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Stand Up ... and Count

The census is hiring. Study up, apply with care and get a move on.

By Teresa Odle
CTW Features

Every 10 years, Congress requires that the federal government count and record all Americans part of the U.S. Census. It's time for the 2010 count and the Census Bureau is looking for temporary workers in many areas of the country willing to go door to door to count their neighbors. "It's hard to fill 1.4 million positions," says Dennis Damp, author of "The Book of U.S. Government Jobs," 10th Edition (Bookhaven, 2008). The census includes everyone, regardless of where they live; census takers track down residents who don't send back mailed forms. This is a temporary job that pays well.

In some areas of the country, jobs already are filled, says Lily Whiteman, author of "How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job," (AMACOM, 2008). Some cities had more than three times as many applicants as there were jobs. But check with your local office. And Whiteman and Damp agree that rural and remote areas will have more demand and the census still is hiring.

How To Get a Census Job

Applying is easy, says Damp. "Just call the toll-free number (1-866-861-2010), press 2 and enter your ZIP code." You'll receive a phone number for your area that connects you to a live person at the Census Bureau, he says. You also can go to the census Web site (http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/). The site has helpful tips, lists, maps and contact information for local and regional census offices.

Download an application online, too. Census jobs require the application, proof of identification, a background investigation and passing a test. The test checks basic math, clerical, reading and map reading skills. The Web site lists job qualifications. "It's good to have some basic computer skills, such as familiarity with a keypad, because you'll work with a handheld computer," says Damp.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Just because there are jobs available in doesn't mean you can walk in with the guarantee of a job. You can improve your chance of landing a census job by doing the basic steps requested. "As many as 50 percent of applicants to federal jobs are kicked out of the competition simply because they didn't answer all of the questions in the application or didn't submit all the information they needed to," says Whiteman. Take the practice test the census provides on its Web site. "It's a deadline test, so the more you practice, the better you'll probably do," says Whiteman.

Are You the Type?

These temporary jobs can suit most anyone, but they're ideal for people who are energetic and self-motivated, says Whiteman. After all, nobody takes you to people's homes or stands over you. "These jobs are for students, recent grads, stay-at-home moms and dads, retirees, really anyone who wants to make extra money and establish a work record," she says.

People between jobs also can make extra money to hold them over. "This is good temp employment and a good way to get a feel for the federal government," says Damp. "They just announced that federal jobs are going up to 2.8 million from 2.1 million." Although Damp and Whiteman say that working the census won't necessarily help you get permanent government work, it gives you some experience and insight.

Fast Facts: Census Taker

Salary: An interactive map on the census Web site gives pay that varies by region. You can make $22 an hour in Oakland, Calif., and $11.50 an hour in Boone, N.C.

You'll need: A car, proof of ID, energy.

Best and worst shots at a census job: Veterans have a preference but be sure to bring requested documentation to prove vet status. If you're bilingual in Spanish, you have a much higher chance in most areas. Ever been convicted of a felony? Forget about a census job and don't lie about this on your application.

It's more than door-to-door counting. The census employs temporary supervisors, clerks and others to pull this off. And the census employs people in other roles on a permanent full-time basis.