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   

Why is it so Hard to Get a Federal Job?

There are three main reasons. First, many people apply to Federal jobs without a tight Federal resume — it is usually not in the proper Federal format and, more importantly, is not written with the HR Specialist’s perspective in mind. They are looking for skills and competencies and most applicants focus on accomplishments. Second, many people apply to jobs for which they may be qualified, but not best qualified. HR Specialists in the Federal government will not move your resume forward in the hiring process unless they find that you are one of the highest qualified applicants for the position. They use a technique we call the “80% rule.” If you’ve done 80% of the duties listed in the vacancy announcement, it is probably a good announcement for you to pursue. Third, most applicants do not include the information to support the KSA statements in their resumes. If you see the KSAs listed in the vacancy announcement, you need to address them in your resume. 

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/.