How can I find civilian military jobs in San Diego?

I'm exploring possible career paths after high school and came across civilian military jobs. Specifically, I'm curious about opportunities in San Diego. What types of civilian positions are available there and how competitive are they? Any advice on how to apply?

San Diego boasts a rich military history and has a large military presence, so it is a prime location to pursue civilian military jobs. Civilian military jobs entail working for the Department of Defense or other military branches, but not as enlisted personnel. This provides an opportunity to contribute to the military's mission without going through enlistment.

A lot of civilian military jobs in San Diego are concentrated around the Navy. These positions can range from healthcare providers, engineers, financial management professionals, to administrative roles or IT experts.

To apply for civilian military jobs, complete the following steps:

1. Review job openings: Check the USAJOBS website, which is the federal government’s official employment site. You can filter jobs based on the city (San Diego) and agency (Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, etc.). Each job posting will include information about duties, salary, location, qualifications, requirements, and how to apply.

2. Tailor your resume: Unlike the private sector where succinct resumes are preferred, federal resumes are typically more detailed and can be anywhere from 2-5 pages. Make sure to include all necessary details like duration of experiences and hours worked per week. Tailor your resume to the job description, highlighting relevant experiences and skills. Use keywords from the job description to catch the attention of the hiring team.

3. Apply: Follow the directions in each job posting. This will generally direct you to an online application where you have to answer some questions and upload your documents.

4. Prepare for potential assessments: Some positions might require a written exam, interview, or both. It's important to be prepared for these assessments.

5. Security Clearance: Remember that many of the jobs in the military will require a security clearance. You'll want to ensure that your background and lifestyle choices won't prevent you from obtaining clearance.

As for the competitiveness, it really depends on the specific role, your qualifications, and the number of applicants. Some positions are more competitive than others. If you lack work experience, consider interning or volunteering to gain relevant experience and make connections in the field.

It's also helpful to network with those already in the industry or seek a mentor who can guide you through the application process. Remember, patience is key when applying for government jobs as the hiring process can usually take longer than in the private sector.