If you obtain a job with the federal government, is it easy to transfer business units eventually?

Question

Hello,
If you obtain a job within the Federal Government, let's say the IRS, is it easy eventually to transfer to another business unit of the Government such as the Dept of Education, VA, etc (or any unit in general)? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Also, is it possible to get into the gvmt without knowing someone?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Well, the federal government, for all of its faults, follows a fairly open and standardized scheme for hiring. Unless you are trying to get a "political appointment", you mainly need the right skills, not know the right people.

The starting point is the job application. The job application itself is going to take a lot of time to fill out, because it is so detailed. (If you do it once, properly, keep it up-to-date.)
The next thing that happens is that you get a "GS-rating" (once you get a government job), which essentially is a slot for your level of education and experience.
You may also be required to get a security clearance.

Once you have these things, applying for OTHER government jobs becomes much easier. However, you still must go through the job search and interview process. It is not just a transfer within a company.

All fed jobs are published online, as are the forms and other things you need to do.

Answer 2

Yes, it can be very easy. Part of that comes from creating a great resume and learning how to transfer those skills from one business unit to another. Here is a link to get you started thinking.