Millions Of Applicants Needed For U.S. Census Bureau

Not only are fewer people looking for work, but the demographic makeup of the workforce has changed considerably, requiring different recruiting strategies…

Before hiring begins, the Census Bureau needs to assemble an applicant pool in the millions. For example, to support the 2010 Census, it recruited approximately 3.9 million job applicants in 2009 and 2010.

Not only are fewer people looking for work, but the demographic makeup of the workforce has changed considerably, requiring different recruiting strategies.

The emphasis will be on competitive and attractive pay rates as well as an easy application process. It will take 30 minutes or less to apply online compared to an average two-hour application process in 2010. Job offers will be contingent upon applicants passing a background check (including fingerprinting).

Hiring Strategies

• Developing partnerships with local organizations who can get the word out about census jobs. Recruiters will attend community meetings and other public events.
• Encouraging media covering census events to mention 2020 Census jobs.
• Utilizing social media, which has increased in popularity since the 2010 Census.
• Issuing national and local news releases announcing census jobs, as well as distributing posters, flyers and other promotional materials.
• Placing public service announcements, in addition to paid job advertising, in regional and local mainstream and ethnic media, including social media.
• Setting up recruiting booths at public events — job fairs, county fairs, bazaars, tribal pow wows and other public events.

Bilingual Applicants Needed

In some areas the Census Bureau will need applicants who are fluent in English and other languages. Finding qualified applicants can be a challenge.

The Census Bureau will team up with partners in communities where individuals with the necessary language skills live to find the right people to fill bilingual positions.

There is no better resource about America’s neighborhoods than the people already living in them. Working in order to ensure a complete and accurate 2020 census, the Census Bureau must successfully recruit a knowledgeable and dynamic workforce in communities across the United States.

Applications are not being taken yet but if you are interested in applying, sign up for Census Jobs email updates.