Searching for Federal Government and Local Government Jobs & Internships

If you are a student or recent graduate interested in working for the federal government or local/state government agencies, there a few things to know! On this page, you will find additional tips and resources, and how to put together your ideal application for the vast opportunities available!

  • Watch our video series, Your Guide To Federal Careers!
  • Read the entire job announcement. Focus on the following sections to understand whether or not you qualify for the position:
    • Hiring Path (Open to the public)
    • Duties and Qualifications
    • How to Apply (including a preview of the assessment questionnaire, if applicable)
    • How You Will be Evaluated
  • Make sure you have the required experience and/or education before you apply. Hiring agencies use the job announcement to describe the job and the required:
    • Level and amount of experience
    • Education
    • Training

  • The federal government does not have a standard job application. Your resume is your application.
  • Hiring agencies use the job announcement to describe the job and list the required qualifications and responsibilities.
  • After applying, the hiring agency uses the information in your resume to verify if you have the required qualifications stated in the job announcement.
  • The federal hiring process can take on average 3-4 months from application to job offer, or longer if a applicant must go through the security clearance process.
    • Some jobs or internships may require specific security clearance. The security clearance process can take several months, which doesn’t begin until you are offered the position. Learn more here!
  • USAJOBS Help Center: Learn more here!

  • Students can browse career events nationwide and virtually hosted by various federal agencies through the USAJOBS Events calendar!

Use the resources below to explore internship opportunities within government agencies through USAJobs, Go Government Federal Internship Finder, and The Pathways Program. The Pathways Program offers federal internship opportunities for current students & recent graduates:

Federal Hiring Process – Watch Our Video Series

Ready to land a federal government job or internship? This 5 video series breaks down the essentials—from mastering USAJobs to navigating pathways for students and recent grads. Discover tips, tools, and resources to help you succeed in finding and applying for opportunities in public service.

Tips For Finding Internships & Jobs In Your Local Government

  • Use job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn to search for “local government internship” or similar keywords.
  • View these job and internship sites & resources
  • Filter your search by location and type of internship to narrow down your options.
  • Reach out to local government managers via LinkedIn to make vital connections, and share your interest in exploring careers in local government!

Career Resources

LinkedIn Learning

SNHU’s partnership with LinkedIn Learning offers free non-credit bearing continuing education & professional development courses to individuals already in SNHU’s community that can help you skill-up and gain experience! To gain skills and experience through LinkedIn Learning courses, you can search for project-based courses that align with your career goals and take courses on relevant technologies, soft or hard skills, or industry-specific topics. View our dedicated page for more information!

Finding a Job on LinkedIn (2021)

Taught by Oliver Schinkten
Harness the power of LinkedIn to find and land a job. LinkedIn is the world’s #1 professional network—not just for…

LinkedIn Quick Tips

Taught by Oliver Schinkten
Explore quick and actionable tips to master LinkedIn features and maximize your professional presence on the platform. Learn how to…

Nano Tips for Building a LinkedIn Presence as an Early Career Professional

Taught by Lindsay Rosenthal
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. In this course, Lindsay…

Learning LinkedIn for Students

Taught by Oliver Schinkten
Learn how to tap into the power of LinkedIn to find internships, jobs, and valuable connections. In this course, Oliver…

How to Change Careers by Building a Powerful LinkedIn Profile

Taught by Nickquolette Barrett
Join Nickquolette Barrett as she demystifies the process of using LinkedIn for career growth. In this course, you’ll learn how…

Nano Tips for Demonstrating Your Transferable Skills

Taught by Diana YK Chan
Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. In this installment, Diana…

Project Management: Government Projects

Taught by Oliver Yarbrough
Want to transition from managing corporate projects to government project management? Learn the nuances of managing government projects—a subset of…

The Data Science of Government and Political Science, with Barton Poulson

Taught by Barton Poulson
Are you interested in enhancing your understanding of how government and politics actually function? If so, this brief course can…

Technology and Data Careers in Government

Taught by Jonathan Reichental
Today, some of the most exciting, meaningful, impactful, and in-demand IT careers are in helping to make cities work well.…

Leading in Government

Taught by Adelle Dantzler
Many people feel that leading in government is a puzzle. While it certainly has its challenges, serving the public can…

Job Hunting for College Grads

Taught by Elise Gelwicks
You’ve worked hard to earn your college degree, and now it’s time to put those years of learning to good…

Professional Networking for Career Starters

Taught by Jayla Hill
Connect to opportunity. Learn how to build and engage a network when you’re just starting out in your career. Jayla…

How to Get a Job in a Different City

Taught by Jenny Foss
Especially in a tight hiring market, people tend to feel that finding and landing jobs outside of their immediate area…

Finding a Remote Job

Taught by Mike Gutman
Do you want a remote job? Do you want more job flexibility? Do you want to be able to work…

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:00 am- 8:00 pm ET
Tuesday 8:00 am- 8:00 pm ET
Wednesday 8:00 am- 8:00 pm ET
Thursday 8:00 am- 8:00 pm ET
Friday 8:00 am- 7:30 pm ET