State Employee

As one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, the United States government is a one of the country's biggest emplyers. In the US, many states higher a significant portion of their populations to work in transportation, administration, road work, construction, and clerical work. There are many things to keep in mind when preparing for a job for the state.

Education
The education neccessary to be hired by your state depends on the nature of the position. The state almost always requires a high school diploma or GRE, but other positions may require a bachelor's degree or beyond. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the state wants to hire employees that are dedicated, ahrd-working, and of high ethics, as employees may have access to sensitive information.

Work Setting
The setting again depends on the nature of the position, but many state employees work in governement buildings, like the state capitol building or the BMV. One consideration before accepting a position is the amount of security the workplace usually has. There may be a metal detector and security officials at the entrance that you you will need to pass every day when coming to work.

Skills
The most important skill a government employee needs to have is thoroughness. Because they are paid by tax dollars, state workers are under pressure to be thorough and efficient. Other important skills include: honesty, the ability to multi-task, flexibility, and friendliness. State workers represent the governments they are employed by, so they need to be professional and courteous at all times. If you are unsure if state employment is right for you, take a career assessment or aptitude test to find your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.

Benefits
State employees are generally well taken care of in terms of health care, retirement planning, unemployment, and paid vacation or maternity leave. Because the governement holds high standards for working conditions and equal treatment, state emplyees have higher job satisfaction than those working in the private sector. Another benefit to working for the state is guranteed vacations for nationally recognized holidays, both secular and religious. State emplyees also generally keep more regular hours than those who work for private companies.

Salary
Salaries depend on the position, but there are avenues in place to negotiate for fair wages and cost of living raises.