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.

Networking Your Way to a Federal Job

It can be difficult to network yourself through to a Federal job, but not impossible. A simple but not often exploited concept that I like to recommend is called informational interviewing.  An informational interview is a means to obtain advice, information and referrals through short conversations with ‘warm leads’ or people you know to understand the hidden job market.  (It is NOT an opportunity to ask for a job.)  What are you asking for in an informational interview?  

•      What job series should I target in my job search?

•      Do you think my qualifications fit my job objectives?

•      Is my resume strong enough to get referred to hiring managers?  If not, how can I improve it?

•      What are the opportunities in this agency for someone with my background?

•      What are the “hot” issues with which you are dealing now?

•      Is there anyone else you can refer me to who could help me learn more about X agency or X field?

Your goal is to expand your networking by meeting new Federal employees and asking them to refer you to their colleagues.  The more people you know (and who know you), the more effective you will be in you Federal job search.

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.