Looking for a job within the federal government is not entirely like looking elsewhere in the mainstream workforce. It's a little bit like scoring tickets to a Red Sox game: even when they let you down, there's still never a shortage of fans vying for seats in an already too small stadium, up against long-standing season tickets holders.

Welcome to Washington, where the openings are competitive and federal employees with job security are reluctant to budge. But like the Sox, there's always a chance that if you play the game hard enough, and — with a few tips from OhMyGov! federally employed insiders — you might not even have to play trough the next century to win.

Don't be too proud to start at the bottom. Especially if you're young and recently out of college, be willing to take an entry level — or very entry level — position. Three months serving as an intern or even a volunteer will return on the investment when you get that coveted pay grade.

Granted, not all government agencies offer internships or volunteer positions, but some do. Check out studentjobs.gov to start. Also, almost any interest can be accommodated through a Congressional Internship, which will open your network and help you make necessary contacts. By researching Members of Congress who advocate for your interests or sit on committees that address your long term career pursuits, you can target and apply to a particular office.  And luckily for you, almost all jobs in Congress are listed on OhMyGov!

For example, if your dream is to work for the Department of Education, send your resume to Members on the Committee on Education and Labor. If you're looking to work for the Department of Energy, see who works with the Committee on Energy and Commerce. If you can find a Member from your state, be sure to mention that when applying — it can be a good hook.

Building the right experience takes a little forethought. So you want to be a GS-13 at the FDA, but you're only 24 years old. Start thinking long term and read that job description now. Take note of the required qualifications and pursue them. If your goal is many years off, consider what you could achieve in a year or two – a GS-8 or GS-9 perhaps — and start building the experience required of those positions. Remember that it's much easier to move up once you're on the inside. 

Build the proverbial rolodex. Where you work is all about who you know. Does a friend, colleague, or current supervisor have a connection somewhere? Don't be afraid to let them know you aspire to move up (unless, of course, it will risk your current employment!). Also remember that while jobs are posted publicly on usajobs.gov, sometimes they're created with a particular individual in mind, but nonetheless required to be posted where everyone can see it.  So expect not to hear from everyone.  Odds are you'll only hear back once out of every fifty times you apply to a position. 

That means you may have to infiltrate! Finding someone on the inside can give you a little insight on how to become more competitive. So do your research — find a recent press release or report that mentions the team you want to join, and start sending them emails advertising your qualifications, strengths and desire to get the job. It can't hurt!

Expect a long wait.  Unlike jobs in the private sector, federal employers take considerable time — anywhere from four to six months — to fill a position.  The backlog is cause by high levels of interest in the position and red tape in the hiring process which requires a third party organization to review the job applications, rate each candidate, and submit a short list for employment at an agency.

Ace the interview. Getting in the door is the hard part, so once you're there, close the deal by presenting well. It's key to remember that if you've made it to this step, they've already read your resume and believe you have the necessary qualifications. Now it's up to you to convince them why they want to work with you by letting your personality shine.

Read the interviewers' nonverbal signs: Are they serious? Stressed?   Humorous? Be yourself, but also try to mirror their disposition. If they're serious, you should be your most professional self. If they're stressed, present yourself as the solution to their problems. If they're humorous, remain professional but remember it's ok smile, laugh and even crack joke (just keep it clean and politically correct!).

Also, be sure you know whom you're meeting with. A little educated flattery can go a long way. Just imagine your interviewer's reaction when you say, "The testimony you gave to the House Judiciary Committee last month was very impressive…" or "The position paper you wrote on environmental waste is one of the things that most attracts me to this position."

Finally, remember you are also interviewing them. Ask well-researched questions, and remember that they have to sell the position to you just as much as you have to sell yourself to them.