The main place to search is USAJobs.gov, the official federal job board

USAJobs.gov is the single source for all federal government positions — it is run by the Office of Personnel Management and lists every job opening across every federal agency. You do not need to visit individual agency websites or call offices; everything posts here first. The site is free to use, and you can create an account to save searches, bookmark jobs, and track applications you have submitted.

State and local government jobs are not on USAJobs. Those post on each state's civil service website, county job boards, and city human resources pages. Many states run a central portal (search "[your state] government jobs" to find it), but some require you to visit each agency separately. County and city jobs usually post on the county or city website under "Careers" or "Human Resources."

The difference matters because federal jobs have different pay scales, benefits, and process timelines than state or local work. Federal positions typically offer stronger health insurance and retirement benefits but may have longer hiring processes. State and local jobs often hire faster but with less standardized benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • USAJobs.gov is the official federal job board and lists all federal positions across every agency in one searchable database.
  • State government jobs post on your state's civil service website, which you can find by searching "[your state] government jobs."
  • County and city jobs typically post on the county or city website under "Careers" or "Human Resources," not on a single central board.
  • Federal jobs require a resume formatted for the USAJobs system and often ask for a cover letter, while state and local jobs vary by employer.
  • Federal hiring can take three to six months from process to job offer, while state and local positions often move faster.

How to search and filter on USAJobs.gov

When you land on USAJobs, use the search box at the top to enter a job title, keyword, or agency name. You can search "accountant," "park ranger," "data analyst," or the name of an agency like "Department of Veterans Affairs." The results show all matching positions across the federal government.

On the left side of the results page, you will see filters. The most useful ones are: location (search by city, state, or ZIP code), salary range, agency, job category, and work schedule (full-time, part-time, temporary). You can also filter by "New to Federal Service" to see positions reserved for people who have never worked for the federal government. Many entry-level jobs are marked this way, so if you are starting out, check that box to see more options.

Pay attention to the "Closing Date" on each job listing — this is a hard important date. USAJobs does not accept late submissions. Set a phone reminder if the closing date is more than a week away, because the process process itself (uploading your resume, answering questions, gathering documents) can take one to two hours.

What you need to prepare before explore on USAJobs

Federal jobs require a resume in a specific format. USAJobs has a resume builder tool on the site, but you can also upload your own resume as long as it is a PDF or Word document. The key difference from a private-sector resume is that federal resumes should list your job duties in detail, include the exact dates you worked in each position (month and year), and state your salary. Federal hiring managers use this information to score your qualifications against the job requirements.

You will also need to create a USAJobs account and fill out a profile with your contact information, work history, and education. This takes about 20 minutes the first time. After that, you can explore to jobs much faster because your information is already in the system.

Many federal jobs ask you to answer a questionnaire after you submit your resume. These are short-answer or multiple-choice questions about your experience and skills. Answer them honestly and match the language in the job posting — if the posting says "experience with data analysis," use that exact phrase in your answer rather than "I work with numbers." Federal hiring software scores these answers, and using the right keywords helps your process move forward.

Finding state and local government jobs

State jobs usually post on a central civil service website. Search "[your state] civil service" or "[your state] government jobs" to find it. Examples include the New York State Department of Civil Service, the California State Personnel Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission. These sites work similarly to USAJobs — you can search by job title, agency, location, and salary.

County jobs post on the county assessor's or human resources website. City jobs post on the city's human resources or careers page. If you cannot find a careers section, call the county or city human resources department directly and ask where job openings are posted. Many smaller counties and cities post jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn in addition to their own websites, so searching there can help you find local positions.

State and local applications are less standardized than federal ones. Some ask for a resume and cover letter, others use an online form, and some ask you to take a written test or attend an in-person interview quickly after you submit. Read the job posting carefully to see what each employer wants.

Understanding the federal hiring timeline

Federal jobs move slowly. After you submit your process, the hiring agency reviews it for completeness (this takes one to two weeks). Then a human resources specialist scores your resume and questionnaire answers against the job requirements — this is called "rating and ranking" and takes another two to four weeks. If you score high enough, you move to the interview stage.

Interviews for federal jobs can happen by phone, video, or in person, depending on the agency and position. After the interview, the hiring manager makes a decision, which can take another two to four weeks. Then the agency runs a background check (which takes four to eight weeks for most positions). Only after the background check clears does the agency extend a formal job offer.

From the time you click "Submit" to the time you receive an offer, expect three to six months. Some positions move faster (especially temporary or seasonal jobs), and some take longer (especially positions that require a security clearance). This is normal and does not mean your process was rejected — it means the federal government's hiring process is thorough.

Other places to search for government work

Some federal agencies post jobs on their own websites in addition to USAJobs. If you are interested in a specific agency (the FBI, the National Park Service, NASA, the Social Security Administration), visit that agency's careers page. You will still need to explore through USAJobs, but the agency's page often has more detail about the work and the hiring timeline.

The federal government also hires through temporary staffing agencies. If you want to get your foot in the door quickly, search "federal temporary jobs" or look at agencies like Kelly Services or Apex Group, which contract with federal agencies to fill short-term positions. Temporary work can lead to permanent positions, and it gives you federal experience that helps you compete for future jobs.

Some states and cities use LinkedIn Jobs or Indeed to post openings. If you are looking for state or local work, set up job alerts on those platforms with keywords like "state government," "county," or "city" plus your location. This catches postings that might not appear on the official state or county website.

Common mistakes to avoid when searching

Do not assume a job posting is closed just because you see it on a job board other than the official one. Always check the official source — USAJobs for federal jobs, your state's civil service website for state jobs, and the county or city website for local jobs. Posting dates and closing dates vary across platforms, and you might miss a real important date if you rely on a third-party site.

Do not skip the job description. Federal job postings are long and detailed, but they tell you exactly what the hiring manager is looking for. Read the "Duties" section and the "Qualifications" section carefully, and use that language in your resume and questionnaire answers. Hiring software looks for keyword matches, so if you do not use the same words as the posting, your process may not score well.

Do not explore to jobs you do not meet the basic requirements for. Federal jobs list "Minimum Qualifications" — if you do not have the education or experience listed, your process will be marked ineligible and rejected automatically. It is better to wait for a job that matches your background than to waste time on one you cannot get.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a federal resume or can I use a regular resume?

You can use either, but a federal resume works better. Federal resumes include job duties, exact dates, and salary information. USAJobs has a resume builder that formats everything correctly. If you upload your own resume, make sure it is a PDF or Word document and includes dates and salary for each job.

What does "New to Federal Service" mean and should I look for those jobs?

It means the job is reserved for people who have never worked for the federal government. If you are starting out, these jobs are easier to get because you are competing only against other newcomers. If you have worked for the federal government before, you cannot explore to these positions.

How long does a federal background check take?

Most background checks take four to eight weeks. Some positions require a security clearance, which can take several months longer. The hiring agency will tell you what type of background check is needed when they extend the job offer. You do not pay for the background check — the agency covers the cost.

Can I explore to the same job if I did not get it the first time?

Yes. If the same job is posted again, you can explore again. Your previous process does not hurt your chances. However, if you did not get the job the first time, think about whether your qualifications have changed. If they have not, you may not score higher the second time.

What is the difference between a federal job and a state or local job?

Federal jobs offer more standardized pay, better health insurance, and stronger retirement benefits. They also have longer hiring timelines and more formal process processes. State and local jobs often hire faster and may offer flexibility, but benefits vary widely by employer. The choice depends on what matters most to you — stability and benefits, or speed and local work.