Temporary Employment with the US Census for 2010 - How to Get Hired
Emma Martin
November 18, 2009
The new year is almost here and with it comes the start of the 2010 US Census. In some ways, the census couldn't come at a better time. Because in order to run the census properly, the US Census bureau will need to hire many census takers in communities all over the US. In this economy, that's good news for anyone who needs some extra money and would like a part-time job. But if you want to work for the Census bureau in 2010, you really need to start moving on that immediately.
Before you can get hired as a field worker, the most common census job, you need to take the census test for employment. This test is only a half hour long, but it is the primary means for determining who will get hired as an enumerator. It isn't too difficult to pass, but with 28 questions that must be answered within 30 minutes, the test taking situation can seem a little pressured.
Fortunately, you can use the practice test to get used to the types of questions that you will be asked. I took the test a few months ago and I found that the practice test was very similar. If you need some tips based on experience, you can find out more how to prepare for the test in my article about taking the 2010 Census practice test.
While the test itself is only 30 minutes, you will be spending more time at the testing center. This is the time it takes to fill out a job application and get everyone prepared for the test. I would say you normally need to allow about two hours, but it can be less than that. A lot of the time involved depends on just how many people show up to take the test. When I took it, the regional census office had been offering the test at several sites a few times a week, so there were only a handful of us taking the test on the date I went to do it. But if you live someplace where they offer the test less frequently, be prepared for a bit more time.
Once you have taken the test, be patient. It may be months before the Census bureau gets back to you with a job offer. A lot of it depends on their current needs in your area. As all of the jobs are local because they need to work with people who know the area well, it may be some time before they call you. Of course, you can always call their office to follow-up, but I would wait at least six to eight weeks after the test before doing that. It can often take that long to just process all of the paperwork and get your data into their system. As well all know, a little patience goes a long way when it comes to the government!
Before you can get hired as a field worker, the most common census job, you need to take the census test for employment. This test is only a half hour long, but it is the primary means for determining who will get hired as an enumerator. It isn't too difficult to pass, but with 28 questions that must be answered within 30 minutes, the test taking situation can seem a little pressured.
Fortunately, you can use the practice test to get used to the types of questions that you will be asked. I took the test a few months ago and I found that the practice test was very similar. If you need some tips based on experience, you can find out more how to prepare for the test in my article about taking the 2010 Census practice test.
While the test itself is only 30 minutes, you will be spending more time at the testing center. This is the time it takes to fill out a job application and get everyone prepared for the test. I would say you normally need to allow about two hours, but it can be less than that. A lot of the time involved depends on just how many people show up to take the test. When I took it, the regional census office had been offering the test at several sites a few times a week, so there were only a handful of us taking the test on the date I went to do it. But if you live someplace where they offer the test less frequently, be prepared for a bit more time.
Once you have taken the test, be patient. It may be months before the Census bureau gets back to you with a job offer. A lot of it depends on their current needs in your area. As all of the jobs are local because they need to work with people who know the area well, it may be some time before they call you. Of course, you can always call their office to follow-up, but I would wait at least six to eight weeks after the test before doing that. It can often take that long to just process all of the paperwork and get your data into their system. As well all know, a little patience goes a long way when it comes to the government!
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