- Government contracting opportunities are increasing, but entry can be difficult and delicate.
- BI spoke to recruiters to learn best practices for landing a job at a government contracting company.
- Recruiters say candidates should avoid short-term assignments, keep their LinkedIn up-to-date and maintain their network.
Interest in public sector jobs is growing as Americans seek job security and job flexibility.
In the wake of industry-wide layoffs, more and more graduates are ditching traditional tech jobs and doubling down on their applications for government roles. handshake Report released in January.
Although low pay in government jobs is sometimes seen as a drawback to the field, contracting companies tend to pay better than those in the federal government and offer more opportunities in the field.
A spokeswoman for recruiting firm The Judge Group said the company has seen a 15% increase in government, aerospace and defense jobs over the past year or two.
But the world of government contracting is vast and breaking into it can be difficult. Some people bid on contracts themselves, but others have the opportunity to work as employees for companies that regularly contract with the government.
Although these types of companies are not government-owned, they have special requirements and nuances that differ from other corporate roles. Business Insider spoke to three of her recruiters in the field to learn best practices for landing a job in the industry.
1. Avoid job hospitality on your resume
Matt Grussendorf, a delivery manager at The Judge Group, who oversees hiring for aerospace, government and defense employers, said “fun” on the job is a red flag.
Depending on the role, Grusendorf said it's okay to list one six-month contract after another on your resume. But in certain fields, such as aerospace and defense, employers may seek longer tenures, he told Business Insider.
While short stints may seem inevitable in the industry, there are ways to avoid such a position. Lauren Irizarry, senior talent acquisition partner at A2 Federal, said there are ways to format your resume to look more consistent, even if your contract is short-term.
For example, if you have worked as a data scientist for 8 different contracting companies for 12 years, you could list “data scientist” at the top of your resume, instead of listing each individual contract on 8 lines below. she said. Same role.
2. Make sure your permissions are up to date
Many government contracting roles require permits, which vary by role and may expire over time.
Irizarry said it's often easier to start with a large company that can sponsor a permit. However, Quadesha Bynum, who worked in human resources at various government agencies and contracting companies before founding her own company, said that it is difficult to get a government contract job at a large company when you are just starting out. He said that in some cases, smaller companies may be suitable. start.
Regardless of whether you have the necessary permits, it's important to accurately document them, Grussendorf said. Recruitment agencies like The Judge Group check candidates' qualifications, so applicants should check their status when applying for a role.
Additionally, candidates who are reluctant to have their permits verified or checked can be a red flag.
3. Network, network, network
Irizarry said the government contracting industry is “all about networking.” This means joining groups on LinkedIn and other platforms to get in touch with people in your field.
Grusendorf said those entering the field out of college may have the advantage of attending career fairs and events focused on government contracting.
While college fairs may be more accessible for young candidates, there are other networking opportunities as well. Clearancejobs.com is the largest platform for people with security clearances. job fair This page includes a list of upcoming events to meet and speak with employers in person.
4. Contact the recruiter directly
Many government contracting opportunities have specific requirements, so speaking directly with the recruiter to find out what you need to do for that particular job can make a big difference.
An easy way to do this is to create a profile on Clearancejobs.com. The site allows users to browse thousands of open positions, many of which include recruiter contact information.
Grussendorf recommends contacting a recruiter, staffing agency, or direct employer and telling them the job and salary range you're looking for in order to be placed on a “candidate hotlist.” ing.
5. Accept a transfer
Grussendorf said there are several government locations around the country, including Washington, D.C., Seattle, Southern California, Alabama and Denver. He said most direct hires offer relocation packages, but contract and contract positions typically don't.
But Grussendorf said many employers end up extending the contract or hiring the candidate after making a commitment to the company. Employers don't want to let good employees or candidates leave unless they have to.
6. Make sure LinkedIn is up to date
While some industries are more relaxed about certain standards, government jobs tend to be more traditional. Many jobs in this field require background checks and permits, so you may have more to do than jobs at other companies.
Irizarry said candidates should keep their LinkedIn completely professional. That means omitting extraneous interests and experiences and using a headshot from the shoulders above with a plain background.
Irizarry said he is looking for information that will get his attention. For example, if you are a cyber expert or speak multiple languages, list that.
7. Understand what you're signing up for
Bynum said it's important to research the field before applying. Her career fair is the perfect place to do that, she said.
Bynum said candidates need to know details such as the length of the contract and whether there are other open positions. It's also important to know what permits are required for the job and how long the process will take to complete, she said.
