Follow the Stimulus Money to a Job

Billions and billions of dollars are headed to the private sector to stimulate the economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act indicates how the money will be allocated. (Also see my summary of the Stimulus Package.)

Here's a way you might find a job funded by those mandated dollars: Learn what companies have been awarded government contracts and apply for a job at one of those companies.

Finding a government-funded project in your area:

1. Go to FedBizOpps (the single government-wide point-of-entry for federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000).


2. In the right side of the homepage, click the blue button that says, "Search Recovery Awards."


3. On the next page will be a list of contracts that have been award by the government. Browse through this list and click on one that looks interesting to you.


4. You'll be taken to a page that details what the contract entails, what company was awarded the contract, and sometimes contact information at the company. If no contact info is given, Google the company name and look for its Careers or Employment Opportunity page.

Don't be discouraged if the company that won the government contract is located in a different part of the country than where you live. What's important is where the contract is to be fulfilled. For example, the US Air Force might want something built in your backyard (not literally, I hope). If the company that's awarded the contract is from a different state, you might have an even better chance of getting a job. Think about it, if the company hires you, it doesn't have to transport personnel to the jobsite because you're right there and ready to work.

So take advantage of government-funded contracts by hooking up with one of it's approved contractors.