Does it really take a decade or more to advance in a government position? Federal Government typically differs from state government when it comes to advancement. Also, it depends entirely upon which department you are in and the amount of education you have amassed over the years.

How do I Get Promoted in a Government Job?

So you are interested in career advancment in a government position. There are literally thousands of individual promotions and advancements each year in government. The general difference in those who receive the promotion and those that don’t is the individual’s goal setting and achieving ability. You must develop a personal initiative to take charge of your career instead of being apathetic toward your job. The IDP (Individual Development Plan) is the government’s plan to help you succeed; however, many managers neglect this important career advancement plan so it is up to you to develop your plan and then work the plan.

Also, you may be feeling wronged by a recent promotion received by a colleague who you feel is less qualified or less deserving. Don’t let this action become a moment of despair. Rather treat it as a learning experience and your motivation to take charge of your own government career advancement. The baby boomer generation is just starting to retire which will open up numerous high level positions in government creating a waterfall effect for other government positions as these positions are customarily filled from within.

Is Education Important in Government Career Advancement?

Think about this for a moment…. Isn’t education one of the top items on a resume and oftentimes can replace years of experience? There is a reason education has its own section on a resume. Advanced education demonstrates the ability to achieve! If the government is willing to help pay for some of your advanced education, shouldn’t you take advantage? Think of how many individuals work in the military but don’t take advantage of the GI Bill. Why don’t they? Who knows. But don’t be counted as another passive individual willing to work for the government for 25 years without taking control of your own career advancement destiny. Apply to a local university and work on an advanced degree even if it is only a course at a time each semester. Good things happen for those who demonstrate an individual desire to achieve their career advancement goals.

How do I Locate Other Job Opportunities?

The United States and Canadian Federal Government’s are massive employers of its civilian work forces. There are many agencies and locations to work within both countries. US Government positions though are always posted with USAJobs. Apply frequently for positions located within USAJobs. Make sure you keep your information current and review our article on Resume Tips for a Government Job.

Is Networking Important in Government Career Advancement?

You betcha! Not only is networking critical to your career advancement, but you never know when a professional connection you’ve made could benefit you in the future. Using LinkedIn cautiously depending on what branch of the government you work for and if you are permitted can help you assembe quite a collective network of contacts. Check with your supervisor before building this online network. To sum it up, remember to “Network, Network, Network” your way to a successful government career!


YouTube Video on Career Advice: Job Promotion

(Disclaimer: Marty Nemko is not affiliated with ApplyForAGovernmentJob.com.)

Career Counselor and U.S. News Contributing Editor Marty Nemko is the presenter in the video. He highlights tips for “getting ahead” and making yourself valuable to your organization. These tips can easily apply to career advancement in government as well. The tips suggested in the video include the following:

  1. “Hitch Myself to a Star.”
  2. “Get Involved in Business Development (It’s all about the money).”
  3. “Join a Professional Association and become an officer.”
  4. “Make Intelligent Posts on Social Networks (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).”

As Marty Nemko suggests, there are proactive ways you can work to sell yourself and help you work for that promotion. You control who you become so why not try to improve yourself and just maybe, you’ll improve how you come across to others. Don’t sell yourself short, but work on your government career advancement!