Episode Details

If you want a job that lets you make a difference in the world you’ll likely consider a career in public service.  

A government job--at the local, state or federal level--can offer you the opportunity to address issues that matter, such as education,  the environment, and homelessness. You can find positions suited to every interest and skill, from art history to zoology. And the work itself can be gratifying.

But getting your first government job can be challenging. The application process usually requires patience and persistence. And managing a career in public service requires thoughtful planning.

This week on Find Your Dream Job Mac talks with Kirsten Wyatt, assistant city manager of West Linn, Oregon, co-founder of the organization Emerging Local Government Leaders, and host of the GovLove podcast. Kirsten is passionate about helping talented professionals enter the public service sector and shares her tips for anyone looking to get a job in government.

In this 38-minute episode you will learn:

• How you can explore your passion (and help others) with a government career
• Tips for building a network to help you transition into a government job
• New tools and protocols for applying for government jobs
• What the government interview process looks like
• Creative ways support your government job search

This week’s guest:

Kirsten Wyatt (@kowyatt & @elgl50)Assistant City Manager, West Linn, Ore.Co-Founder, Emerging Local Government Leaders?West Linn, Ore.

Listener question of the week: 

• What's the best way to start my job search?

Do you have a question you’d like us to answer on a future episode? Please send your questions to Cecilia Bianco, Mac’s List Community Manager at cecilia@macslist.org.

Resources referenced on this week’s show:

• Nonprofit Organization of Oregon
• Hatch Innovation Lab
• GlassDoor.com
• BestPlacesToWork.org
• StrengthsFinder
• Emerging Local Government Leaders
• GovLove Podcast
• Josh’s Job Search
• Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond) - 2016 Edition

If you have a job-hunting or career development resource resource you’d like to share, please contact Ben Forstag, Mac’s List Managing Director at ben@macslist.org.

Thank you for listening to Find Your Dream Job. If you like this show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Mac Prichard: