbal ability section and have a combined score of 80 on both sections of verbal clerical aptitude. The score is then converted to a numerical rating which will be the final score of the test. Other than sitting for the exam applicants also have to complete the Occupational Supplement for Clerical Positions (OPM form 1203- A1). With this application the reviewer will have an insight in to the academic and professional qualifications along with ones performance at the exam. A final result will be arrived to with the test and the supplements and notification will be given within five to ten working days.
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