Opportunities for Minorities in Federal Jobs

It’s tough to live as minority anywhere in the world. At a first glance, it might seem that there aren’t enough opportunities for minorities in the Federal government. However, a closer look at the data reveals that people of color from different minority backgrounds represent 46% of all full-time, entry-level employee positions, and the numbers are expected to increase.

With Biden in power, the government is making efforts to grant more opportunities to minorities to work in different sections of the government. Many federal agencies such as the Coast Guard, Farm Credit Administration, Government Accountability Office and Intelligence Community have recently made remarkable efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their organizations. Not too long ago, the U.S. Air Force also made history when they appointed their first Black Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

Let us have a look at some of the departments where minorities can find opportunities to work.

Department of the Navy (DON)

The Department of the Navy has been making consistent efforts to promote civilian Equal Employment Opportunities. Their efforts include recruitment programs at Black Colleges and Universities, internship programs for minorities, special recruitment plans and complaint resolution efforts. They have also been promoting minorities into the higher grade levels of GS 13-15 and SES. We can expect things to continue to get better and minorities to find great opportunities in this department.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

PBGC has also been making efforts to promote employment of minorities in the government sector. They have also established a Workforce Diversity Board and they themselves have many great opportunities for minorities at all grade levels.

Health and Human Services (HHS)

At HHS, there are developmental programs that focus on the employment efforts to include minorities in the services. They’ve been making efforts to promote minorities to senior level positions as well and have a “top-down approach” to their employment efforts.

Other Opportunities

While it’s true that the majority of workforce in NYPD and NYFD is white, things are getting better gradually. If you’re a hardworking and deserving candidate, there’s nothing stopping you from joining the civil services.

The Impact of Pandemic

The pandemic didn’t leave anything unaffected, and federal jobs are no different. It’s for the first time in history that all the hiring and promotion exams were halted  since the 1970s. The government also froze positions that weren’t relevant to the public safety or the coronavirus pandemic crisis.

However, with Biden in power and vaccination in progress, things are getting better and you can expect to find some great opportunities in the federal government. The hiring processes are resuming for different departments and minority members have chances of getting hired under Biden’s administration.

What Positions Should You Apply For?

Don’t hesitate from applying even if you notice that the number of minorities in a particular place is low. Sometimes, the reason for lack of minorities in positions of power is their own reluctance to apply because they assume they won’t be hired.

How Do You know if You’re Qualified to Sit for An Exam?

Any candidate who is interested in applying for a federal job has to fill out a complete NYS application form that is easily available for every department. They must provide all the important details of their education as well as working experience, if any. Certain departments such as NYPD and FDNY may have certain special requirements as well. Therefore, make sure you’re eligible for whatever position you’re applying.

Can You Give Multiple Attempts?

The best part about applying for federal jobs is that there’s no limit to the number of attempts that you can give. As far as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can continue to apply and appear for exams. A retake doesn’t affect your chances of getting hired either.

However, you can never be assured whether the position you applied for will also be available again when you’re applying. For some departments, you may also have to wait for years before you’re eligible for another attempt. The Department of Sanitation, for instance, doesn’t let a candidate give a retake until at least four years after the first attempt.

Are There Any Preference During the NYS Hiring Process?

It’s true that some people might get preference over others during the hiring process due to certain factors. For instance, Veterans receive extra points because they’ve served in military, but they can only get this advantage once. Those who were injured or disabled due to an accident during their military service may get double points.

Similarly, some people are placed on a preferred list because they were laid off from an NYS position earlier. Those who leave their job with residual job rights may also be preferred. However, these preferences don’t affect your chances of getting hired.

Let us Help You Get Hired by The New York Civil Services

Are you also considering to be a part of federal services? Apply for your desired New York Civil Service positions, and we’re here to help you ace the exams.

 Civil Service Success is a leading civil service exam preparation institution and we have successfully helped many candidates pass their exam and join the services. We are operational in different parts of New York, including Long Island, Westchester, Suffolk County, and Nassau County.At CSS, we believe in professionalism, excellence, and commitment to our students. Our prep classes for civil service exams provide the candidates with all the knowledge and skills that they might need to ace their exams.