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I'm looking for a job with a local or state government agency. I check websites everyday for openings, but have only found a couple in my field. Is there any point in sending resumes and cover letters to the various city and county offices where I'm interested in working, or would that be a waste of time? I know govt agencies have a very specific hiring process. It seems like it might be a waste of time, but the waiting and doing nothing is killing me.
Why would you only be interested in jobs with state and local government agencies ?
I think they probably only hire for advertised positions, but I'm sure it wouldn't do any harm to contact government agencies to ask them about the kind of work you do, and to ask them for advice & information. In "What Color is Your Parachute" that kind of thing is called "informational interviewing," where you're not asking for a job, but you're trying to find out information about working in a particular field. Just a thought.
But I certainly wouldn't sit around and do nothing. What about looking for work in private industry, with universities, or with the federal government ? What about working on your contacts and networking ?
I would recommend that you read some books about how to search for employment, about the process, because it's really about researching potential employers, selling yourself, and maintaining professional/personal contacts with people.
I got my local government job when a former co-worker called me and told me she wanted me to apply for it. I'd use social media or any other word of mouth method to let all those who know you to keep their eyes open and their ears tuned in for any government jobs that suit you.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I've worked at public agencies in a hiring supervisor/manager capacity a long time, due to regulations they will not hire except temps without
following strict procedures, and only for announced openings. Look for a local government consolidation website like these we have in our area and check daily.
Why would you only be interested in jobs with state and local government agencies ?
I think they probably only hire for advertised positions, but I'm sure it wouldn't do any harm to contact government agencies to ask them about the kind of work you do, and to ask them for advice & information. In "What Color is Your Parachute" that kind of thing is called "informational interviewing," where you're not asking for a job, but you're trying to find out information about working in a particular field. Just a thought.
But I certainly wouldn't sit around and do nothing. What about looking for work in private industry, with universities, or with the federal government ? What about working on your contacts and networking ?
I would recommend that you read some books about how to search for employment, about the process, because it's really about researching potential employers, selling yourself, and maintaining professional/personal contacts with people.
because that's where most of the jobs in my field are, that's where my previous experience is, and I want the predictable hours. I don't really "do nothing". I do a lot of looking but not much applying. I'm being kind of picky because I have kids. I can't travel much. I don't want a long commute.
I've worked at public agencies in a hiring supervisor/manager capacity a long time, due to regulations they will not hire except temps without
following strict procedures, and only for announced openings. Look for a local government consolidation website like these we have in our area and check daily.
Thanks for the info. If you got a resume in the mail would it at least put the person's name in the back of your mind for later when you do have an opening?
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