1. The hiring process is long and tedious.
Not true! After a position closes, it takes about two weeks for the agency to contact you with more information about the job. This is not very different from the private sector timeline.

2. You have to fill out long, terrible forms.
Not true! All you need is a federal-style resume. To find out more about federal resumes, make an appointment with a Career counselor at 715.836.5358.

3. The pay for government jobs is less than that of private industry.
Not true! The salary for government jobs is similar to most private industry jobs and they provide great benefits and retirement options.

4. You must take a civil service test to get your federal job score.
Not true most of the time. The Civil Service Test was stopped in 1995. Today, you can apply for a job directly with an agency without taking a test. Sometimes you may need to take a special test depending on the position, but these are normally security-related.

5. Federal jobs are inflexible and boring.
Not true! Most federal jobs are interesting, gratifying, and dynamic. These jobs are built on providing some sort of service to the public; this can be a rewarding experience. The mundane and boring tasks can be a part of any job and are not any different from those experienced in the private sector. It is all in what you make of it!

6. Taking a government job will make it impossible to get into the private sector later.
Not true! If you are a hard-working, accomplishment-driven and mission-centered government employee, you can bring your skills to any organization and make them meaningful.
  
7. You need a security clearance or military experience to get a government job.
Not true in general. Most jobs in government are open to anyone who is a U.S. citizen. Some jobs may require a security clearance. If you are not required to have clearance now, you may have to at some point in the future. This simply means you should have a clean record and that you can pass a clearance investigation.