Here’s some food for thought, although it’s going to be a little tough to swallow. According to a recent Associated Press analysis, the typical pay for the Chief Executive Officer of a public company in 2011 was $9.6 million.
Consider this: the average American worker, which makes an estimated income of just over $41,000, would have to work for the next 244 years to make what a CEO averages in just one year. Are you mad yet? Read further. The $9.6 million does not include CEO’s “other compensation,” meaning perks such as a country club membership, private jets, or a company-paid vehicle and driver.
Yet, as CEO pay continues to climb every year, millions of Americans are hoping and praying for a job – any job — that will put food on their tables and pay their electric bill. With the nation’s unemployment rate still hovering slightly above 8 percent, it’s somewhat of a dismal outlook for anyone pounding the pavement in today’s concrete jungle.
Knowing where to look, though, could place you at an advantage over other job-seekers.
A good place to start looking for a job with the government is www.usajobs.gov, which offers a tremendous amount of information about seeking and finding government employment. In addition, the site offers a search feature for those seeking open positions in specific areas, information on job qualifications, info for people with disabilities as well as veterans’ assistance and tips for making your resume stand out from the rest.
Attention to detail is a must when applying for a job with Uncle Sam. Each job posting offers its own set of instructions on how to apply, and many positions can be applied for with an electronically-submitted resume or the Optional Application for Federal Employment.
The United States Federal Government offers more than 1.7 million jobs in over 400 specialties, making it the largest single employer in the nation. While it might seem daunting to apply for a job with the government, the process is much easier than one might think.
Resumes and applications should be clear, concise and to the point, and must contain the following information: full name, mailing address with zip code and day and evening phone numbers. Also be sure to include a social security number and education with school contact information and date of graduation.
Additionally, be sure to list work experience, including job title, duties, employer contact info, starting and end dates and supervisor’s contact info. Include any additional information relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as job-related skills, honors, awards and special accomplishments.
Your resume will need to be tailored for each specific job opening, and should not be a generic cover-it-all resume. To get your foot in the door, a federal examiner needs to know you fit the qualifications required for the job. Read the vacancy announcement at usajobs.gov thoroughly, and craft your resume to fit that particular position.
In short, sell yourself, and you might be one of the 193,000 new employees the United States government is expected to hire over the next two years.