A government job is always a great addition to your resume and your career. The government offers a large variety of career options including thousands of jobs. In fact, the government is one of the largest employers nationwide.

The list below can help you navigate through various available opportunities within the government. Some of these sites have job listings, others help with guidance. They provide information about jobs or job searching within The United States government.

Government Jobs; Government Work; Government Employment; Politics jobs; Federal Government Jobs; US Government Jobs; DC Government Jobs.
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You may have heard the term “the hidden job market.” What is it, and how do jobseekers get access to it? The “hidden job market” is a phrase that describes job openings that are not publicly advertised. 

• The cost of advertising an open position can be substantial.
• They don’t want to be overwhelmed with applications.
• A new role is being created and they are unsure of the qualifications of the ideal employee.
• They are replacing an existing employee (who doesn’t know they are being replaced).

 
Most of these job opportunities are accessed through referrals from current employees of the company. It’s estimated that 60-80 percent of jobs are found through professional networking. While not all of the jobs found through professional networking are accessing the hidden job market (after all, your friends/family/acquaintance network can help you access interviews for advertised opportunities too), almost all candidates who get interviews for unadvertised jobs do so through networking.
 
Current employees can be an excellent source of candidates. Particularly if the company has a strong workplace culture, having existing employees identify prospective candidates can help ensure solid candidates are encouraged to apply. Some companies even reward employees — with cash or gift cards — for recommending a candidate who is eventually hired.
 
Employee referrals provide an advantage for the jobseeker too. Employee recommendations can carry great weight. Plus, there is less competition for job opportunities accessed through the hidden job market than for openly advertised opportunities.
 
Being referred by a current employee may also mean that your application is set apart from the typical internal processes that most jobseekers have to navigate — such as an applicant tracking system for online applications.
 
Recruiters are another source of unadvertised positions. An employer may choose to work with a recruiter to fill a job rather than advertise it publicly. The recruiter sources job candidates, screens prospective hires, and sends the hiring manager a handful of handpicked candidates. This saves the company time and money. In many cases, when working with a third-party recruiter, the company only pays the recruiter if a candidate is hired, and only if he or she stays for a specified period of time (say, six months).
 
So how do you tap into the hidden job market? Because opportunities are filled both through employee referrals and recruiting, you will want to cover both bases.
 
Accessing the hidden job market works best when you have a clear target in mind — either a specific job title or, even better, a specific list of companies you’d like to work for.
 
There are basically three ways to access the hidden job market:

• Connect with someone at the company through your network (either an employee who can refer you or a hiring manager or a recruiter who works for the company).
• Contact the company directly about exploring unadvertised opportunities.
• Be visible enough in your industry or field to be contacted by a prospective employer.

• Let your network know you are looking for a new position. While this can be difficult if you are conducting a confidential job search, it’s important that the people you know think of you when an opening comes up.

• Following the advice of author Harvey Mackey, “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty.” Having a large network of contacts pays off when it’s time to look for a new job — particularly when you want to tap into the hidden job market. Keep in touch with your former colleagues and bosses. Build your LinkedIn network by connecting with people in your field — but also by adding folks you know from everyday life — the other parents you sit with at your child’s karate dojo, the members of your recreational softball team, your neighbors, etc. All of these can potentially help you tap into the hidden job market.

• Help others. “Give to get.” Zig Ziglar famously said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Keep your ears open about unadvertised openings and help connect those in your network to these opportunities. This type of assistance is often reciprocated. Cultivate relationships with peers in the industry. These connections at other companies can pay off.

• If there is a particular employer you are interested in working for, consider approaching the company directly. When approaching a target employer directly, research the hiring manager and see if there is a mutual connection you can approach to make the introduction. Focus on expanding your network until you connect with someone who works there. Ask him or her to keep you in mind for unadvertised opportunities — or even pass along your résumé right away, even if there isn’t currently an opening.

 
While you are logged into your LinkedIn account, go to the company page and see if you have any existing connections with current or former employees:
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• Identify companies in growth mode. Read your local business journal or the Business section of your local newspaper to find out which companies are growing. You’ll find announcements of new contracts, large office leases, and similar news in local publications or by setting up a targeted Google News alert.

• Look on LinkedIn for recruiters who work at your target employer. Some companies recruit primarily through in-house recruiters (recruiters who are company employees). Connecting with these individuals can be an excellent way to access the hidden job market.

 
While you are logged into your LinkedIn account, do a search for recruiter + [company name]:

• Connect with 2-3 recruiters in your industry or specialty. You may even be able to find out if the company uses a specific outside recruiter or agency for its searches. (Your network may be able to help you find this information, or you can contact the company directly to ask.) Having these extra eyes and ears looking out for opportunities can be a valuable asset in your job search.

• Make it easy to be found. Another angle to accessing the hidden job market is being approached directly about an unadvertised opportunity. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and make yourself visible by participating in industry activities, speaking and writing (when possible), and positioning yourself as a thought leader.

• Be active on social media. Follow employers you are interested in and engage them thoughtfully — liking and commenting on status updates and participating in online conversations with the brand itself or key employees. Share articles and insights about your industry. Follow and interact with key influencers in the industry using social media.

• Join online groups in your industry. While LinkedIn Groups have diminished in influence over the years, they still remain a good way to connect with colleagues. Plus, being active in Groups can make you more visible to recruiters in your industry.

• Join other online groups. Industry groups are the most logical choice for growing your network, but really any online groups can help you connect with others who may be able to help in your job search. This can include groups focused on your hobbies and interests as well as school alumni groups (not just college, but high school too).

• Get involved in associations and activities in your industry. Participate in professional association activities and build rapport with colleagues. Attend conferences and industry events. These are an opportunity to meet hiring managers and decision-makers at your target companies. The wider your network, the more opportunities to access the hidden job market.

• Another source of networking connections may be your university’s alumni association. If you are looking for a connection at a target company, see if the alumni association knows of one, or peruse the bios of company employees or leadership and see if you have a school in common. Looking at a company’s profile on LinkedIn may also potentially help you find alumni connections.

 
Remember, exploring the hidden job market is just one possible way to connect with your dream job. It’s a strategy that can pay off handsomely, but will often take longer than simply identifying advertised openings and applying. However, you will likely find there is less competition for the job opportunity, and if you are using an “inside source” — either a current employee or an internal recruiter — your likelihood of landing an interview can be higher than seeking out a traditionally advertised opening.

• Make a list of all of your existing offline connections (your holiday card or Christmas card list can be a good source to start).
• Get more involved on LinkedIn. Focus on adding 2-3 new connections each week, including recruiters in your industry. Participate in Groups and like and comment on posts. This can take as little as 5-10 minutes each day.
• Write out a list of employers you’d like to work for. This is your target company list. Next, focus on identifying anyone you know who currently works for that company.
• Commit to reading the Business section of your local newspaper and any local business journals weekly to look for companies in hiring mode.
• Get involved — whether online or “in real life,” visibility is important. Engage with groups, organizations, and associations by volunteering and participating in activities and events.

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​Job hunting is always tough but the holiday season can require an even more strategic approach. These are some basic principles and concrete steps to take for making the most of the special opportunities that exist at this time of year.

• Recognize that people's schedules may be more irregular than usual. During the Holiday Season it's important to keep in mind that people may be out of the office more. Avoid becoming anxious just because your phone calls or emails fail to get returned promptly.

• Be gentle with yourself. For all the joy, the holidays can be an emotionally intense period under the best of circumstances. Take it easy on yourself when you're trying to cope with the financial and psychological impact of being unemployed. 

• Nourish your spirits. Devote some regular time to activities that help you feel better. It will make it easier to project a positive attitude that improves your chances for a getting a job offer. Learn how to give a great speech or hone your skills. Get plenty of physical exercise to help stay energized.

• Take a long-term perspective. It's common for job searches to take longer than usual these days. Set incremental goals so you can acknowledge the progress while you're waiting for a job offer.

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• Welcome the reduced competition. By continuing your job search towards the end of the year, you distinguish yourself from all those who may be tempted to take a hiatus. You might find that fewer applicants are coming forward for the openings that interest you.

• Network more. It's a great season for networking. Accept party invitations. Talk with more new people. A good lead can come from unexpected sources. Volunteer work is another way to meet new people and try out new experiences.

• Reestablish old connections. Send out cards and make some phone calls. Sending holiday greetings gives you a ready-made reason to get in touch without putting people off by asking about job prospects directly.

 

• Consider a temporary position. Many companies hire temporary help this time of year. It could be a great way to pick up some extra cash and expand your skills.

 

• Encourage gifts that will help your job search. If people ask you what you want for Christmas, volunteer that you appreciate anything to help with your job search. It could be something like a gift certificate for resume paper.

 

• Devote more time to research. If things slow down, use this extra time wisely. Go online or visit the library to research potential employers and industry trends.

 

• Update your resume. This may also be a good time to review your written materials like resumes and cover letters. Look for ways to tweak your content to highlight your accomplishments and the contribution you could make to a potential employer.

 

• Learn new skills. You may also want to focus on mastering some new skills. Public libraries often offer free computer courses or workshops with experts who can assist you with your plans to start a small business of your own.

 

• ​Make plans for the year ahead. Keep your hopes up by planning for the year ahead. Set monthly goals for your job search. Make contingency plans so you'll feel more secure. Visualize finding the career opportunity that you seek.

​It may feel especially unpleasant to be unemployed during the holidays when the rest of the world seems to be celebrating. Be kind to yourself to manage your emotions and relieve stress while you play an active role in building a better career future.

​As a result of the Gig Economy, the nature of work has also changed. Today, the number of freelancers or that of the self-employed is significantly higher than ever before. If this is your case, you may face obstacles if you ever try to get back into the corporate lifestyle.
 
As employers do recognize abilities such as decision-making, management, creativity, and more in a self-employed person, they also tend to fret and frown. They question other details such as business profitability or your coachability. In other words, will you be open to learn their ways and follow their rules? Will you be “coachable”?
 
As you think of updating your resume, you may want to implement these ideas throughout your job search efforts. Regardless of the length of your self-employment, the right attitude and some planning hacks will help you find the ideal job a little easier.

1. Prepare to answer questions. Prepare yourself to answer questions about why you want to work for a company or for someone else. Your answer can only be a “positive” response. Answer the question in a positive way. For example, you can briefly elaborate on the fact that you need a new challenge.
   
   
2. Be adaptable. Many employers or recruiters may wonder about whether you are set in your own ways as a self-employed person or if you will be coachable and trainable. When in an interview, do talk about your ability to adapt to changing demands and new or different ways of doing things.
   
   
3. Corporate culture. Here is another concern… Hiring managers may question whether or not you will fit-in their organization or team(s). Be sure to do your part well. Study the company, its mission, values, and culture. You will find that proper preparation will often remove obstacles from even surfacing.
   
   
4. Get recommendations. One of the best ways to find a new job is through referrals. A recommendation is still a very powerful tool and should not be underestimated.  Network with your clients for leads and ask them to have you in mind if they hear about any opportunities that may match your qualifications. You will be surprised at the leads that may come your way from those you did not expect.
   
   
5. Prepare Your Own Portfolio. Once you create your own portfolio (also called a brag book), it will be much easier to market your services instead of just responding to job advertisements. Which companies interest you the most? Send them your portfolio to market yourself better.

1. Expand your options. Some hiring managers will be more open to considering candidates with entrepreneurial backgrounds. If you encounter too much resistance, move on to a more welcoming climate.
   
   
2. Don’t underestimate start-ups. Many entrepreneurs will greatly appreciate your entrepreneurial endeavors. Chances are high they will also understand your situation very well. Find out who they are and grow alongside them.
   
   
3. Think long-term. In some cases, being self-employed may increase the time it takes you to find your next position. Maintain a positive attitude and surround yourself with supportive friends.
   
   

Give yourself credit for having the courage and creativity to run a business. As you re-enter the corporate world, look for employers who will appreciate your background and welcome the contribution you can make.

​Learn how to write an elevator pitch as a short summary to talk about yourself in a compelling and concise way. Knowing how to do this right is imperative. Your elevator pitch tells the employers about what your expertise is, how you can contribute and what is the impact of your contribution. Try out these suggestions for preparing and presenting your introduction.

• ​Invent multiple versions. Adapt your elevator pitch to a variety of circumstances. That way you can respond if you have extra time. You’ll also be able to talk to industry insiders and other professionals who are less familiar with your background.
• Rehearse carefully. Practice while looking in a mirror or record yourself. Talking out loud will help you determine if your speech sounds natural.
• Invite feedback. Ask friends to let you practice on them. Use their suggestions and questions to make adjustments. You may need to speak more slowly or translate industry jargon into language that’s easier to understand.
• Stay up to date. Review your pitch on a regular basis. There may be buzzwords that grow stale over time and need to be replaced. Also, you may have earned new credentials that you want to include.
• Spend time listening. Watch for the other person’s reactions and listen to their comments. Ideally, you’ll open up a two-way conversation. Pick someone you admire and pay attention to the way they introduce themselves. It could give you some worthwhile ideas.
• Exude confidence. Start out with a firm handshake as long as it’s appropriate for the setting and situation. Radiate enthusiasm. Hold your head up high and smile. Make eye contact for a few seconds.
• Be prepared. You can use your speech for more than just job interviews. Keep it in mind when you’re at cocktail parties, soccer games, or shopping malls. It’s possible you’ll bump into someone who may have a lead on the kind of position you are seeking.
• Remember to follow up. Think of your pitch as the first step in a longer process. Hand out and collect business cards. Suggest getting together for coffee to continue a discussion.

An effective elevator pitch entices people’s curiosity and makes them want to hear more. Formulate an elevator pitch to tell the employers why hiring you is the right decision.

If you only reach out to your contacts when you’re looking for a job, you may be disappointed with the results.
It’s easy to get busy with other things and realize you’ve fallen out of touch with important colleagues. At the same time, it’s natural for your contacts to be less than enthusiastic if they only hear from you when you’re asking for a favor.

Regular communication will strengthen your relationships, and there are steps you can take if you’ve been somewhat inattentive in the past. Try these tips for heating up your network.

​1. APOLOGIZE SINCERELY.
Start out by acknowledging your lapse, especially if you’ve neglected to return phone calls. If someone is gracious enough to forgive, ensure you’re considerate in the future.

2. START CLOSE TO HOME.
You’re surrounded by opportunities to practice your networking skills and make new contacts. Look for leads among those you interact with daily, including coworkers or other contacts.

3. DO SOME RESEARCH.
Find out whether someone has changed jobs or gotten married since you last spoke. Check LinkedIn or mutual friends. You’ll be more prepared for your first conversation. You will find below a number of instructional LinkedIn videos for the same purpose.

4. MEET FACE-TO-FACE.
Digital communications are convenient but personal interactions make a deeper impression. Circulate offline as much as possible. Attend industry events and invite others out for coffee or lunch.

5. STAY INFORMED.
Your conversation will be more interesting if you know what’s happening in your field and the wider world. Read books, watch movies, and engage in deep conversations.

6. GIVE MORE.
You’ve probably heard that successful networking is about being generous. You can help others by sending articles, making referrals, or just sharing an encouraging word.

1. BE SELECTIVE.
Quality matters more than quantity. You’re more likely to cultivate authentic relationships if you prioritize. Figure out who your key contacts are and devote most of your time and energy to them.

2. CREATE A SYSTEM.
Networking is also easier when you’re organized. That might mean scanning business cards or creating a whole database.

3. BLOCK OUT TIME.
Put networking on your daily or weekly calendar. You could set aside a half hour in the morning to make phone calls or set a goal for eating lunch with one of your contacts at least once a week.

4. INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY.
Public speaking, teaching, and publishing on topics related to your career will also give you opportunities to make new contacts and refresh old ones. Check with your local community college or contact the organizers for an upcoming industry event.

5. OFFER CONGRATULATIONS.
Most of your contacts will be delighted to hear from you if you express a genuine interest in their lives and appreciation for their achievements. Relay your good wishes when you hear someone has been promoted or landed a major account.

6. SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS.
You can take advantage of official holidays such as Thanksgiving or even unofficial holidays such as National Spaghetti Day as they can all be an occasion for reaching out to your colleagues. Try personalizing your message for your key contacts and creating a more general version you can use with contacts who you interact with less frequently.

7. TAKE TIME OFF.
Scheduling periodic breaks from networking may help you to stay motivated and balanced. You may want to forget about business when you take time off.
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​What happens when your job performance is outstanding, but your field is on life support? If you’re a Print Journalist or a Telephone Operator you may feel uncertain about your future. Working in a declining industry can make it difficult to earn a living and limit your opportunities.
 
While different kinds of businesses have come and gone throughout history, the pace is picking up. A recent study by the employment website CareerBuilder found that 121 occupations in the U.S. are expected to lose jobs by 2023, and middle-wage positions will represent 58% of that total.
 
If you want to enjoy financial stability and a rewarding career, it’s important to prepare for such fluctuations.
 
Study these tips on what to do if you’re working in a shrinking industry or hoping to stay in high-growth fields.

1. Plan ahead. Stay up-to-date with how your industry is doing. Research forecasts about the fastest and slowest growing jobs.
   
   
2. Continue learning. Ensure that you have the education and training that employers are seeking. Take courses online or go back to school in the evening if you work days. Find out what certifications are popular in your industry and acquire them before they become a basic qualification.
   
   
3. Find a match. Of course, your personal ambitions matter as much as the data. It’s still important to find a position that is suitable for your interests and qualifications regardless of how quickly it’s expanding.
   
   
4. Talk with others. Remember to go offline to discuss your plans with contacts who are actually working in the field. They may have information you can only learn from personal conversations. That’s especially true for emerging industries where there is relatively little experience to go on.

Working in a declining field can be challenging. However, you may find opportunities to take on greater responsibility if you find yourself in the center of a major transition. You can also protect your career from downturns by sharpening your skills and strengthening your network.

​The CBS This Morning show invited Dan Roth, the Editor in Chief of LinkedIn, where it was explained that with the national unemployment rate at a 50-year low, October could be the perfect time to land your dream job — and Monday the best day to apply for a job, based on a recent LinkedIn survey.

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​October has the highest number of job openings on LinkedIn, and 89% of hiring managers filled those spots in less than four weeks.
 
 
 
 
 

As an experienced resume service in Los Angeles, Market-Connections takes pride in providing a large selection of package deals with multiple tools and resources to help its clients as they try to demystify the job search process. To facilitate the process for prospective clients, we offer a "Special" throughout the month of October. It consists of a Free Resume Critique for the first 10 prospective clients every Saturday morning during the month of October, on a first-come-first-served basis. This includes dates: from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
 
“If you are just relying on a piece of paper, you're doing it wrong,” says Roth. “The most important thing is to be out there.”
 
LinkedIn also published a blog post talking about the autumn job search process titled “A New Holiday to Celebrate: Fall Hiring Season.”
 
Watch the full CBS This Morning segment here:
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Sending a resume that gives a clear outline of your competencies, is not cluttered, is aesthtically pleaseing, and easy to speedread, and will impress any potential employer. The same is true of a well-written and interesting cover letter. Go over this checklist before sending your resume and cover letter:

You already know first impressions last... If you want to make a lasting impression, you must relate to what your audience is looking for. So, first put yourself in the shoes of hiring managers. 

Fortunately, there are easy ways of tweaking your content to help you make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will find below for a few tried and true suggestions:


1. Use Bullet Points
A potential employer may not have the time to read carefully the resumes that he receives. The first feature of a career resume that stands out is the bullet points. This gives the employer the opportunity to quickly analyze your resume to make sure you have the qualifications you need and meet the minimum requirements for a job. If you make scanning your resume too difficult, you risk an employer who does not even bother to read the message.

 
2. Start With A Summary Section

• THE SUMMARY IS: A brief introduction of the resume content. It is an “Introductory” paragraph to introduce the content of your resume briefly, at first.
• THE SUMMARY IS NOT: A brief introduction of you or your character. It is not an “Introductory” paragraph to introduce you personally. 

If this is done right, you can draw your audience to read the rest of your resume. Moreover, by clearly making this distinction, you can demonstrate your writing skills.


3. Customize Your Resume - NO TEMPLATES
A generic resume receives a generic response, if any.

Tailor your resume to capture your audience. Emphasize your qualifications for that specific job, based on the job description’s keywords. If you are applying for a Marketing Executive position, make sure your resume does not scream Finance. Revise your resume to focus on the employers’ needs; add jobs you may have removed which relate more to what you are applying for.

 
4. Outline Your Accomplishments
Your accomplishments speak louder than your skills. Other resumes may reflect the same skills, but your accomplishments are unique to you. Put them in value. Did you save the company $10,000 by auditing an account or a P&L? What did you do that was above and beyond your job description? You must show that you have done what they are looking for. That is very important if you want to stand out from the crowd.
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5. Avoid Resume Jargon
Padding your resume with unnecessary information or simply too many embellishing words will not help your quest for that ideal position. Make sure your details are pertaining to the job requirements. Adding personal information is only valuable if it relates to the job, the industry, or the company, be it through volunteer jobs or a trade association you belong to. These informational “fillers” belong on a junior level resume, not an executive resume.  Of course, if you are a TaeKwanDo Champion, you can and should find a place for it on your resume. It actually says a lot about you, but this example is not only rare but justifies being mentioned.

A great resume (on paper, visual, digital and online)  is the number one step to presenting yourself no matter what your career level is.