Federal Jobs Without Experience: How to Land One in 2025

When people think of federal jobs, government positions in the U.S. that pay stable salaries, offer benefits, and often require security clearances. Also known as civil service jobs, they’re seen as hard to get without years of experience—but that’s not true. Every year, thousands of entry-level federal roles open up specifically for people with no prior work history. These aren’t internships or temporary gigs. They’re full-time, permanent positions with health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave—just like the ones your uncle or neighbor holds.

You don’t need a degree to qualify for many of these roles. Agencies like the Social Security Administration, the U.S. government agency that handles retirement and disability benefits, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the federal agency that provides healthcare and benefits to military veterans regularly hire data entry clerks, customer service reps, administrative assistants, and IT support staff with zero experience. What they want is reliability, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow instructions. Many of these jobs list "no experience required" right in the title.

The trick isn’t finding the job—it’s knowing where to look and how to apply. Most people waste time scrolling through LinkedIn or Indeed. But the only official source for federal jobs is USAJobs.gov. That’s where every single opening is posted, including roles that don’t show up anywhere else. You’ll need to build a profile, fill out detailed forms, and answer questions about your background—even if you have none. It’s tedious, but it’s the only way in.

Some programs make it easier. The Pathways Program, a federal hiring initiative designed to bring students and recent graduates into government roles lets you apply for jobs while still in school or within a year of graduating. There’s also the Veterans Employment Initiative, a federal effort to prioritize hiring veterans, including those transitioning out of service with no civilian work history. Even if you’re not a vet, you can still use the same resume tips they teach: focus on school projects, volunteer work, or even organizing a friend’s event as "leadership experience."

Don’t be fooled by the word "experience." In federal hiring, it often means "showing you can handle responsibility," not working at a corporate office. If you’ve managed a school club, helped a family member with paperwork, or even kept a detailed budget for your own expenses—you’ve got something to write about. The key is translating everyday actions into language the system understands.

There’s no magic formula, but there are clear patterns. The fastest-growing entry-level roles are in IT support, data processing, customer service, and records management. These jobs don’t ask for a college degree. They ask for patience, attention to detail, and the ability to learn software quickly. And yes, you can learn all of that for free—just like how you’d learn to code or speak English on your own.

Below, you’ll find real examples of how people with no background landed federal jobs, what applications actually look like, and which certifications or training programs give you a real edge—even if you’ve never held a job before.