Have a Masters in IR and looking for a US Federal Job.?

I am almost done with my Masters Degree in International Relations. And am very interested in getting a Federal job. I have never been a federal employee and I do not have any prior experience in the field. I have been looking on USAJOBS.com and had no luck.

Can anyone tell me where to start looking for entery Level positions with the federal Govt?

and does anyone know of any agencies that help find jobs for people with specifically IR or related degrees?

The best way to get a Federal Job is to network with people that already have federal jobs. They will pass your information on to supervisors who are looking to hire. Otherwise your application will get lost in the quagmire unless you have veteran status or an extremely high GPA.

If you don't know anyone in the federal workforce, best advice I can give you is to keep applying and keep submitting your resumes to those positions you see on USAjobs.com. Don't be afraid to call some of those HR people and make some contact. The more direct contact you have with people, the better your odds.

As far as agencies that hire for International Relations, you should be able to get a job with just about any federal office. All branches of the federal government that I am aware of have international dealings on some level.

Good luck!

Hi there. I too have a MA in IR. And I've applied to everywhere. you name it, I've done it. CIA, FBI, FSWE, never got in. I have a very good GPA. 3.2 in both my Masters and Bachelors. Anyway I work at a bank now. It's just as good. I keep trying, but I feel that you almost have to know someone to get into a federal position, unless you take the post office exam. I don't want to sort mail though. I really wanted to be a foreign service officer.

I graduated in 04, and even did an internship at an embassy abroad. Still no luck! I gave up, but still haunt the same Usajobs.com place. It's very disheartening I know but keep trying. That's what I do. Good luck.

usajobs.gov is the only website run by the gov't HR folks. Going to specific sites for each agency can help.

How do your KSA's look? Those are very important, especially if your application makes it past the 1st screening. Don't scrimp or shorten your answers. Be thorough, use good examples and spin positive. And keep copies for yourself if you make it into the interview.

Are you opening up your willingness to move anywhere? With a M.A., you are probably qualified to enter at GS-9, (perhaps), so keep things open. The Border Patrol is always recruiting.

Remember, your application is only kept on file for so many months. You'll need to reapply for each job. Dont' give up, keep at it.

Good luck...