Tip #8: Start Your Government Job Search Now
Many government postings have unique (and sometimes very early) application timelines, as well as a rolling basis application review, so it is a good idea to research and get your materials ready as soon as possible. It is also important to perform your research and be prepared early because it is not unusual for the government application process to take months, as many positions require lengthy background checks and long posting windows.
A great place to start researching government positions is PSJD.org. It has a helpful page on careers in the federal government and tips on how to apply through job sites like USA.jobs.gov, and links to sign-ups for e-mails with updated legal positions with the U.S. Senate and House. PSJD also has a link to its own Federal Legal Employment Guide that discusses reasons to consider federal employment. Certain federal agencies have very established legal internship programs with early deadlines, such as the Department of Justice, and those programs can be found on the DOJ’s “Summer Law Intern Program” page that includes specific descriptions of the required application materials and the application deadlines. Another example is the FBI and its Honors Internship Program. The 2020 FBI summer program opens for applications in early August.
The Arizona Handbook (arizonahandbook.com) is an additional invaluable resource. The password is gooey butter. In the Government Honors and Internship Handbook within the Arizona Handbook, there are descriptions of state and federal summer internships, with application deadlines and application procedures identified. The National Center for State Courts (ncsc.org) also has a search feature by state and human resources that often lists legal internships and clerkships. Vermont Guide is an additional important research site for state judicial clerkship postings and you can email the Career Center for the username and password.
As part of your research, reach out to the Career Center. We have assisted many students before you with researching government positions and navigating the application process. We can offer insight and knowledge about particular government employers and things to consider based on other students’ experiences. Many of us in the Career Center have even worked for state and federal legal employers and are happy to share our experiences. Also, many of the Peer Career Advisors have experience searching and working in government positions and have availability, virtually and in-person, to share their insight with fellow students.