How to work for the State? (job openings, university, closing)

[JoiLynn248]

I recently graduated from Southern University and I'm currently looking for a job. I have applied to so many jobs for the state and haven't gotten any potential interview. Does anyone have any advice on how to get on with the State?

[UKWildcat1981]

Having connections is key, I am going through the same process applying to work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its a long slow process, government agencies work slow.

[brienzi]

It's called nepotism and most states, if not all still work this way as it's the easy way to the gray train for retirement.

[UKWildcat1981]

Originally Posted by brienzi

It's called nepotism and most states, if not all still work this way as it's the easy way to the gray train for retirement.

Govt jobs don't pay that well thou unless its a fed job, state jobs are not as great as you might think.

[brienzi]

I guess it varies by state but there are FAT salaries to be had by many MA police, fireman and teachers. When one can retire very comfortably after 25 years on the job, well for most of us simple folk who work for small business that's not a reality. Never mind the other perks and that they gain. Take a look and see how many boston cops made well over 100,000 k last year with some making over 250,000. Don't know about others, but to me that's a VERY decent salary. And police and firefighters don't even fall into the category of the top 10 deadliest jobs. And I'm not hating on em and respect what they do..
But salaries for certain federal and state jobs are outta wack, at least where i live.

The stat's don't lie and like i said it does vary by state and many folks on the Federal level are doing just fine.

Also many of this type of federal or state worker wouldn't have their job without knowing someone to get em in the door.

In closing, i know I'm focusing on certain agencies and do know that some other type of fed/state jobs don't pay as well. Maybe the wealth could be spread around more evenly.

[brownbagg]

Originally Posted by JoiLynn248

I recently graduated from Southern University and I'm currently looking for a job. I have applied to so many jobs for the state and haven't gotten any potential interview. Does anyone have any advice on how to get on with the State?

you got to be a minority

[HueyPLong]

When i worked for the state i earned a pretty good salary.

[RedStickNative]

Hi, JoiLynn,

First, congratulations on graduating!

I do agree with the Wildcat that having connections is helpful, but it's not critical. Years ago a family friend recommended I apply with her agency, since they were looking for a college graduate to fill an entry level position. Long story short, although I applied and got an interview, they ultimately hired someone's nephew or whatever to fill the post. But there was another position open with her agency that I also qualified for, and fortunately I was offered that job.

That was 10-plus some years ago, and entry level spots are harder to come by now. I should also add that I am working in a job completely unrelated to the field I graduated in (journalism). I would recommend if you haven't already done so looking for job openings with minimum requirements of just a four-year degree, that don't specify the field of study. You'll be trained by the department on what you need to know. It may not be related to anything you studied but it will be a foot in the door.

Good luck!

[JimGarrison]

I had applied for one position that I had no interest in taking, just to see if applying for these positions through the website is worthwhile. I did have an interview for it, but it was nothing I was interested in doing. So I guess it's possible.