Top Five 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 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. 

Have KSA Essays Disappeared?

So many Federal job seekers are ecstatic that KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) essays have disappeared from many of the vacancy announcements. But have they really disappeared?

The answer is no. Many agencies will not ask you to submit KSA essays the initial time
you apply to a job. However, if they like your application materials, they may ask you
to respond to several essay questions later in the process. Some will ask for applicants to
submit essays by email. Some may ask for applicants to bring KSA essays with them to
an interview they’ve scheduled. And others may ask applicants to write essays on-site—
yes, on-site—before or after an interview with the hiring official.

Whatever the scenario, the reality is that some agencies will still want to see if you can
write. Why? Because what we do in the government is run programs and write reports.
It may be an email report to your supervisor, or a more elaborate report to Congress.
One of the best ways to determine if you can put some sentences together in a coherent
fashion is by using KSA essays.

The bottom line is that KSAs haven’t disappeared, they are just hiding from us!