Ready to embark on a career path that's both challenging and rewarding, contributing directly to the financial well-being of a nation? Joining the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be just that. While often perceived as a monolithic tax-collecting agency, the IRS offers a diverse array of job opportunities, from accounting and finance to IT, legal, and administrative roles. It's a federal agency, which means a structured hiring process, but with the right approach, you can navigate it successfully.
So, are you ready to learn how to unlock the door to a career at the IRS? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Fit and Understand the Landscape
The IRS isn't just about tax forms and audits. It's a vast organization with a wide range of roles. Before you even think about submitting an application, you need to understand where your skills and interests align within this complex agency.
A. Explore the IRS's Mission and Departments
Take some time to research the IRS's overall mission and its various operating divisions. Are you interested in criminal investigations, taxpayer services, IT modernization, or policy analysis? Understanding the breadth of their work will help you pinpoint potential career paths.
B. Identify Potential Job Series and Roles
Federal jobs are categorized by "job series" (e.g., 0510 for Accountants, 0343 for Management and Program Analysts). Familiarize yourself with the common job series that align with your background. The IRS hires for positions such as:
- Revenue Agents (auditing tax returns)
- Tax Examiners (processing tax returns and related documents)
- IT Specialists (cybersecurity, network administration, software development)
- Customer Service Representatives (assisting taxpayers)
- Attorneys (tax law, litigation)
- Criminal Investigators (investigating financial crimes)
- Administrative Assistants
- And many more!
Each role has distinct qualification requirements, so knowing which ones interest you is crucial from the outset.
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| How To Get A Job At The Irs |
Step 2: Master the USAJOBS Platform – Your Gateway to Federal Employment
The federal government uses a centralized platform called USAJOBS.gov for all its job postings. This is where you'll find and apply for IRS positions. It's not like a typical private-sector job board, so a strategic approach is essential.
A. Create a Comprehensive USAJOBS Profile
This isn't just about uploading a resume; it's about building a detailed profile.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
- Your Account: Start by creating an account and logging in.
- Profile Completion: Fill out every section of your profile, including contact information, education, work experience, and federal service details (if applicable). A complete profile makes applying much smoother.
- Resume Builder vs. Upload: USAJOBS offers a resume builder, which can be helpful as it prompts you to include information critical for federal applications. Alternatively, you can upload your own resume, but ensure it's formatted to federal standards (more on this in Step 3).
B. Set Up Job Search Agents
Don't constantly manually search for jobs. Use USAJOBS' "Save this search" feature to create job search agents. You'll receive email notifications when new positions matching your criteria (e.g., "Internal Revenue Service," "Accountant," "GS-7") are posted. This saves you time and ensures you don't miss opportunities.
Step 3: Craft a Federal Resume That Stands Out
This is perhaps the most critical step. Federal resumes are vastly different from private-sector resumes. A one-page, bullet-point summary won't cut it.
A. Length and Detail are Key
Federal resumes are typically 4-6 pages long and require a highly detailed description of your work experience. Don't assume the hiring manager will infer your skills. You need to explicitly state how your past duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments align with the job requirements.
B. Tailor Your Resume to Each Announcement
- Keywords are King: Read the job announcement meticulously. Identify key terms, phrases, and required skills listed in the "Duties," "Qualifications," and "Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)" sections. Integrate these exact keywords into your resume and cover letter. Federal agencies often use automated systems to screen applications, and if your resume doesn't contain these keywords, it might be automatically filtered out.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and metrics to describe your accomplishments. Instead of "Managed a project," write "Managed a project that resulted in a 15% reduction in processing time and saved the department $50,000 annually." This demonstrates impact and value.
- Use the CCAR or STAR Method: When describing your experience, consider using the Challenge, Context, Action, Result (CCAR) or Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method. This provides a structured way to highlight your capabilities.
C. Include All Relevant Experience
This includes paid and unpaid work, internships, volunteer experience, and academic projects, especially if they are relevant to the position. For each position, include:
- Job Title
- Employer Name
- Start and End Dates (Month/Year)
- Hours per week
- Salary (if applicable)
- Detailed duties and accomplishments
D. Review and Proofread Meticulously
Typos and grammatical errors can be immediate disqualifiers. Have someone else review your resume before submission.
Step 4: Navigate the Application Process and Assessment Questionnaires
Once you've found a suitable job and crafted your resume, it's time to apply.
A. Complete the Online Application
Click "Apply" on the USAJOBS job announcement. You'll often be redirected to the agency's specific hiring portal (e.g., IRS's own system or a different OPM-managed site). Follow the instructions carefully.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
B. Ace the Assessment Questionnaire
Most federal job applications include a lengthy online questionnaire. These questions are designed to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the job.
- Be Honest, But Strategic: While honesty is paramount, be sure to select the highest rating that you can credibly support with your experience. The answers to these questions are often scored, and only the highest-scoring candidates are referred for further consideration.
- Connect to Your Resume: Your answers to the questionnaire should be directly supported by the information provided in your resume. Don't claim expertise in an area if your resume doesn't provide evidence of it.
- Take Your Time: Don't rush through the questionnaire. Read each question carefully and consider how your experience applies.
C. Upload Required Documents
Job announcements will specify required documents, which may include:
- Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts to verify your education.
- Veterans' Preference Documents: DD-214 or other relevant forms if you're claiming veteran's preference.
- Certifications/Licenses: Any professional certifications or licenses relevant to the role (e.g., CPA for accounting positions).
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): If you are a current or former federal employee.
Ensure all documents are in the correct format (usually PDF) and uploaded successfully before the deadline.
Step 5: The Waiting Game and Interview Preparation
The federal hiring process can be slow. Be prepared for a period of waiting after you submit your application.
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A. Track Your Application Status
You can track the status of your applications through your USAJOBS profile. Statuses may include "Received," "Under Review," "Referred," or "Not Selected."
B. Prepare for the Interview
If your application is referred, you may be contacted for an interview. Federal interviews are typically structured, with a panel asking behavioral and technical questions.
- Research the IRS and the Role: Demonstrate your understanding of the agency's mission and the specific duties of the position.
- Practice Behavioral Questions: Prepare answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method. For example, "Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer."
- Be Ready for Technical Questions: Depending on the role, you may face questions designed to assess your technical expertise.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions to ask the interviewers. This shows your engagement and interest.
Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding
Congratulations if you receive a tentative job offer! This is a significant milestone, but the process isn't over yet.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
A. Undergo a Background Investigation
All federal positions require a background investigation, the intensity of which depends on the sensitivity of the role. This can include:
- Fingerprinting and Identity Verification
- Credit Checks
- Verification of Employment History, Education, and References
- Checks for Criminal Records
- Tax Compliance: Given it's the IRS, expect a thorough review of your own tax compliance history. Ensure you are current on all your tax obligations.
B. Medical Examination (If Required)
Some positions, particularly those involving law enforcement or physically demanding tasks, may require a medical examination.
C. The Final Offer and Onboarding
Once the background check is cleared, you'll receive a final job offer. This will include your official start date, salary, and details about your benefits package. The onboarding process will then begin, which involves completing paperwork, orientation, and training.
Benefits of Working for the IRS
Working for the IRS comes with a host of advantages beyond just a stable job:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: This often includes competitive health insurance, dental, vision, generous paid time off, federal retirement plans (FERS), and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Career Development and Training: The IRS invests heavily in employee training and offers numerous opportunities for professional development, including specialized courses and tuition reimbursement.
- Diverse Career Paths: With such a broad mandate, the IRS offers a wide array of career opportunities and paths for advancement.
- Work-Life Balance: Many federal positions offer flexible work schedules, telework options, and family-friendly policies.
- Public Service: A unique aspect of working for the IRS is the opportunity to contribute directly to the financial health and stability of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about getting a job at the IRS:
How to find IRS job openings? You can find all official IRS job openings on the USAJOBS website (www.usajobs.gov). Use keywords like "Internal Revenue Service" or specific job titles.
How to make my resume stand out for an IRS job? Tailor your federal resume to each job announcement by incorporating keywords from the job description, providing detailed descriptions of your duties and accomplishments, and quantifying your achievements with numbers and metrics.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
How to prepare for the IRS interview? Research the IRS and the specific role, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and be ready for technical questions related to the position.
How to determine if I qualify for an IRS position? Carefully read the "Qualifications" and "Requirements" sections of the job announcement on USAJOBS. This will detail the educational, experience, and any other specific criteria needed.
How to check the status of my IRS job application? Log in to your USAJOBS profile and navigate to your "Applications" section. You can track the status of each application there, often with a link to the hiring agency's system for more detailed updates.
How to understand the federal pay scale (GS grades) for IRS jobs? Federal jobs are paid according to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which has 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15) with multiple steps within each grade. The job announcement will specify the GS level for the position.
How to learn about student programs and internships at the IRS? The IRS, like other federal agencies, participates in the Pathways Internship Program and other student opportunities. Search for "student" or "internship" on USAJOBS and filter by the Internal Revenue Service.
How to deal with the background check for an IRS job? Be completely honest and provide all requested documentation accurately. Ensure your tax compliance is in order, as this will be a significant part of the IRS background check.
How to find IRS hiring events or job fairs? The IRS occasionally participates in virtual or in-person hiring events. Check the "Events" section on USAJOBS or the IRS careers website for announcements of such events.
How to get assistance with my federal job application for the IRS? USAJOBS offers a comprehensive help center with articles and FAQs. You can also find numerous resources online from federal career coaches or websites specializing in federal resumes and applications.
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