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.

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.