Thomas Building, Room 103
(559) 278-2381
Monday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm)
www.FresnoState.edu/careers
Federal Job Applications
Have you ever considered a career in public service with the U.S. Government? If you answered, “Yes” to
this question, then a career in the Federal sector might be right for you! Please note that the Federal
Government application process can be different than the private industry, so this handout has been created
to assist with understanding this process.
Finding Federal Job Postings
The best place to search for Federal opportunities is by visiting the USAJobs website. This is the official U.S.
Government site where Federal jobs are posted. You may access USAJobs at the following website:
www.usajobs.gov.
--- Federal Jobs by College Major: www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads
--- Best Places to Work in the Federal Government: http://data.bestplacestowork.org
Helpful Tips About USAJobs
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when searching and applying for Federal Government positions
on USAJobs:
 Accurately Follow Instructions. One very important aspect of Federal job searching is carefully
following application instructions in the job vacancy announcement. While this tip may seem
obvious, this is still a major issue with the final application submissions and could impede your ability
to obtain an interview.
 Do Not Make Job Search Too Narrow. Make sure you do not make your job search categories
too narrow in USAJobs. Keep in mind all possible fields that might be related to the area you are
seeking.
 Understand Job Titles and Pay Grades. Different job titles can match your areas of interest, but
under a job title you may not recognize. Make sure to carefully read job duties for positions posted.
For example, a program analyst is a researcher and writer.
 Create Resume in Advance/Upload Resume. Create a resume including all your work
experiences and educational history following the Federal sample resumes before creating your
USAJobs’ resume (visit Career Services at: www.FresnoState.edu/careers for samples). Click on “My
USAJobs” icon, create an account and copy and paste your resume information.
 Limit Job Search Locations. To begin your job search, click on “Search Jobs” tab on the top
navigations bar. Be sure to limit the location to your desired geographical place. If you are open to
moving anywhere in the U.S., then click on “Select All.” You can narrow your job destination to a
few locations and counties in California by holding down “Ctrl” key, or just focus on Fresno County.
Student Career Opportunities in the Federal Government
There are various opportunities for college students and recent college graduates within the Federal
Government under the Pathways Programs, which includes the following three components: Internship
Program, Recent Graduates Program, and Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.
Internship Program
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Allows students to be exposed to the work of the Government through Federal internships while
pursuing a degree
May be eligible for conversation to a permanent job in the civil service, upon successfully completing
the program
Source: Fresno State – Career Services
Rev. 9/22/2014
Page 1 of 3
Thomas Building, Room 103
(559) 278-2381
Monday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm)
www.FresnoState.edu/careers
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Eligibility: current student in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year
colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational,
and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a
qualifying degree or certificate
The Internship Program is primarily administered by each hiring agency
Agencies may hire interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an
indefinite period, to complete the educational requirements
Interns may work either part- or full-time
Intern’s job will be related to the Intern’s academic career goals or field of study
Recent Graduates Program
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For individuals who have completed a qualifying educational program within the preceding 2 years
The program lasts for 1 year
Eligibility: recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying
associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate
from a qualifying educational institution; veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their
degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply
The Recent Graduates Program is administered primarily by each hiring agency
Training and development: mentorship throughout the program; individual development plan to
create and track Recent Graduate’s career planning, professional development, and training activities;
at least 40 hrs. of formal, interactive training each year of the program; and positions offer
opportunity for career advancement
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
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Flagship leadership development program at the entry level for individuals who are currently
completing an advanced degree program (e.g., graduate or professional degree), or who completed
the educational requirements for an advanced degree within the preceding 2 year
The Program attracts and selects from among the best candidates and is designed to develop a cadre
of potential Federal Government leaders
Eligibility: Individuals who have completed within the past two years, a qualifying advanced degree
(e.g., masters or professional degree); an individual may apply for the PMF Program more than once
as long as he or she meets the eligibility criteria. However, if an individual becomes a Finalist and
subsequently applies for the PMF Program during the next open announcement, the individual will
forfeit his or her status as a Finalist
Program Administration: the PMF Program is centrally administered by the PMF Program Office
within OPM; OPM announces the opportunity to apply for the PMF Program (usually in the late
summer or early fall); applicants go through a rigorous assessment process to determine Finalists;
OPM selects Finalists based on an evaluation of each candidate's experience and accomplishments
according to his or her application and results of the assessments; OPM publishes and provides
agencies with the list of Finalists; agencies provide OPM with information about their PMF
opportunities and can post PMF appointment opportunities for those who are Finalists on the PMF
website year-round; finalists who obtain an appointment as a PMF serve in a two-year excepted
service position.
Source: Fresno State – Career Services
Rev. 9/22/2014
Page 2 of 3
Thomas Building, Room 103
(559) 278-2381
Monday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm)
www.FresnoState.edu/careers
More Federal programs and internship-related information can be found at: www.gogovernment.org.
Also, if you are interested in opportunities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), you may
contact Juan Alvarez (USDA-HSI Regional Director/Central-Northern California and Washington State).
His office is located at Fresno State in the Peters Building, Room 224 and can be reached via e-mail:
jalvarez@csufresno.edu or telephone: (559) 278-8311.
Salary Benefits
Typically bachelor’s level graduates can potentially start at a GS-5 to GS-7 which currently has a salary base at
$27,705 to $34,319 and can work up to GS-12 which pays a base salary of $60,877. The Federal Government
uses the term “GS” or “General Schedule” to refer to salary benefits. A base GS pay scale is used to ensure
the U.S Government is using an equal measure of pay throughout each Federal sector. Pay scale salaries may
vary slightly based on to the “Locality Pay Area,” geographic areas established by the President’s Pay Agent
for GS employees in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC.
Here is a further break down of current base GS levels, and depending on your education and experience you
can find the level you might enter and corresponding annual salaries:
 GS-5: $27,705 (college graduate with little or not experience)
 GS-7: $34,319 (college superior academic achievement or graduate level)
 GS-9: $41,979 (Master’s or 2nd year of graduate level)
 GS-11: $50,790 (Doctoral or 3rd year of graduate level)
 GS-12: $60,877 (Specialized experience and GS-11 equivalent level)
Also, if you are part of any “Honors Societies” or have at least a 3.0 GPA and above, you could start at a GS7 or higher; translating into a higher level, rather than the entry-level. So, keep working hard in school
because the Federal Government awards individuals with high academic achievement. In addition, if you
have a Master’s degree or are in your 2nd year of graduate school, you could start at GS-9 level or higher. To
view the most recent GS pay scale chart, please visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
website at: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2014/general-schedule/
Federal Employee Benefits for Full-time Employees
There are many benefits to being a Federal employee. As a public servant you will be able to enjoy these
great benefits:
 Annual Leave (Vacation, Rest and Relaxation, and Personal Business or Emergencies)
o ½ day (4 hrs.) for each pay period during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year
o ¾ day (6 hrs.) for each pay period, except 1¼ day (10 hrs.) in the last pay period from the 3rd
to the 15th year
o After the 15th year, 1 day (8 hrs.) for each pay period
 Sick Leave
o ½ day (4 hrs.) for each biweekly pay period
 Holidays
o Employees receive time-off, with pay, on 10 Federal Holidays
 Flexible Time Work Options
o Various flexible work schedules exist and are negotiable with different federal agencies
For further information about federal benefits, please visit: www.usa.gov/Federal-Employees/Benefits.shtml
If you have any questions about applying for Federal jobs or would like career assistance, please
schedule an appointment with a Career Services’ counselor by calling: (559) 278-2381. We are
located in the Thomas Building, Room 103.
Source: Fresno State – Career Services
Rev. 9/22/2014
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