TOP 5 FEDERAL JOB SEEKER MISTAKES

#1: QUALIFYING FOR JOBS:  Federal applications must convey that the applicant already has the skills required to do the job. Many people apply jobs for which they could easily do, but for which they do not already possess the specific skills.

#2: FEDERAL RESUME:  The average Federal resume is 3 to 5 pages, as opposed to a 1 to 2 page private sector resume.  Additionally, Federal resumes need to be extremely detailed.  A Federal resume details your skills and competencies, whereas a private sector resume focuses on results and accomplishments.  Most applicant packages touch on accomplishments and do not include the “nitty gritty” details that get you more points.

#3: KSAs / ESSAYS IN THE RESUME: With Hiring Reform, the HR Specialists are looking for the KSAs to be incorporated into the resume.  Look under the “Qualifications and Evaluations” tab and find the “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities” or “KSAs.”  Since Hiring Reform changes were scheduled to take affect on November 1, 2010, most Agencies no longer require you to write narrative essays the initial time you apply to a job.  However, it is 100% your responsibility to make sure you possess them and that they are incorporated into your resume. Otherwise, you will not be deemed qualified for the positions, not because you don’t have the skills but because you didn’t tell them you have the skills in your resume by incorporating the KSAs in your resume. 

#4: IDENTIFYING THE BEST JOBS FOR YOU:  Use a technique we call the “80% Rule.”  Carefully review the vacancy announcement language, particularly under the “Duties” tab.  Look for an 80% match between the duties listed and your skills. This is a great technique to use to determine if the vacancy announcement is a good fit for you.

#5: ANSWERING THE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS: Carefully read the assessment questions.  See if you can answer the majority of them at the expert or the highest level.  If you can’t, you should probably look at other vacancy announcements.

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal resume that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.

How Do I Know What GS Level to Target?

Unless you’ve been a Federal government employee before, you probably don’t know what GS-level you will qualify for.  The HR folks will use your Federal resume to determine if you are qualified.  The more information you have in your resume in terms of details about what you did, how you did it and for whom, the better you will fare in the process.  The HR folks also look at salary.  They want to make sure you are in the ballpark.  They fully understand that some jobs, some professions, some sectors pay more, pay less, etc. but they are looking to see if you are within an acceptable range.  If you are transitioning from a military position, they will take your rank into account as well. 

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal application that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.

New Year, New Job in 2012!

If you are seeking Federal employment, now is a great time to give your application materials an "extreme make-over" to help you land that Federal job!  Transform your background into a magnificent Federal resume that attracts the attention of HR. Learn about our upcoming resume workshops and FREE Federal job seminars. 
Here’s to the New Year, New Job in 2012!  Happy New Year from Federal Job Results!

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What is the Biggest Challenge for Federal Job Seekers?

Did you know that the Federal government is the nation’s largest employer?  Most of the Federal jobs for which hires will be made in the government will be in these broad fields, according to the Partnership for Public Service: medical and public health, security and protection, compliance and enforcement, legal, and administrative and program management.  Because of increased demand for services, priority program initiatives, retirements and normal attrition, agencies are hiring, even though there are serious budgetary challenges.   

As a Federal Career Consultant, I work with a range of individuals all over the globe and my biggest challenge when working with Federal job seekers is the same, regardless of the audience. Federal job seekers don't understand that the Federal government is a whole different ball game - the resumes are different, qualification process is different, selection process is different, salary negotiation process is different, interview process is different, politics are different--everything is VERY different from the private sector. You have to understand these differences and learn what to do and what not to do.

Although it can and does happen, you cannot expect to submit one application package and land the perfect job. If you really want to get a Federal job, it will take an investment of your time and 100% commitment to the process. You have to be committed to creating a quality application package and submitting it multiple times so you can get your application package in front of as many HR Specialists as possible. Never, ever put all your eggs in one basket; they will easily get broken along with your ego. You have to have thick skin and be persistent and consistent-and it can be well worth the effort!

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal resume that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com   

Federal Hiring Freeze – For Real?

All of you have probably heard that the Federal government is having budget challenges. Along with budget issues come changes in hiring and compensation - and you often hear terms like "hiring freeze." Interestingly enough, a Federal government hiring freeze doesn't actually mean what it implies. The government, even in its worst state, generally won't freeze all of its positions. Why? Because the g All of you have probably heard that the Federal government is having budget challenges. Along with budget issues come changes in hiring and compensation - and you often hear terms like "hiring freeze." Interestingly enough, a Federal government hiring freeze doesn't actually mean what it implies. The government, even in its worst state, generally won't freeze all of its positions. Why? Because the government must continue to operate in order for its citizens to receive essential services. 


So when you hear the term "hiring freeze" think about a slow chill - little by little slowing the number of new hires. New hires will almost certainly be made, but some agencies may need to have several employees leave before filling one slot. Other agencies may not hire new employees until they shift around their existing employees and see where the gaps are. Either way, individuals with a wide range of skills will do best in the Federal arena since newly hired government employees may have to take on the responsibilities of multiple departing employees.


The bottom line is KEEP APPLYING! The Federal government IS open for business!

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For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal resume that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com  

What is the Federal Application Process?

The Federal application process can overwhelm even the most aggressive job seeker.   Here is a summary of the process: 

             1. Apply using www.USAJOBS.gov:

•   Most of the jobs are available on this website.  There are a small number of agencies that are not on USAJOBS.gov and they can be found here: http://www.federaljobresults.com/federal-career-resources.html

       2. HR Rates and Ranks Applications

• They are looking for Key Words, Self-Assessment Questionnaire responses and a well-written Federal Resume

• They will put you into one of three categories: Not Qualified, Minimally Qualified, Best Qualified.  You want to be in the Best Qualified category. 

3. Top Applicants Referred

•  The top applicants move forward to the next step, which is to be “referred” to the hiring official for consideration.

4. Panel / Behavioral Interview

• Applicants whom the hiring manager wants to interview will be contacted.  Generally, the interview will be a panel with three individuals asking behavioral interview questions.  It is a test – and very competitive – so be prepared!

5. Contingent Job Offer Made

• Once you are interviewed and they decide they love you, they will generally extend a tentative job offer.  You will have to complete a background check.  The extent and type of check will depend on the level of security of the job.  You do not have to be perfect, but you need to be making strides in that direction.  Your eligibility for employment will depend on agency policy, how serious the incident was and how long ago it occurred.  Whatever the circumstances are, be honest in your responses to any questions you are asked because an agency can terminate your employment immediately if you are not completely honest during the investigation process. 

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal application that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.

Networking Your Way to a Federal Job Through the Holidays

Use the holiday flutter to network your way to a Federal hiring official.  What is networking and can it work for you?  Networking is the ability to leverage your constellation of friends, professional colleagues, neighbors and people you know to obtain advice, information and referrals.  Can it work in the Federal arena?  Of course it can!  It can be beneficial to have someone on the inside looking for your application to come through the system, but there are several steps that you want to master first:

• Research – learn about the field (agency) and how you fit in 

• Targeting – determine who to target and with whom you should meet (start at modest level and move up)
• Presentation – learn about agency’s needs and how you could fit in. 

Once you’re confident in your approach, practice what you say so that it is clear and concise.  Set a goal for the number of contacts you’ll make each week and follow through.  Determine a specific time of day during which you can make your networking calls.  If the phone seems overwhelming, start face-to-face with those you know, then move to the phone with some practice under your belt. 

Most importantly, have your 30 second commercial ready and rehearsed

–     What can you can tell someone about yourself in 30-60 seconds?

–     What differentiates you from others? 

–     Think of a unique perspective that they will remember

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal application that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.