What are Federal HR Folks Looking for in my Application?

As you probably already know (or have heard), the Federal application process can overwhelm even the most aggressive job seeker.  It is daunting!

What exactly are those federal HR folks looking for?

They are reviewing your application to make certain you are qualified for the job you to which you are applying.  What are they looking at?  Three main components of your application: keywords, self-assessment questionnaire responses and your Federal resume.  As applicants, we do not know which agencies are looking for which components and in which order, so we have to be prepared at all levels. 

Keywords are important because agencies will use an electronic method or a human being to scan first for keywords before moving the application forward to the next step.  Some agencies will look at the applicant’s score on the self-assessment questionnaire to see if the score is above or below the cut-off score determined by the agency.  Still other agencies will look at the federal resume itself and gather as much information from it to qualify (or not qualify) the applicant.

The bottom line is that you have to be prepared.  Have the right keywords, answer the self-assessment questionnaire in a way that is favorable to you (but honest) and have your federal resume written well – in a way that strongly conveys you have the KSAs to do the job and that you are qualified to do it.  Many applicants make the mistake of applying to jobs for which they are not qualified.     

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 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/.