The Government Stayed Open. New Federal Jobs Still Aren't Funded.

The government stayed open on October 1. If you are applying for a federal job, that is not the good news it sounds like.

Congress passed a stopgap, a continuing resolution, signed on September 2. It keeps everything running through December 11 at last year's spending levels. None of this year's twelve budget bills has become law.

That gives you one rule. A position that existed last year has money behind it. A position created this year does not. The posting can go up. The interview can happen. The offer is where it stalls, and it stalls quietly.

Three good signs, all visible before you apply. The role replaces someone instead of creating something new. The agency's funding bill has already passed the House. So far that includes Veterans Affairs, the State Department and Agriculture. And the posting has a hard closing date, instead of staying open until filled.

Until this year's budget passes, put roles that replace someone at the top of your list. If you are waiting to hear back on a newly created role, keep applying elsewhere.

The full argument, including what happens to open announcements and pending offers if December 11 does produce a shutdown, is in The Government Didn't Shut Down. That's Not Good News for Federal Applicants.