I've compiled some of the best resources that helped me when I was going through my federal job search, and I hope they work for you too. Feel free to shoot me an email at myfedjobs@gmail.com if you know of a resource that should be included on this page, or if you've noticed any broken links.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that some of these links below are affiliate programs, and I will earn a commission if you purchase a product through these links. The products I've chosen to include here are all things that helped me during my federal job search, and I trust that they may benefit you as well. Please DO NOT spend any money on a product or service unless it's something that you really need and that will help you reach your employment goals.
Remember: the only person who can get you a job with the federal government...is you!
GOVERNMENT SITES:
USAJOBS: Also known as the mothership. All government jobs will be posted on this site, so make sure to bookmark it in your browser.
Office of Personnel Management: The OPM is your one-stop shop for forms and paperwork related to government hiring.
BENEFITS:
Department of Veteran's Affairs: For prior servicemembers, the VA should be your first stop when searching for a federl job. Disability ratings, educational benefits, and career counseling are all handled through this office.
Thrift Savings Plan: The TSP is the government's version of a 401(k) plan. Combined with a defined benefit pension, it's a vital part of an employee's retirement plan.
SECURITY CLEARANCES:
Annual Credit Report: Don't wait for a background investigator to give you the bad news, which might cost you a job. You're entitled to a FREE credit report once per year, so take the opportunity to review your financial history and clear up any misinformation before it causes a problem.
Credit Assistance Network: If your spotty credit history is presenting too much of a challenge for you to address on your own, consider contacting these folks for some extra help.
SOCIAL NETWORKS:
Federal Soup: This is a "colorful" online community for current and prospective federal employees. While the discussion can get heated at times, it's a good place to get some unofficial insight into life as a government employee.
MONEY&FINANCES:
The Automatic Millionaire, by David Bach: This book is the best tool I've found for explaining the value of a 401k plan, and hopefully it will help you get the most out of your Thrift Savings Plan.
REQUIRED READING:
Inside a US Embassy: This book is one of the best possible sources of information for prospective Foreign Service employees, or anyone seeking a glimpse into the United States' overseas operations.
How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job: This book was a lifesaver for me, and helped me finally write my resume so that it would get past the gate-keepers. A must have reference.
The Federal Resume Guidebook, by Kathryn Troutman: Think your resume is ready to be uploaded into USAJOBS? Do yourself a favor and read this book first.
OTHER SERVICES:
Resumes Planet: This resume service offers one of the fastest turnarounds in the industry, and I can personally vouch for the quality of their cover letters.
