GovCentral

cmalm27,
If you have a Bachelor's Degree, then the starting "bottom" is at the GS-05 level, and a Master's can get you into the GS-09 level, while a Ph.D will get you into the GS-11 level. Don't worry about the higher education so much though. Once you get in at the GS-05 level, then you can work your way up by only having one year of experience to qualify for the next level. The most important thing is to really review the job classification codes that you would like to enter. Search for one of my articles within this website, or just look at my activity, to find links on OPM's website for the four digit classification codes. For example, an Engineering Technician is a 0802, and all Engineers fall under the 08 prefix. So, once you see that you like the GS position of xxxx, you can search for those positions directly on www.usajobs.gov. Print out the duties and qualifications for these jobs and no matter how hard it is to find some way of related your past experience to these qualifications, use your creativity to do so. Qualifications sometimes do not have to be exact, but in the ball park. Organizing is organizing, and
communicating is communicating. Link your experiences to each qualification as best you can and you will get referred. If you lack any experience for a called for task, find some way of obtaining in by volunteering, or even starting your own business to do just that. Now, the part that will get you hired is the interview. Make sure to read the articles on this site about how to win at your interview, as well as actually practicing. Apply for jobs that are similar, but not government just so you can go on interviews. Applying for positions that are non-government will get you an interview faster, even though you do not want the job. Congratulations on your achievement thus far and best of luck to you.

Good point JZuk, their are so many oppurtunities out their and each department is different. The new NSPS system masks a lot of the GS old system ways as well.

I agree with dbaugh - intern programs are usually a lot better and worthwhile in the public sector than the private sector. The issue often times is pay. Sometimes it's difficult to live on the rates provided to govt interns.

USAJOBS is a good cite but you have to watch out for the standing lists where they are just establishing a pool of possible future candidates vs. hiring for an actual open or opening position.

Ron