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.

How Can I Ace the Federal Interview?

What is the purpose of a Federal interview?  It is a two-way communication test.  It is a confirmation of your technical skills and a test of your personality to ensure a good fit into the Agency’s environment.  It is also an opportunity for you as the interviewee to test the job requirements, the interviewer’s personality and the presentation of potential employment.  There are a few ways that a Federal job interview differs from that in the private sector. 

Ø  You will probably be faced with a panel interview (generally a panel of three).  Be prepared for three sets of eyeballs as opposed to one staring at you.  The interview is a test and it will most likely be formally scored, especially if you are interviewed by a panel. 

Ø  You may encounter behavior interview questions.  These are questions that start with the phrase, “Describe a time when…”.  The panel will attempt to determine if you are a good fit for the agency, based on your responses.  These questions allow the interviewer to explore your past behavior and probe into your responses.  The interviewer is looking for a story with “Goldilocks” detail (just enough, but not too much). 

The best way to ace the interview is to be prepared. 

Ø  Research the Department/Agency, its mission, and the unit in which you are interviewing.  Find out what they do and how they do it.  All the information you need is on the web.

Ø  Find out as much information as you can about the interviewers.  When you an interview is extended to you, ask who will be interviewing you.  Go to your social network and find out about them.  Remember, you have a short amount of time build report with the interviewers.  Do your research before the interview and use your findings to leverage relationship-building in the actual interview.  

Ø  Prepare your responses in advance.  Some typical questions might be:

“Describe a time or a situation when you…

                …were faced with a stressful situation.”

                …used good judgment in solving a problem.”

                …showed initiative to contain costs.”

                …motivated others (team or direct reports).”

                …effectively handled a difficult customer.”

                …tried to accomplish something and failed.”

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

How Long Does it Take to Land a Federal Job?

The length of time it takes to get a federal job varies.  It depends on the types of jobs you are applying to, the budget situation of the agencies to which you are submitting applications and a host of other variables.  However, the more applications you submit, the more you increase your odds of getting referred.  The usual job seeker will need to submit a few dozen applications to glean one interview.  The good news is that by that time, you are a pro in applying for jobs and you know your resume inside out and backwards.  So you are likely to have a very satisfactory and satisfying interview.  After your interview, once you receive an offer of employment, it can take anywhere from a month to several months to actually start work at your new Federal job.  Often there is a background security check that needs to be completed prior to your actual starting date. 

Federal Job Cover Letters?

Do I need a cover letter when applying to Federal jobs?

The short answer is no. More than one HR specialist has told me that cover letters are
a waste of time. They add bulk to the application package and give the HR folks more
material to review (or discard as the case may be). So is it best to save a tree? Maybe
not…

Could there be a benefit in including a cover letter in your application package? Yes. If
you have to explain something in your resume that is out-of-the-ordinary, such as a gap
in employment that is especially long (over a year) or a change in career progression,
a cover letter can be just the thing you need to explain to the reader the “why” of your
uniqueness.

And don’t forget to tailor your cover letter to the job and make it a powerful one. Be sure
you make a solid connection between the skills desired and the skills you are bringing to
the Agency. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression!