Job seekers wanting detailed information about federal employment need only to log onto the Internet. Here are some Web sites where information is readily available:

USAJOBS

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) operates the www.usajobs.opm.gov Web site where applicants can begin the federal application process, which has been greatly simplified over the years. USAJOBS is a revolutionary employment information system where federal workers and job candidates can access an automated database of current job vacancies and apply for them online. The system also lists opportunities in U.S.- sponsored programs worldwide, such as embassy assignments and international teaching opportunities, and occasionally lists job openings in local and state government offices, too. The application process on USAJOBS has supplanted the old, standard, federal resume, known as “Form 171.” Candidates can access USAJOBS, either through a computer or telephone (478) 757-3000 anytime.

PROJECT “S.E.E”

Governmental agencies, whether federal, state or local, consistently look to institutions of higher education for personnel who have the potential and the skills to meet their employee needs. The federal government, in pursuit of this interest, has recently created the Student Educational Employment Program (SEE), run by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The Web site is at http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/index.htm. The purpose of the SEE initiative is to attract motivated and “trainable” students to federal public service. OPM has consolidated some of the more popular student-based programs into the program, like Cooperative Education, Stay-In School, Federal Junior Fellowships, and Summer Aide. Under SEE, a student is provided an opportunity to earn money while continuing his or her education; to learn government first-hand from professional government specialists; and to combine academic study with on-the-job government experience.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEMOGRAPHICS

If you want specific, demographic information regarding the federal work force, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers a Web site where it compiles various statistics. Go here: http://www.opm.gov/feddata/demograp/1998/demograp.htm. The site presents statistical tables and narrative information on categories such as race and national origin, gender, disability status, veterans’ status, age, and length of service. The data are displayed by agency, major pay plans, general schedule and related grades and occupations. For instance, if it is your dream to apply for a job at the White House, you can see the demographic profile of the workers there. Data sources, coverage, definitions of terms, and highlights are presented as well. Postal service is not included.

FEDERALJOBS.NET

If you are seeking an all-encompassing site that will give you information on job vacancies, links and salary schedules, go to http://www.federaljobs.net. It also lists links to magazines read by government workers. The site is privately run and is not a part of the government, but much useful information is available for the clicking.

Dr. James H. Lockhart has been a federal official for more than 30 years in key offices of the U.S. Department of Education. He is serving his 22nd year as an official in the Office of English Language Acquisition, U.S. Department of Education and was the principal founder of the Department of Education Chapter of Blacks in Government.