How to Network in the Federal Government

Overview

“Networking” often scares students and job seekers. However, networking with federal employees is a great way to learn more about the federal hiring process and types of roles available within federal government.

Because the federal government uses a merit-based hiring process, networking cannot guarantee you a federal job, but it still offers other benefits. Through networking, a candidate can: 

• Gain perspective on what a job in federal government and agencies are like. You can only tell so much from a website or social media account – speaking to someone who works there (or worked there in the past) is a great way to learn about the culture, pros and cons and other important factors when considering applying for a job.  

• Strengthen their application and application materials. 

• Learn of open roles or upcoming roles on USAJOBS that may fit their interests.  

• Make connections with federal employees who can pull their resume after it passes the initial set of reviews by Human Resources.  

Below are some strategies for how to network and learn more about federal opportunities. 

• Reach out to your campus career center or alumni relations office and ask if they can connect you with any alumni currently working in federal government. Share why the federal government interests you and what you hope to learn. 

• If offered, join a mentoring program at your university and ask if any mentors are federal employees. 

• Attend any events on campus where students can interact with alumni who may work in federal government. 

• Attend career fairs on campus where federal agencies may be hosting a table. 

• Check out the USAJOBS events page for any upcoming recruitment or informational events in your area. There are also virtual events. 

• Ask your family and friends if they know any federal employees they can connect with you.  

• Use LinkedIn to search for federal employees working in your desired field or an agency that interests you.  

Networking strategies and best practices

Once you get connected with a federal employee, use the tips below for how to structure your communication with them and learn more about federal careers:  

Informational Interviews or Coffee Chats 

You will learn the most about a federal employee’s public service career and federal opportunities through an informational interview or coffee chat. The goal of this meeting, especially a first meeting, is to learn about the employee and not to ask for a job referral or recommendation. You will also want to be prepared – research their agency and have a reason for asking for their time. You should be able to share why you wanted to speak to them and what interests you about their work.   

Ask questions that will give you a better idea of what working in the federal government may look like, such as: 

• How did you find your first job/internship in federal government? 

• Tell me more about your current role and your day-to-day tasks. 

• How does your work fit into your agency’s mission? 

• Can you tell me more about what it is like to work at your agency? What is the culture like? What are your favorite aspects and what are the most challenging?  

• What advice do you have for folks interested in joining the federal government? 

• Are there any colleagues that you think I should meet with and if so, would you be willing to connect us? I would be so grateful!  

After any informational interview, be sure to send a thoughtful email thanking them for their time. If they connect you to additional people or resources, be sure to follow up once you have followed their advice to let them know how it went and to thank them again. This helps build the relationship.  

Elevator Pitches for Career Fairs and Events 

For any career fairs or events you attend with federal employees, it is important to have your elevator pitch prepared so you can introduce yourself and begin that initial connection. In your elevator pitch, be sure to include the following information: 

• Your name 

• Where you go/went to school (if applicable) 

• What year you are in school (if applicable) 

• What your major is (if applicable) 

• What your professional interests are/what you hope to do in your career 

• Why you are interested in federal government or a specific federal agency 

Your elevator pitch should be under a minute long and open the door to you learning more about the employee and any opportunities being offered.  

Following Up 

Always send a thank you note to the federal employee after your discussion, especially if it was an informational interview. If you would like to maintain your connection with the employee, reach out to them after a few weeks to request another informational interview. If you spoke about any federal opportunities you were under consideration for, you can also provide them with an update and ask for any input if appropriate.