Armstrong Federal Job Guide
Armstrong Armstrong FederalJob Guide OfficeofCareerServices OfficeofCareerServices MCC101 11935AbercornSt. Savannah,GA31419 912-344-2563 [email protected] 1 TABLEOFCONTENTS TABLEOFCONTENTS Whyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobs Whyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobs3 Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest 4 Did you know? Percentage of Federal jobs by Region 4 5 Positions:Whatfederaljobsrelatetomymajor? Did you know? Frequency of Federal jobs by Sector 9 Agencies:Whichagenciesinterestme? Step2:SearchforJobPostings Step2:SearchforJobPostings 9 10 Full-timeemploymentpostings 10 SampleJobPosting 11 Did you know? Excepted Service 12 Internship,fellowship,orstudentjobpostings 13 CongressionalandForeignServicepositions 14 Did you know? Federal Internships 14 UnderstandingFederalPayScales 14 Step3:AssembleandSubmityourApplication Step3:AssembleandSubmityourApplication CreatingaFederalResume 15 PerfectingyourCoverLetter SampleResume 15 15 16 Did you know? Veterans’ Preference 17 SampleResumefromResumeBuilder 18 SampleCoverLetter 20 Did you know? KSAs 20 Step4:BePatient Step4:BePatient 21 AdditionalResources 22 2 WHYAPPLY? WHYAPPLY? Asof2010,thefederalgovernmentemployedover2.65millionworkers intheExecutivebranchalone.Theseemployeesenjoyavarietyof benefitsincluding: • Jobsecurity • Aseriesofnoncompetitiveraises • Reinstatementeligibility If you leave federal service within 3 years of beginning employment, you have 3 years to decide if you want to be reinstated. If you stay within federal service for over 3 years, you have reinstatement eligibility for a lifetime. • Possibleopportunitiestomovebetweenagencies • Qualityhealthinsuranceandretirementplans Geographicalflexibility Withjobopeningsacrossthenationandpositionsinalmosteveryfield, thefederalgovernmenthasawiderangeofemploymentopportunities. • DIDYOUKNOW? NonNon-competitiveStatus competitiveStatus Mostfederalpositionsarecompetitive,meaningthattheyareopentoapplicantsoutsidethe federalgovernmentandfilledaccordingtoqualificationsandinterviews.However,currentor formerfederalemployeesareeligiblefornon-competitivestatuswithinthefederalhiringprocess. NonNon-competitivestatusmayalsobegiventoapplicantswhomeettheminimumqualificationsand competitivestatus oneofthefollowingconditions:veterans,peoplewithdisabilities,displacedfederalemployees, returnedPeaceCorpvolunteers,qualifiedfortheBilingual/Biculturalprogram,andapplicantsto internshipsandstudentjobsprograms.Tofindoutifyouareeligibleforanon TofindoutifyouareeligibleforanonTofindoutifyouareeligibleforanon-competitivestatus, contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith. contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith. Ifyoudohavenon-competitivestatus,youcanexpandyoursearchonUSAjobs.govbyclicking “AdvancedSearch”andcheckingtheboxfornon-competitivestatus.Asanapplicantwithnoncompetitiveeligibility,youaregivenpriorityintheapplicationprocessandyoumaybeableto searchmorepositions. 3 STEP1:Identifypositions andagenciesofinterest So you’ve decided that you’re interested in working for the federal government. What now? Sincethegovernmenthassomanydifferentpositionsavailable,itis importanttotargetyoursearchbydecidingwhichpositionsand agenciesaremostinterestingtoyou.Thissectionincludesalistof possiblefederalcareersbymajorandaguidetofederalagencies.While inthisstep,itmaybehelpfultodiscussdifferenttypesofpositions withfaculty,staff,orcurrentfederalemployees. DIDYOUKNOW? FederalJobsbyRegion FederalJobsarenotlimitedtoWashingtonD.C.TheycanbefoundacrosstheUnitedStatesand evenabroad.NotethegeographicaldistributionofFederalJobsin2010.84%ofFederaljobswere locatedOUTSIDEofWashington,D.C.,and15.8%ofFederaljobswerelocatedintheSoutheast. PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010 PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010 Source: Source "FederalJobs:Overview."Making the Difference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011. <http://makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>. 4 FEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajor FEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajor Governmentemployeesspecializeinawide-varietyofareas.Belowisachartoffederaljobs bymajorfromusajobs.gov.Youcanqualifyforsomeofthesejobsregardlessofmajor (especiallywithjob-relatedexperience). This list is not comprehensive, so remember to search for This list is not comprehensive, so remember to search for jobs outside of these titles. jobs outside of these titles. ANYMAJOR ANYMAJOR EnvironmentalProtection CivilRightsAnalyst Personneloccupations AdministrativeOfficer ManagementAnalyst LogisticsManagement ParalegalSpecialist ContractRepresentative ClaimsExamining PublicAffairs WritingandEditing InternalRevenueOfficer ContractAdministration GeneralInvestigator AirTrafficController SupplyManagement ACCOUNTING ACCOUNTING Accountants Auditors ContractSpecialists FinancialManagers FinancialAdministrators FinancialInstitution Examiners GAOFinancialAuditors IntelligenceSpecialists InternalRevenueAgents AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE SoilConservationists AgriculturalCommodity Graders AgriculturalEngineers AgriculturalMgmt.Spec. AgriculturalProgramSpec. AgriculturalMarket Reporters AgriculturalMarketingSpec. ForeignAgricultureAffairs Specialists SoilScientists AGRONOMY AGRONOMY Agronomists AgriculturalMgmt.Spec. SoilConservationists SoilScientists ANTHROPOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGY Anthropologists MuseumCurators MuseumSpecialists ProgramAnalysts ManagementAnalysts ARCHEOLOGY ARCHEOLOGY Archaeologists MuseumCurators MuseumSpecialists ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Architects ConstructionAnalysts ConstructionControl Inspector. LandscapeArchitects NavalArchitects ProgramAnalysts ARTS,FINEANDAPPLIED ARTS,FINEANDAPPLIED ArtsSpecialists Audio-VisualProduction Specialists RecreationandCreative ArtsTherapists ExhibitsSpecialists GeneralArtsand InformationSpecialists Illustrators Photographers VisualInformation Specialists ASTRONOMY ASTRONOMY AstronomersandSpace Scientists Geodesists AVIATION AVIATION AirSafetyInvestigators AirTrafficControllers AircraftOperators AviationSafetyInspectors AirNavigators AircrewTechnicians BIOLOGY BIOLOGY GeneralBiologicalScientists Entomologists FisheryBiologists Microbiologists RangeConservationists WildlifeBiologists Zoologists BOTANY BOTANY Agronomists Botanists ForestryTechnicians Geneticists Horticulturists PlantPathologists PlantPhysiologists PlantProtectionand QuarantineSpecialists RangeConservationists BUSINESS BUSINESS BudgetAnalysts BusinessandIndustry Spec. CommissaryStore Managers GAOAnalyst ImportSpecialists InternalRevenueOfficers Miscellaneous Administrativeand ProgramsSpecialists QualityAssurance Specialists TradeSpecialists ContractSpecialists CARTOGRAPHY CARTOGRAPHY Cartographers CartographicTechnicians GeodeticTechnicians CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY ChemicalEngineers Chemists ConsumerSafetyOfficers EnvironmentalEngineers FoodTechnologists HealthPhysicists IntelligenceSpecialists Toxicologists 5 COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Telecommunications Managers Communications Specialists PublicAffairsSpecialists TechnicalWritersand Editors WritersandEditors CORRECTIONS CORRECTIONS CorrectionalInstitution Administrators CorrectionalOfficers ProgramAnalysts COUNSELING COUNSELING Chaplains Educ.andVocational TrainingSpecialists PersonnelSpecialists Psychologists PsychologyAidsand Technicians SocialServiceAidsand Assistants SocialServiceReps. VocationalRehabSpec. EqualOpportunity ComplianceSpecialists EducationalServices Specialists CRIMINALJUSTICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT BorderPatrolAgents CriminalInvestigators GameLawEnfc.Agents GAOAnalyst InternalRevenueOfficers PoliceOfficers UnitedStatesMarshals DIETETICSANDNUTRITION DIETETICSANDNUTRITION Dietitians FoodTechnologists Nutritionists Positionsbymajor,cont’d ECONOMICS ECONOMICS Actuaries BudgetAnalysts ContractSpecialists Economists FinancialAnalysts FinancialInstit.Examiners GAOAnalyst LoanSpecialists TradeSpecialists TransportationIndustrial Analysts EDUCATION EDUCATION EducationandTraining Specialists Educ.andVocational TrainingSpecialists VocationalRehab. Specialists EducationalProgram Specialists EmployeeDev.Specialists PublicHealthEducators TrainingInstructors InstructionalSystems Specialists EducationalServices Specialists ELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGY ELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGY Communications Specialists ElectronicsTechnicians PatentExaminers ElectronicsMechanics EMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONS EMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONS ContractorIndustrialRel. Specialists EmployeeRelations Specialists HearingandAppeals Specialists LaborManagement RelationsExaminers LaborRelationsSpecialists Mediators SalaryandWageAdmin. WorkersCompensation ClaimsExaminers IndustrialEngineers NuclearEngineers ComputerEngineers BiomedicalEngineers (11otherEngineeringfields) ENGLISHANDLITERATURE ENGLISHANDLITERATURE EditorialAssistants PrintingSpecialists PublicAffairsSpecialists TechnicalWritersand Editors WritersandEditors Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists ProgramAnalysts ProgramManagers ManagementAnalysts ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIES ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIES Ecologists EnvironmentalHealth Technicians EnvironmentalProtection Assistants EnvironmentalProtection Specialists GAOAnalyst Gen.FishandWildlife Administrators FishandWildlifeRefuge Management Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists Toxicologists EPIDEMIOLOGY EPIDEMIOLOGY EnvironmentalHealth Technicians Gen.HealthScientists IndustrialHygienists Microbiologists FINANCE FINANCE AppraisersandAssessors BudgetAnalysts FinancialAdministrators FinancialAnalysts FinancialInstitution Examiners GAOAnalyst SecuritiesCompliance ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY) Examiners ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY) TaxExaminers GeneralEngineers TradeSpecialists CivilEngineers MechanicalEngineers ElectricalEngineers ElectronicsEngineers AerospaceEngineers FISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFE FISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Gen.FishandWildlife Administrators FishandWildlifeRefuge Management FisheryBiologists GameLawEnforcement Agents SoilConservationists WildlifeBiologists WildlifeRescueManagers GeneralBiologicalScientists FOODTECHNOLOGYAND SAFETY SAFETY ConsumerSafety Inspectors ConsumerSafetyOfficers DietitianandNutritionists FoodAssistanceProgram Specialists FoodTechnologists Toxicologists FOREIGNLANGUAGE FOREIGNLANGUAGE AirSafetyInvestigators BorderPatrolAgents CustomsInspectors LanguageSpecialists EqualEmployment OpportunitySpecialists ForeignAffairsSpecialists ForeignAgriculturalAffairs Specialists IntelligenceSpecialists FORESTRY FORESTRY Foresters SoilConservationists ManagementAnalysts ProgramAnalysts Gen.FishandWildlife Administrators FishandWildlifeRefuge Management GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY Cartographers Geographers GEOLOGY GEOLOGY Geodesists Geologists Hydrologists Oceanographers Gen.PhysicalScientists 6 GEOPHYSICS GEOPHYSICS Geophysicists Gen.PhysicalScientists HEALTH HEALTH EnvironmentalHealth Technicians GAOAnalyst Gen.HealthScientists HealthPhysicists HealthSystemAdmin. HealthSystemSpec. IndustrialHygienists PublicHealthPrograms Specialists SafetyandOccup.Health ManagementSpecialists HISTORY HISTORY ArchivesTechnicians Archivists ExhibitsSpecialists Historians IntelligenceSpecialists MuseumCurators Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists ManagementAnalysts ProgramAnalysts HOMEECONOMICS HOMEECONOMICS ConsumerSafetyOfficers FoodTechnologists HORTICULTURE HORTICULTURE AgriculturalMgt.Specialist Gen.BiologicalScientists Horticulturists PlantProtectionand Quaran.Specialists PlantPhysiologists Specialists Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists HOSPITALADMINISTRATION HOSPITALADMINISTRATION AdministrativeOfficers HealthSystem Administrators HealthSystemSpecialists HospitalHousekeepers Gen.HealthScientists PublicHealthPrograms Specialists Positionsbymajor,cont’d HUMANRESOURCE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT ApprenticeshipandTraining Representatives EmployeeDev.Specialists EqualEmployment OpportunitySpecialists HumanResourceSpecialist MilitaryPers.Mgmt.Spec. PersonnelStaffingSpec. PositionClassification Specialists HYDROLOGY HYDROLOGY EnvironmentalEngineers EnvironmentalProtection Specialists Hydrologists Gen.FishandWildlife Administrators FishandWildlifeRefuge Management ProgramAnalysts INDUSTRIALMANAGEMENT INDUSTRIALMANAGEMENT BusinessandInd. Specialists EquipmentSpecialists IndustrialHygienists IndustrialProperty Managers IndustrialSpecialists ManagementAnalysts ProductionControllers ProgramAnalysts PropertyDisposal Specialists QualityAssurance Specialists INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY InformationTechnology Specialists ComputerSpecialists ProgramManagers ManagementAnalysts ComputerProgrammers INTERNATIONALRELATIONS INTERNATIONALRELATIONS ForeignAffairsSpecialists ForeignAgricult.Affairs Specialists IntelligenceSpecialists LanguageSpecialists PublicAffairsSpecialists TradeSpecialists InternationalRelations Workers JOURNALISM JOURNALISM Agricult.MarketReporters PrintingSpecialists PublicAffairsSpecialists WritersandEditors TechnicalWritersand Editors ProgramAnalysts LAW LAW AdministrativeLawJudges Attorneys HearingandAppeals Specialists LegalInstruments Examiners ParalegalSpecialists PatentAttorneys TaxLawSpecialists LAWENFORCEMENT LAWENFORCEMENT Alcohol,Tobacco,and FirearmsInspectors BorderPatrolAgents CriminalInvestigators CustomsInspectors GameLawEnforcement Agents ImmigrationInspectors Inspec.,Invest.and ComplianceSpecialists PoliceOfficers UnitedStatesMarshals LIBERALARTS/HUMANITIES LIBERALARTS/HUMANITIES ContactRepresentatives CustomsInspectors EqualOpportunity INSURANCE INSURANCE ComplianceSpec. CropInsurance ManagementAnalysts Administrators Pers.ManagementSpec. SocialInsuranceAdmin. ProgramAnalysts SocialInsuranceClaims SocialInsuranceClaims Examiner UnemploymentInsurance Examiners SpecialistsMisc.Admin.and VeteransClaimsExam. ProgramsSpecialists Educ.ServicesSpec. ProgramAnalysts LIBRARYSCIENCE LIBRARYSCIENCE Librarians LibraryTechnicians MedicalRecordLibrarians TechnicalInfo.Services MGT.INFO.SYSTEMS MGT.INFO.SYSTEMS ComputerScience Specialists ComputerSpecialists FinancialManagers LogisticsMgt.Specialists ManagementAnalysts Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists OperationsResearch Analysts ProgramAnalysts ProgramManagers MANAGEMENT,FACILITIES MANAGEMENT,FACILITIES CommissaryStore Managers CorrectionalInstitution Administrators Distrib.FacilityandStorage Managers EquipmentSpecialists FacilityManagers Gen.FacilitiesandEquip. Manager HousingManagers IndustrialProperty Managers ProductionControllers MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT AdministrativeOfficers LogisticsMgt.Specialists ManagementAnalysts ManpowerDev.Specialists Misc.Admin.andProgram Specialists ProgramAnalysts SupportSvcs. Administrators MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS Actuaries Cartographers ComputerScience MathematicalStatisticians Mathematicians OperationsResearch Analysts Statisticians MEDICALSUPPORT MEDICALSUPPORT DiagnosticRadiological Technicians MedicalInstrument Technicians MedicalRecordTechnicians MedicalTechnicians NuclearMedicine Technicians PathologyTechnicians TherapeuticRadiological Technicians METEOROLOGY METEOROLOGY Meteorologists Gen.PhysicalScientists NATURALRESOURCE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT FishandWildlifeAdmin. Gen.BiologicalScientists ProgramAnalysts WildlifeBiologists WildlifeRefuge Management NURSING NURSING Nurses Physician'sAssistants PARKANDRECREATION MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Foresters OutdoorRecreation Planners ParkRangers RecreationSpecialists MARKETING MARKETING Rec.andCreativeArts Agric.MarketingSpecialists Therapists BondSalesPromotion ManagementAnalysts Representatives ContractSpecialists PHARMACY InventoryMgt.Specialists PHARMACY ConsumerSafety PackagingSpecialists Inspectors PropertyDisposalSpec. ConsumerSafetyOfficers SupplySpecialists Pharmacists TradeSpecialists Pharmacologists BusinessandIndustry Specialists 7 Positionsbymajor,cont’d PHYSICALEDUCATION PHYSICALEDUCATION CorrectiveTherapists OutdoorRecreation Planners Rec.andCreativeArts Therapists RecreationSpecialists RecreationAids& Assistants SportsSpecialists ProgramAnalysts PHYSICALSCIENCE PHYSICALSCIENCE Gen.PhysicalScientists Metallurgists Physicists PHYSICS PHYSICS AstronomersandSpace Scientists Geodesists Geophysicists HealthPhysicists Hydrologists Oceanographers PatentExaminers Physicists Gen.PhysicalScientists POLITICALSCIENCE/GOVT POLITICALSCIENCE/GOVT Archivists BudgetAnalysts Historians ForeignAffairsSpecialists GAOAnalyst Misc.Admin.andPrograms Specialists ProgramAnalysts PublicAffairsSpecialists SocialScientists PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY Rec.andCreativeArts Therapists EmployeeDev.Specialists GAOAnalyst PersonnelManagement Spec. Psychologists PersonnelStaffingSpec. PositionClass.Specialists EducationalSvcs. Specialists PUBLICHEALTH PUBLICHEALTH EnvironmentalHealth Technicians FoodAssistanceProgram Specialists FoodInspectors HealthSystem Administrators HealthSystemSpecialists IndustrialHygienists PublicHealthPrograms Specialists PublicHealthEducators SocialInsuranceAdmin. VeteransClaimsExaminers PUBLICADMIN. PUBLICADMIN. BudgetAnalysts EmployeeDev.Specialists EmployeeRelations Specialists GAOAnalyst HousingManagers ManagementAnalysts ManpowerDev.Specialists Misc.AdminandPrograms Specialists ProgramAnalysts PublicUtilitiesSpec. PUBLICRELATIONS PUBLICRELATIONS ContactRepresentatives ForeignAffairsSpecialists ForeignAgricult.Affairs Specialists PublicAffairsSpecialists PURCHASING PURCHASING CommissaryStore Managers ContractSpecialists PurchasingSpecialists BusinessandIndustry Specialists REALESTATE REALESTATE BuildingManagers HousingManagers Realtors BusinessandIndustry Specialists ContractSpecialists REHABILITATIONTHERAPY REHABILITATIONTHERAPY CorrectiveTherapists ManualArtsTherapists OccupationalTherapists PhysicalTherapists ProstheticReps. RehabilitationTherapy Assistants SOCIALWORK SOCIALWORK FoodAssistanceProgram Specialists PsychologyAidsand Technicians SocialScienceAidsand Technicians SocialScientists SocialServiceAidsand Assistants SocialServiceReps. SocialWorkers RecreationSpecialists SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGY GAOAnalyst SocialScienceAidsand Technicians SocialScientists SocialServiceAidsand Assistants SocialServiceReps. ProgramAnalysts Sociologists STATISTICS STATISTICS Actuaries ComputerScienceSpec. MathematicalStatisticians OperationsResearch Analysts ProgramAnalysts Statisticians TransportationIndustry Analysts SURVEYING SURVEYING Geodesists LandSurveyors SYSTEMSANALYSIS SYSTEMSANALYSIS ComputerScience Specialists ComputerSpecialists GAOITAnalyst Misc.Administrativeand ProgramsSpecialists ManagementAnalysts ProgramAnalysts THEOLOGY THEOLOGY Chaplains SocialWorkers ProgramAnalysts TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION CargoSchedulers HighwaySafetySpecialists MarineCargoSpecialists TrafficMgt.Specialists TransportationIndustry Analysts TransportationLoss/ DamageClaimsExaminers TransportationOperators TransportationSpecialists TravelAssistants ZOOLOGY ZOOLOGY AnimalScientists Zoologists Physiologists Source:“FederalJobsbyCollegeMajor.”USAjobs.2011.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.Web.6Jul Source: 2011.<http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/jobsbycollegemajor.asp#icc>. MakingTheDifference.orgalsoprovidesalistoffederalcareersbyinterest MakingTheDifference.org areasathttp://www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/. Thislistisespeciallyhelpfulbecauseitlistsagencies agenciesthatfrequently agencies employthesepositions. 8 DIDYOUKNOW? MakingTheDifference.orgliststhe5largestfederaljobareas(accordingto2012projections)as: MakingTheDifference.org MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires) MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires) Includesphysicians,nurses,pharmacists,medicaltechniciansandnursingassistants. SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires) SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires) Includesintelligenceanalysis,internationalrelations,foreignaffairs,securityadministration,transportation securityofficer,parkranger,correctionalofficerandpoliceofficer. EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires) EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires) Includesinspectors,investigators(includingcriminal),customsandborderpatrolandprotection,import specialistandcustomsinspection. ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires) ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires) Includesprogrammanagersandanalystswhomonitorprogramoperationsandeffectivenessto administrativestaff;administrativesupportjobsaccountfortheleastamountofthejobsinthiscategory. Legal(2596newhires) Legal(2596newhires) Includesattorney,contactrepresentative,paralegal,passport/visaexaminingandclaims examining/assistance. Source:“Overview.”Making the Difference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011. Source: <http://makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/>. FEDERALAGENCIES FEDERALAGENCIES Agovernmentagency agencyisanorganizationthatisresponsibleforcarryingoutspecificgovernment agency policies.Federaljobsarelocatedwithintheseagencies.USAjobs.govprovidesacompletelistof federalagencies*athttp://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.Asyou explorepositiontitles,alsoexploreagenciesthatmayinterestyou. Thereareover1,300federalagenciesforyoutochoosefrom.Thelargestagenciesinclude: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Homeland Security Department of the Treasury Department of Agriculture Department of Justice Department of Defense Department of the Interior Department of Health and Human Services Department of Transportation Department of Commerce Department of State National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Department of Labor Department of Energy National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) *TheNationalAcademiesofScience(NAS)isnotlistedbutisagovernment-relatedorganizationfor scientists,policyexperts,andadministrativepersonnel.Tolearnmorevisit:http://www.nas.edu. 9 STEP2:Searchfor Postings Now that you have identified positions and agencies that interest you. It’s time to start finding job openings. Thisstepisdividedintothreesections:1.)graduatesseekingfull-time employment,2.)thoselookingforinternshipsandfellowships,3.)those interestedinCongressionalorForeignService.Italsoincludesasample jobpostingandanexplanationofthefederalpayscale. 1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull-timeemployment: timeemployment: • CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov.USAjobs.govcontainsmostfull-timefederal CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov jobpostings;thesepostingsrequireapplicantstosubmittheirapplications directlythroughUSAjobs.gov.Itisfreeandeasytocreateanaccount.Once youcreateanaccount,youcansavejobpostings. • SearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywords.Ifyouconsideryourself SearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywords ageneralisttrysearchingfor“publicaffairs,”“communications,”“writer,” “Congressionalaffairs,”“policyanalyst”and“programanalyst.” • Readthepostingscarefully.Belowisasamplejobpostingwithhelpful Readthepostingscarefully. explanationsofthevariouscategoriesandcommonabbreviations. • Saveanyjobsofinterest.SinceUSAjobs.govcontainssomanypostings,itis Saveanyjobsofinterest. helpfultosavepositionsthatinterestyousoyoucaneasilyaccessthem later. • ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.Someagenciesdecidenottopost ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov. theiropeningsonUSAjobs.gov.Tofindthesepostings,besureto: *Checkthewebsitesofagenciesthatinterestyouregularlyfornewjob postings;mostagencieshaveanindividualwebsite. *SearchtheclassifiedsectioninnewspaperssuchasRoll Call and The Hill. *AttendFederalJobFairs.Youcanfindeventannouncements onUSAjobs.govandonindividualagencies’websites. 10 SAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTING SAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTING Job Title: Administrative Support Assistant Department: Department Of The Interior Agency: National Park Service Job Announcement Number: MWW-DE-11-052 (480164) Salary Range: $27,990.00-$40,706.00/year Open Period: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 to June 22, 2011 Series & Grade: GS-0303-04/05 Position Information: Full Time Career/Career Conditional Promotion Potential: 05 Duty Locations: 1 vacancy—Medora, ND Who May be Considered: United States Citizens Checktheendingdatetomakesure youhaveenoughtimetocomplete andsubmittheapplication. TheSeriesandGradeandPromotion Potentialareexplainedonthe followingpage. Initialappointmentsaretypically “careerconditional.”Employeeswho remaininthepositionfor3years transitiontocareerappointments. JOB SUMMARY: This is a permanent full-time position located at Theodore Roosevelt National Park located in Medora, North Dakota KEY REQUIREMENTS: US Citizenship, Background Investigation, State drivers license, a Noticetheskillsand qualitiesemployers NPS uniform, Initial probationary period, Travel up to 5 days a month DUTIES: As an Administrative Support Assistant for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, arelookingforand focusontheseinyour you will be responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical support functions, application. including, but not limited to: Answer the phone and greet park visitors providing general information and directions to appropriate personnel for specific information. Givesyourexpectedpay QUALIFICATIONS: FOR A GS-04 : At least one year of general office experience using rategivenyour educationand office automation equipment; OR EDUCATION: Have successfully completed 2 years experience. above high school; OR A COMBINATION : Post-High School education and general experience. FOR A GS-05: One full year of specialized experience; OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed four years of education above the high school level in any Payattentiontohow field; OR A COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of education and experience. applicantsareevaluated! Iftheoccupational HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Applicants will be rated according to responses questionnaireisthe to the occupational questionnaire. A review of the resume and other supporting largestdecidingfactor, documentation of the highest scoring applicants will be conducted and compared focusonthe against the responses to the occupational questionnaire. The score, based on questionnaire. responses to the questionnaire, is a measure of the degree to which an applicant's background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. HOW TO APPLY: To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes all the following parts: 1. Resume/Application; Whenyouapplytothe 2. Complete Occupational Questionnaire; 3. Other Supporting Documents postingonUSAjobs.gov, youwillbegiventhelink (See Required Documents Section Below) toanyonline REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: questionnairessuchas The following documents are required: Resume, Transcripts, Qualifications thisone. (assessment questionnaire), SF-50: showing current grade and tenure if applicable (Awards SF50 will not be considered as proof of status.), Veterans Preference SF:50isforcurrentfederal Documentation (DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), VA Letter, SF-15, etc) see veterans employees,Veterans preference under the other information section, CTAP/ICTAP Documents PreferenceDocisfor WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: veteransandCTAP/ICTAPis forapplicantsdisplaced Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement fromtheFDIC. email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may/or may not be referred to the hiring official. You will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you may Veryhelpfulsectionfor applicants! applicants! be contacted directly. 11 DecodingtheSeriesandGrade DecodingtheSeriesandGrade ThesamplejobpostinggivesyouanideaofwhattoexpectfromUSAjobs.gov postings.Twoofthemostconfusingsectionsarethe“Series&Grade”and “Promotionpotential.” GSGS-03030303-04/05 04/05 GSGS-Thefirsttwolettersofthe“Series&GradeCode”representthepayrateofthe position.GSrepresents“GeneralSchedule”andisthemostcommonabbreviation. LearnmoreabouttheGSpayrateinthe“FederalPayScale”section. 03030303-Thisfourdigitnumberistheoccupationalclassificationofthejob.0303isthe “MiscellaneousClerkandAssistantSeries.”FormorecodeswithintheGSgroupvisit: http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/html/gsseries.asp. 04/05— 04/05—Thelastfourdigitsrepresenttherangeofenteringpaygrades.Inthis posting,anenteringemployeecouldbeGrade4orGrade5(outof15grades) dependingonexperienceandeducation. PromotionPotential—Thisnumberreflectsthehighestpossiblepaygradeinthe PromotionPotential position(ortheroomforpayraises).Forthecaselistedonthepreviouspage, promotionpotentialwouldbeGS-05. DIDYOUKNOW? ExceptedServicePositions ExceptedServicePositions Althoughmostfederalservicepositionsarecompetitive,someagenciesfillopeningsthrough exceptedservice.Excepted service Excepted servicepositionsarehiredaccordingtotheagencies’individual Excepted service proceduresandmaynotbepubliclyadvertised.Thefollowingagenciesfrequentlyhaveexpected serviceappointments.Contactthemdirectlyformoreinformation: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Agency for International Development (USAID), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Reserve System, Board of Governors, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Military Sealift Command (MSC), National Geospatial -Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Maritime Intelligence Center, National Security Agency (NSA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Mission to the United Nations, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), U.S. Secret Service, Uniformed Division (USSS). 12 2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob: 2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob: • • • • BrowseUSAjobs.gov.AlthoughmostofthejobsonUSAjobs.govarefull-time, BrowseUSAjobs.gov permanentpositions,browsethesiteforpositionsthatmeetyourneeds. TIP: You can search “student” as a keyword on USAjobs.gov to find student TIP employment/internships. CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov/studentjobs CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsifyouareinterestedinpart-time USAjobs.gov/studentjobs jobsandentry-levelcareerexperience.Thejobpostingsandapplicationprocess aresimilartoUSAjobs.gov,sopleaserefertotheabovesectionfordetailsabout searchingpostsandsavingjobs.Thesejobsmaybepartofthefederalstudent employmentPathwaysprograms: *InternshipProgram(formerlyknowasSTEP&SCEP)providesstudentsinhigh InternshipProgram schools,colleges,tradeschools,andotherqualifyingeducationalinstitutions withpaidopportunitiestoworkinagenciesandexploreFederalcareerswhile completingtheireducation. *RecentGraduatesProgram RecentGraduatesProgramprovidesdevelopmentalexperiencesinthe RecentGraduatesProgram FederalGovernment.Itisintendedtopromotepossiblecareersinthecivil servicetoindividualswho,withintheprevioustwoyears,graduatedfrom qualifyingeducationalinstitutionswithanassociates,bachelors,masters, professional,doctorate,vocationalortechnicaldegreeorcertificatefrom qualifyingeducationalinstitutions. *PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Program PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Programisaflagshipleadership PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Program developmentprogramattheentry-levelforadvanceddegreecandidates. TheProgramattractsandselectsfromamongthebestcandidatesandis designedtodevelopacadreofpotentialFederalGovernmentleaders. StudentsinPMFprogrammaybeconvertedtoapermanentpositionnthe competitiveservice. ResearchFederalInternshipPrograms.Manyfederalagenciesprovideinternship ResearchFederalInternshipPrograms opportunitiestocurrentstudentsandrecentgraduatesinterestedin governmentwork.Contactindividualagenciesformoreinformation: *TheFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgram FederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramusesstudent FederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgram ambassadorstoincreaseawarenessoffederalemploymentoncollege campuses:(http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/programs/ calltoserveambassadors.shtml) *ThePublicServiceFellowsProgram PublicServiceFellowsProgram,aspartofthePartnershipforPublic PublicServiceFellowsProgram Service,providesstudents(bothgraduateandundergraduate)aswellas recentgraduateswiththeopportunitytoworkinvariousroles.Formore informationaboutthestipendsandfellowshipsavailablepleasevisit: http://www.apps.ourpublicservice.org/fellows/default.aspx. *Alistofadditionalinternshipprogramsisavailableat http://www.makingthedifference.org/federalinternships/co-ops.shtml. ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Notalljobsarepostedon Expandyoursearch USAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Tofindadditionalpostings: *VisitStudents.gov.Underthe“Career Development”Section,youwillfindlinks toadditionalwebsitesthatfrequentlypostinternships,studentjobs,and fellowships. *Checkindividualagencywebsitesforinternshipopportunities. 13 3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService: 3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService: ThesepositionsarenotlistedonUSAjobs.gov,sopleasevisitthefollowingsitesforjob postings: Congressional postings: senate.gov, house.gov, politixgroup.com Congressional postings Foreign Service: The U.S. Department of State (state.gov), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Service: (USDA.gov), the International Trade Administration (trade.gov), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID.gov) DIDYOUKNOW? DIDYOUKNOW? FederalInternships FederalInternships Federalinternshipsarenotlimitedtostudents.Manygovernmentalagencieshirerecent graduatesasinterns.Theseinternsmayeventuallybehiredintofull-timepositions.Graduates seekingfull-timeemploymentmayalsochoosetobrowsetheaforementionedinternshipsites. Whenlookingatinternshipprogramsandpostings,remembertoclarifyiftheyarehiringfor recentgraduatesorcurrentstudents. UNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALE UNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALE MostjobsarepaidbyGSor“GeneralSchedule.”TheGeneralSchedulehas15grades dependingonexperienceandeducation;withineachgradethereare10steps(each withapayincrease).Ifyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowing baseonthegeneralpayschedule: baseonthegeneralpayschedule: • GS-2:HighSchooldiplomawithoutworkexperience • GS-3,4,5:HighSchooldiplomawithsomecollegeandworkexperience • GS-5:Collegedegreewithoutspecializedexperience • GS-7:CollegedegreewithcollegecredentialssuchasaGPAabove3.0. • GS-9:Master’sdegree • GS-12:Doctoraldegree Ifyou’recurrentlyemployed,theagencieswilllikelyworktoprovideyouwitha competitivesalarybasedonyourcurrentearnings. OtherPaySchedules OtherPaySchedules AlthoughtheGeneralScheduleisthemostcommonpayschedule,therearemany otherpayscheduleswithintheFederalgovernment.Ifyouareunsureofwhatapay scheduleabbreviationmeans,youcanfindoutmorebyenteringtheabbreviationand “federalpay”intoasearchengine. 14 STEP3:Assemble& STEP3: SubmityourApp. So you’ve found job openings and you’re ready to apply? Thissectioncontainsinformationaboutresumes,coverletters,and supplementaldocuments. A.CreatingaFederalResume A.CreatingaFederalResume AFederalResumeismuchdifferentfromatraditionalresume.Eventhebest Eventhebest privatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsand expectationsoffederalagencies.Herearesomeguidelines: expectationsoffederalagencies. 1.ResumesonUSAjobs.gov USAjobs.gov: USAjobs.gov USAjobs.govcontainsaResumeBuilderthatguidesapplicantsthrough theprocessofcreatingaFederalResume.Althoughyoucanuploadyour ownresumetoUSAjobs.gov,mostpostingsrequireaResumeBuilder resume.Pg.18containsasampleresumefromResumeBuilder. 2.ResumesoutsideofUSAjobs.gov USAjobs.gov: IfyouapplyforpositionsoutsideofUSAjobs.gov,youwillneedtocreate yourownFederalResume.Pg.16containsasampleresume. B. B. PerfectingyourCoverLetter PerfectingyourCoverLetter 1.AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter.Althoughacoverlettermaynotbe AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter listedasaREQUIREDdocument,itisveryimportanttosubmita well-writtencoverletterwithyourapplication.Usethecoverletterto: *Introduceyourselfwithenthusiasm *Highlightyourcredentialsandqualifications *Expressyourinterestandknowledgeoftheorganization; articulatewhyyouwanttoworkforthatagency *Givetheemployeranexcellentwritingsample *Ifyouareapplyingforanoncompetitiveappointmentincludethis inthecoverletter. Pg. 20 contains a cover letter outline. 2.CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov.Youcanuploadacoverletterto CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov USAjobs.govbysigninginandclicking“My Documents.”Whenyouapply forajobthroughUSAjobs.gov,youwillbegiventheoptiontosendan uploadedcoverletterwithyourresume.Youcanuploadupto5 Youcanuploadupto5 Youcanuploadupto5 documents,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploada documents,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploada personalizedcoverletterforeach. personalizedcoverletterforeach. 15 SampleFederalResume Position Title, Series & Grade: Name Permanent Address: Street City, State, Zip Phone Email ________________________________________________________________________________ SSN: (Social Security Number) Citizenship: (Country of Citizenship) Veterans Status: (Enter “none” if not a veteran) Reinstatement Eligibility: (Enter “N/A” if not a former federal employee) Objective: Position Title, Series & Grade, Agency Name, Department Name, Announcement: (Job Announcement Number) Skills and Qualifications: Briefly highlight a few (three or four) of your relevant skills and/or qualifications (EX: Two years working in a research laboratory setting). Use action verbs and numbers to describe your accomplishments (EX: managed a $300 budget). Write in paragraph form. Education: B.A. History; Minor: Spanish; May 2011 Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU); Savannah, GA GPA: (Can include both Overall and In-Major GPA if over a 2.8) Dean’s List: Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2009 • Briefly highlight any relevant coursework, study abroad experiences, or other academic honors. Diploma; May 2011 Name of High School; City, State GPA: (Can include if over a 2.8) • Briefly highlight any relevant coursework, student club/activity involvement, or other honors. Work Experience: Job Title Dates Company Hours per week Street Address, City, State Salary (if paid) Supervisor: (Supervisor Name, Supervisor Title), you may contact: (Supervisor Number) Brief description of responsibilities and accomplishments; use action verbs and phrases; Write in a paragraph form but don’t use complete sentences TIP: Include any relevant experience, including internships (paid or unpaid), volunteer work, and summer jobs in this section. 16 SampleFederalResume SampleFederalResume Position Title, Series & Grade, pg. 2: Training: (if you already have training in job field) List training courses, including title and year Current certificates and/or licenses related to the job Activities: Organization Name, Dates of Membership • Position, Dates Held • Other responsibilities in the organization • Include clubs and organizations at AASU or in the community, volunteer work, or leadership experiences in this section Additional Skills: Language: Proficient in written and spoken Spanish Beginner-level French Computer: 70 WPM typing ability Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Access Special Equipment: List any relevant experience with special equipment WhatdistinguishesaFederalResume fromaPrivateSectorResume? fromaPrivateSectorResume? • • • • Qualifications,experience,andjobdutiesareinparagraph(not bulleted) form Objectivecontainspositioninformationinsteadofastatement. Federalresumesrequireadditionalbackgroundinformation(SSN, Veteran Status, Reinstatement eligibility) Federalresumesaretypicallylongerthanapage. DIDYOUKNOW? Veterans’ Preference Veterans’ Preference AccordingtoUSAjobs.gov,veterans'preference veterans'preferencegrantsveteranswhohave“servedonactiveduty veterans'preference foratleast2yearsduringaperiodofwarorinacampaignforexpeditionforwhichacampaign badgeisauthorized,orbeendisabled”anadditional5to10pointsontheircompetitiveservice examination.Veterans’preferencedoesnotguaranteeveteransjobsandisnotthesameas noncompetitiveappointments. 17 SampleFederalResume SampleFederalResume FromResumeBuilder FromResumeBuilder Jane Smith 888 Abercorn Dr. Savannah, GA 34101 Mobile: 123-456-7890 Email: [email protected] Country of Citizenship: Veterans’ Preference: Contact Current Employer: United States No Yes WORK EXPERIENCE Armstrong Atlantic State University, Student Recreation Center Savannah, GA US UsecapitalLettersto accentuateyourtitles. 8/2007-5/2011 Salary: 7.25 USD Per Hour Hours per week: 16 OFFICE ASSISTANT +Managed the front desk of the Student Recreation Center. +Provided customer support to Armstrong Atlantic faculty, staff, and students by answering phones, taking messages, swiping cards, and creating guest accounts. +Developed excellent organization skills by managing accounts and hours. +Worked to finance 100% of college education. (Contact Supervisor; Yes, Supervisor’s Name: Ben Recreation, Supervisor’s Phone: 445-233-1234) City of Savannah, Recreation Department 1/2010—5/2010 Savannah, GA US Salary: Unpaid Hours per week: 25 CUSTOMER SERVICE INTERN +Initiated customer outreach to Savannah and the surrounding area through programs such as “City Park Adventure 2010” and the “2nd Annual Nature Relay,” working with budgets of over $30,000. +Organized over 1000 customer and volunteer files. +Effectively managed calendar and schedule appointments for the Director and Assistant Director of Recreation. (Contact Supervisor: Yes, Supervisor’s Name: Wendy Recreation, Supervisor’s Phone: 223-344-5566). Atlanta Honda Atlanta, GA US 8/2004—5/2007 Salary: 9 USD Per Hour Hours per week: 20 - EDUCATION RECEPTIONIST +Welcomed and initiated prospective customers in one of the area’s largest car dealerships. +Also provided excellent customer service while answering and directing phone calls. (Contact Supervisor: Yes, Supervisor’s Name: Jeff Honda, Supervisor’s Phone: 112-223 3444) Armstrong Atlantic State University Savannah, GA US Bachelor’s Degree—5/2011 Major: History GPA: 3.7 out of 4.0 Honors: magna cum laude Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications; +Studied abroad in Argentina as part of the “History and Culture of Argentina: Gauchos, Wine, and Tango” program—Junior Year (2010) +Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Sigma Theta Chapter—Member (2009-2011) 18 SamplefromResumeBuilder SamplefromResumeBuilder EDUCATION UsecapitalLettersto makeheaderswithin categories. Paideia School Atlanta, GA US High School of equivalent—5/2007 GPA: 3.9 out of 4.0 Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications: ACADEMIC HONORS +Advanced Placement United States History Student of the Year (2007), National Merit Finalist (May 2007), Honor Roll (2003, 2004) LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES +President of the History Club (2007), Peer Mediator (2004-2007), Secretary of Student Government (2006) JOB RELATED TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS 2007, 2008 First-Aid Certified COMPUTER SKILLS 70 WPM typing ability Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Access LANGUAGES REFERENCES Usethe“Additional Information”sectionto includeaparagraphform ofyourqualifications. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION French Spoken: Written: Read: Intermediate Advanced Advanced Spanish Spoken: Written: Read: Intermediate Advanced Advanced Supervisor Name Phone Number: Email Address: Reference Type: Company Phone Email Professional Title Supervisor Name Phone Number: Email Address: Reference Type: Employer Phone Email Personal Title OVERVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS An ORGANIZED and diligent worker with a passion for history and a skill for customer service. I have proven myself RELIABLE and TRUSTWORTHY with confidential information in multiple contexts. Able to bring enthusiasm and creativity to work projects while still maintaining a high attention to detail. Commitment to accomplishing goals such as becoming proficient in Spanish. RESUMEBUILDERTIPS RESUMEBUILDERTIPS • DoNOTactivateyourresumeuntilyouhavefinishedit.Ifyoudo,employerswill seeyourunfinishedcopy.(Youcansaveitandcomebacktoitwithoutactivatingit.) • ResumeBuilderwillletyousaveupto5resumes.Ifyouareinterestedinmultiple positions,createresumescateringtoeachjobdescription. 19 SampleCoverLetter Your Address City, State ZIP Date Name of Contact Person Contact Person’s Title Name of Agency Address City, State ZIP RE: Name and number of job opening Dear Name of Contact Person: Introduction: Use the opening statement to show enthusiasm for the position. To do this, you may mention one of the agency’s recent achievements and how it sparked your interest in the position or describe how your work/values align with the agency’s mission. Middle: Express your credentials in a bullet or table format and introduce them with a statement such as my qualifications include: • Do not copy and paste from your resume. • Address the qualifications in the job posting. For instance, if the posting emphasizes leadership, create a bullet explaining your leadership experience. • If you have veteran’s preference or qualify for a noncompetitive appointment, state it here. • Expand on any special circumstances relating to your application (e.g., large gaps in work history, willingness to relocate). Conclusion: Briefly wrap up the letter by stating the best way to contact you (phone, email) and thanking the contact person for their consideration. Sincerely, Your Name Enclosure: Resume (if sending as a formal letter or email) *Adapted from “How To Land a Top-Paying Federal Job” by Lily Whiteman DIDYOUKNOW?KSAs ApplicationEssayscalledKSAs(Knowledge,Skills,andAbility)andECQs(ExecutiveCoreQualifications)were requiredforfederaljobapplicationsuntillastyear.In2010,theOfficeofPersonnelManagementissueda HiringFormeliminatingKSAsandswitchingtheapplicationfocustoresumesandoptionalcoverletters. 20 STEP4:BePatient • • • • Mostjobpostingsincludeasectionon“WhattoExpectNext.”Thissectionwillgive youabasictimelineoftheprocessafterapplying. Youmaynotbecontactedforaninterviewforseveralmonths(dependingonthe closingdate),soAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBS APPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSandbepatientafterapplying. APPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBS Wheninvitedtointerview,followproperinterviewguidelinesandtips.Formore informationaboutinterviewetiquettevisittheArmstrongCareerServiceswebsite, select“Student&AlumniServices,”then“JobSearchResources,”then“Interviewing Resources.” Evenafteryoureceiveajoboffer,youmustbepatientduringthesecurity security clearanceprocess(includesabackgroundcheck,fingerprinting,creditchecks,and clearanceprocess evenaninvestigationoffamily/friendrelationships).Employeeshavedifferent levelsofsecurityclearance.Theinitialclearanceprocesscantakefromsixmonths toayear.Higherlevelclearancecanrequireuptotwoyears.TopSecret,Secret, andConfidentialclearancerequirere-examinationevery5to15years. SummaryofKeyPoints SummaryofKeyPoints • • • • • Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsand subjectareas. subjectareas. Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Duetothe Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly! lengthyhiringprocess,youshouldbeginapplyingabout 8-10monthsbeforeyouwouldliketobeginworking. Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesector resumes. resumes. Ifyouareaveteran,formalfederalemployee,ormeet otherqualifications,youmaybeeligibleforanon nonnoncompetitiveappointmentand/orveteran’spreference veteran’spreference. competitiveappointment veteran’spreference USAjobs.govisalarge,centraldatabaseoffederaljobs, USAjobs.gov butNOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite. NOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite. NOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite. 21 AdditionalResources AdditionalResources Thefollowingsourceswereusedtocreatethisguide.Pleaseuse themtolearnmoreaboutfederaljobs: Crosby,Olivia.“HowtoGetaJobintheFederalGovernment.”OccupationalOutlook Quarterly,Summer2004.Web<http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/summer/ art01.pdf>. “FederalGovernmentEmployment.”OfficeofCareerServices,VirginiaTech,2011. Web.6Jul2011.<http://www.career.vt.edu/FederalGovernmentEmployment/ FederalEmploymentIndex.html>. “FederalJobs:Overview."MakingtheDifference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011. Web.6Jul2011.<http://makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>. MakingtheDifference.2011.PartnershipforPubicService.Web.6Jul2011.<http:// makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>. Roberts,CamilleCarboneau.“CreateanEffectiveFederalResumewiththe USAJOBS.govOnlineResumeBuilder.”Job-HuntQuickGuide.NETability,Inc,2011.Web. 6Jul2011.<http://www.job-hunt.org/guides/Job-Hunt-USAJOBS-resume.pdf>. USAjobs.2011.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.Web.6Jul2011. <http://usajobs.gov>. Whiteman,Lily.HowtoLandaTop-PayingFederalJob.NewYork,NY:AMACON,2008. Print. 22
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