If you have ever considered a career with the federal government, you may wish to consider a job with the government's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This organization was created in 1964 to ensure equal opportunity in the workplace for women, minorities and other groups that could suffer discrimination. A career as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) investigator can be rewarding, providing you with the opportunity to make a difference.
Obtain the prerequisite education and experience. According to the EEOC, you must have one of three initial qualifications to proceed through the application process. First, you can have a graduate-level degree or verifiable education equal to one full year of graduate studies at the master's degree level or higher. Second, you may also qualify with an undergraduate education provided that you have demonstrated superior academic performance of at least a 3.0 grade point average during your last two years of college. A 3.5 GPA in the classes of your undergraduate major or ranking in the upper one-third of your graduating class also qualifies you for this superior academic performance provision. Third, have a significant amount of combined education and experience.
Apply for a position as an investigator. Submit your application through the USA Jobs website, the official job website of the U.S. Government. The EEOC posts all EEO investigator job openings there. You must submit a full resume, complete an assessment questionnaire and additional supporting documentation. These can include disability documentation, veterans preference paperwork and college transcripts to verify your education. If your score on the assessment questionnaire qualifies you to move forward in the hiring process, a hiring official will contact you. It can take four to six weeks to finish the hiring process.
Complete EEOC training through the EEOC Training Institute. Newly-hired investigators must complete a total of 32 hours of training. The training program focuses on EEO law, and teaching basic investigative techniques to new investigators. Students take turns completing two investigations under the tutelage of the course instructor. Throughout the course, students complete coursework covering discrimination theory and law; the investigative process and regulations; obtaining proof in discrimination cases; interviewing techniques; completing paperwork; and handling disability cases.
