Another consideration is deciding if you’d prefer to work in the private or the public sector. Government jobs have several benefits that can make them very attractive. As with most choices, however, there are also some sacrifices that government employees make. We’ve listed out some of the biggest pros and cons of government jobs for you to consider.

The Pros of Government Jobs

While each role and division of the government will have unique perks, here are some of the most common advantages of working in the public sector vs the private.

Exceptional Benefits

Health insurance coverage for government jobs is often the best workplace policy you can find. Depending on the branch of government you work in, you potentially could have zero personal costs. And depending on the extension of government, there’s a possibility of insurance coverage through your retirement years. Vacation and other compensation categories are also frequently superior to those you can find in the private sector.

Retirement Income

Yes, retirement is a benefit. However, retirement is such a great perk it’s worth mentioning on its own. Most government roles include an impressive pension package. This can be an excellent perk, as consistent retirement is shifting to investment accounts in the private sector.

Work Flexibility

You don’t need to live in Washington, DC, to work for the government. There are flexible government jobs found throughout the U.S. and abroad. And many government roles were remote or offered alternative schedules even before remote work gained popularity.

Work-Life Balance

Of course, you’ll be expected to work hard during your workweek, but outside of your schedule, there is generally little overtime required. Observed Federal holidays are a standard, and vacation accrual is very generous. As more and more people are discovering, work-life balance is often one of the most essential factors in long-term career happiness, so this might weigh heavily in favor of a public sector role.

Making a Difference

If you have a passion for supporting the health and welfare of a specific population or environment, there’s probably a role in government that would support that. From helping to maintain national parks and wildlife to supporting vulnerable youth at the local and national level, there’s a government job for almost any passion you have.

Student Loan Repayments

Many government roles are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. There are specific criteria for different functions, but you’ll have a portion (or possibly all) of your student debt eliminated if you’re eligible. This can make an enormous impact on your ability to save for retirement and meet the cost of living.

The Cons of Government Jobs

As with any job decision, there are potential downsides to government jobs. Here are a few areas where you’ll probably find the private sector has the upper hand.

Lower Earning Potential

Compared to the private sector, government roles have a salary cap that is frequently lower. While you’ll often start at a comparable salary, the higher-paid positions that your career grows into will give you less financial freedom down the road.

Seniority Carries More Weight

Most government roles are hierarchical in structure, meaning that there is no fast track, even if you are an above-average performer diligently applying yourself. Seniority with the organization carries the most value, and you’ll have to wait until your tenure ages you into a competitive position.

Revolving Leadership

While not all positions are tied to the political cycle, many rules and regulations for government workers are determined by who is holding office. Beyond the high-profile positions, this includes locally elected officials who might have different priorities than the last leader. For employees who seek a consistent long-term mission, this might be challenging.

Government Shutdowns

It’s worth mentioning that the legislature determines government budgets at every level. High-level government shutdowns have halted pay for government employees until new funding has been passed. And yes, there’s a law requiring you to receive your back compensation, but you’ll need to have a nest egg to help you through any interim periods.

What Types of Government Jobs Are There?

Once you’ve weighed the advantages and disadvantages of government jobs, if you determine that a job in the private sector fits your career goals, chances are there’s one for you.

Many people equate government roles solely with Federal jobs, but every local and state public entity also requires support. This ranges from customer service and data entry jobs at courthouses to payroll departments and other administrative support roles. Modern IT jobs are also needed for social media channels and network administrators, to name a few.

Regardless of your career focus, there’s a good chance you can choose a fulfilling career in the public sector.

The post Working in Government: Pros, Cons, and Types of Jobs appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Federal interviews are not something you want to plan for at the last minute.

“Winging it” is not a good idea — it’s a guarantee of disaster!

A organized approach is your best method to prepare for your federal job interview.

Start at least 24 hours before your interview, and starting a week before your interview is a much better idea, if possible.

How to Prepare for Your Federal Job Interview

You cannot afford to NOT ace this interview because it is too difficult to get these federal interview opportunities.

1. Analyze the Job Announcement

Study the job announcement. Read every single word from top to bottom. The foundation of the interview can be interpreted from the job announcement.

• Evaluate the Duties Section.
  Start by reviewing the job duties you will be expected to perform. Write down specific examples of your on-the-job experience that demonstrate your ability to carry out these duties. Be prepared to describe this experience and how you acquired these skills to the interviewer.
• Review the Job Requirements Section.
  Write down how you meet each and every of the specified Qualifications.
• Examine the How You Will Be Evaluated Section.
  Most job announcements present evaluation factors in terms of the knowledge, skills, and abilities candidates should possess. Prepare a written answer for each evaluation factor. Find this section by clicking on “How to Apply” on the announcement.

Your goal in the interview is to make it clear how you meet the requirements for this job, and you will do your best if you know that job description extremely well.

2. Create 5 Relevant Success Stories

Using your notes from your study of the job announcement, build accurate personal success stories that demonstrate you are the ideal candidate for this job.

In preparing your response, start by describing the challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.

For each point, create a story that clearly demonstrates you have the specialized experience they are looking for. Be descriptive, thorough, concrete, and performance-oriented.

• Did you save money?
• Did you improve morale?
• Did you save time?
• Did you improve quality?
• Did you improve processes?
• Did you create or improve something?
• Did you excel under pressure?
• Did you beat a deadline?
• Did you manage an emergency?
• Did you solve, provide key support in in solving, or lead the efforts to solve a major problem?

Think about how you impacted the organization and describe it in the Situation-Task-Challenge-Action-Result-Impact (STCARI) Method of Writing format.

Have at least 5 “success stories” in your hip pocket, and practice describing them out loud, preferably to a friend or family member who is at least somewhat familiar with them and with the job you are trying to land (see number 6 below).

You want to be very comfortable describing your successes, which is hard for some of us because it feels like bragging. Remember, when you are stating facts, you are NOT bragging.

3. Prepare a Story Summary for Your Interview

Make it easy for them to see that you are a perfect fit for the job. Prepare a “story summary,” one that is relevant to the job announcement, by pulling together key elements of your 5 success stories.

Perhaps there is a theme running through that is relevant to the job you are interviewing for — maybe you have often improved processes to save money or you are the go-to person in emergencies.

Your story summary is the core of your answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question. Prepare something interesting that will pique their interest and is relevant to the specialized experience and core competencies of the job announcement.

Don’t be long-winded or boring. Be lively, enthusiastic, and memorable. Connect what you have to say with why you are right for the position. Once you have written your “story,” run it by a few trusted friends or colleagues, and it never hurts to hire a professional for feedback.

More: Answering the Job Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself and Guide to Successful Job Interviews

4. Research the Federal Agency

Read everything you possibly can about the organization or agency. Read the website thoroughly! Research the leadership, organizational mission, culture, reports, and anything else you can get your hands on.

After you have read everything you can find, try to locate people who currently work for them, and even former employees. Ask them questions about their experiences with the organization.

Learn everything you can about the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, and long-term goals. Call it networking or informational interviews — learn as much as possible.

Do not take any shortcuts here — if you lack knowledge about the organization, the interviewer will know.

More: The Winning Difference: Pre-Interview Preparation

Use social media — LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to monitor agency announcements and events.

Also, create Google Alerts for agencies where you hope to interview so you will be able to keep current on what is happening. Google Alerts are a tool that will send you an email any time keywords that match the search criteria that you set up about a specific topic. Visit www.google.com/alerts to get started.

More: 5 Ways to Use Google Alerts for Your Job Search

5. Clean Up Your Online Profiles

Federal hiring officials do research candidates on social media before interviewing or hiring you. Delete inappropriate tweets and comments on LinkedIn. Go through your Facebook posts and comments, delete what is inappropriate, and adjust your privacy settings.

Also, adjust your attitude, if necessary, to remember that your posts and comments are visible to others, potentially including your next boss!

Once you get your social media cleaned up, KEEP it that way!

To counter any inappropriate content, post professional content on your LinkedIn profile. Answer questions in groups and even on Quora. Show your value in contributing to relevant content, and don’t make cranky or profane comments.

More: Guide to Online Reputation Management and Repairing Your Online Reputation with Social Media

6. Practice with a Friend

When you think you’re ready, ask a friend to role play. Mock interviews are an excellent way to polish your presentation. Practice until you are fully confident. Ask your friend to throw some of the common interview questions your way

Bottom Line on Federal Job Interview Success

Be prepared. Be prepared. Be prepared. Government agencies need top performers, and they are scoring you against your competition in terms of performance. A federal interview will require your best efforts. Give it everything you have got. Be enthusiastic about how you can contribute to public service. You got this!

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post 6 Tips for Successful Federal Job Interviews appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You also included a cover letter and answered the questionnaire.

You submitted your package well before the application deadline, and received the standard email that confirmed submission.

You’ve waited patiently for weeks, but you have still not been referred to a hiring official and are now questioning whether anyone read your application package — or even knows you applied!

Sound familiar?

I have reviewed thousands of resumes and have noticed a broad range of mistakes.

Even the most minor mistakes can prevent your application from reaching the hiring official!

14 Federal Resume Tips for USAJobs.gov

Are you ready to learn how to ensure YOUR resume doesn’t land in the black hole? Here we go…

1. Before you consider applying to a federal job, make certain you are fully qualified.

Many people apply to jobs for which they are not qualified.

If you do not meet the requirements, you simply will not be considered. This may be the reason your resume is orbiting the black hole.

When you find a position for which you would like to apply:

• Carefully read the requirements and the factors you will be evaluated against.
• Copy and paste these into a new Word document.
• Make each requirement and factor a separate bullet point.
• After each bullet, write a few sentences explaining how you meet that requirement — specifically using experience and accomplishments.

If there are several requirements that you can’t write about to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities, don’t waste your time applying for the position. Continue looking for another announcement. Then, repeat this exercise with another job.

When you are satisfied that you meet the stated requirements and fully qualify, continue with your application. (If you need a tool to help you do this, please contact me.)

2. Demonstrate on Page 1 that you meet the qualifications and all the requirements.

When they first see your resume, hiring managers should see immediately that you meet the job’s requirements.

Use the information you just developed (in #1, above) to create a marketing section on page one of your resume that demonstrates how you meet each requirement and evaluation factor included in the job announcement.

An ideal first page would include three critical sections:

• A short profile summary demonstrating your accomplishments and ability to carry out the job duties listed in the announcement.
• A Key Qualifications section that proves you meet the requirements and evaluation factors included in the job announcement.
• A Core Competencies section that lists key skills and expertise listed in the job announcement.

Page 1 is prime resume real estate. Throughout the page, incorporate key words and keyword phrases from the job announcement that match up with your expertise.

3. Avoid the mistake of writing one resume for multiple job announcements.

Treat each job announcement and application as a unique submission. Each announcement is different.

Modify your application for each announcement.

You can even do this the old-fashioned way. Print a hard copy of the announcement, mark each requirement with a highlighter, and check off each item when you have incorporated it into your resume.

4. Ensure there are no typographical errors and missing or incorrect data as you create your resume in the USAJOBS builder tool.

While this may seem obvious, I frequently notice mistakes, especially in the contact information and headings.

Typos and other errors are a sure way to create an immediate negative impression sending your resume immediately into the black hole.

Do not rush this process! Proceed carefully and thoughtfully to ensure accuracy. Use spell check, proofread your work, find a friend to review it as well, then hire us to review.

5. Apply as early as you can.

Developing a strong package takes time. Start early!

The process of building your resume and applying online may take several hours. You may encounter technical difficulties or other unforeseen obstacles.

Waiting until the last minute will create unnecessary stress. That could cause you to hurry your work (creating errors), or not have enough time so you miss the deadline. Deadly mistakes!

6. Include names and contact information for past supervisors.

USAJOBS allows you to provide the name and contact information for each of your supervisors. Leaving this blank may spark the hiring manager’s curiosity.

If your job search is confidential, it is appropriate to state so. You can indicate that the supervisor may be contacted after a job offer on your “uploaded” resume.

For former supervisors, list their name and contact information. It’s a reality that not everyone gets along on the job so if you left on bad terms, list their name, and choose the “May Not Contact” option.

7. List your GPA.

Many federal job seekers leave this field blank. Regardless of your age and even if your GPA is 2.0 (or below), include it.

GPA is not the only determining factor when interviewing or selecting a candidate. It’s better to put a low GPA on than to leave it off.

There are many strategies one can use to overcome a lower GPA, but do not leave this field blank. Don’t make them look for ANYTHING!

8. Complete the Relevant Coursework section.

Take advantage of this section that many federal job seekers leave blank.

Spend the extra few minutes listing three to four courses you have taken that are relevant to the job. These could be the competitive edge you need to get to the interview.

9. Provide references.

The USAJOBS resume builder allows you to provide up to five references. I recommend taking full advantage of this! Offering several references creates a strong positive impression.

Be sure to include references that can validate your work ethic and character, as well as become your allies in landing your new job!

Contact your references in advance! Request their permission to include their names, and ensure they will speak positively on your behalf. Let them know what you are applying for and advise or remind them of projects you worked on and what you would like them to mention in the conversation.

10. Make your resume searchable.

After you build your resume into the USAJOBS builder, be sure to make it searchable by simply clicking on the link “Make Searchable.” This will allow prospective employers to find your resume. It will also be the one you choose when you apply to the job announcement.

11. Upload Microsoft Word and PDF versions of your resume.

In the Saved Documents area of your USAJOBS profile, you can upload the PDF version of your resume and other documents. Doing this makes it easy for the prospective employer to retrieve and share your resume.

Uploading your resume is not a replacement for completing the Resume Builder, if the job announcement requires it. Be sure to read the “How to Apply” section carefully and follow the instructions precisely.

12. Upload and label accompanying forms.

Be sure to correctly label each required form, and upload them into the Saved Documents area. Leaving out requested forms or making them difficult for the employer to find can get your application disqualified for being incomplete.

13. Save a copy of your answers to the online questions.

Many announcements include an online questionnaire that you must submit.

Write, save, and print the answers in case you run into technical issues during the application process. I recommend that you copy and paste the questionnaire into Microsoft Word. Then, write your answers in Word.

If there are system problems, you can call the contact person listed on the announcement and obtain guidance.

Copy your answers back to the online questionnaire when you are finished. Creating your answers in Word before copying them into USAJOBS should help eliminate misspellings and some other errors.

14. Include your email address and phone number.

Make sure they can contact you easily! Be sure your email address is professional. I recommend setting up a Gmail account with your first and last name.

Make it easy for them to remember you, and contact you. I have seen phone numbers with missing area codes or missing digits and incomplete emails.[Be careful of the email address you use for your federal application!]

The Bottom Line on Federal Resumes

The Federal hiring process is tedious, not impossible. Start off your job search by being organized and have a plan. Prepare the best possible career communications required by the job announcement which could be a cover letter, customized resume, and narratives. Make it easy for them to select you for the interview, as well as to hire you! Give them the information they require. Don’t hesitate to hire a professional career coach. Be thorough, careful, and implement the tips above and your effort should pay off!

Wishing you much success in your job search!

More Information About Landing a Federal Government Job:

• 7 Steps to Land a US Federal Government Job
• 10 Federal Job Search Mistakes
• Don’t Let Your Email Address Ruin Federal Job Opportunities
• Additional How to Find a Federal Government Job articles on Job-Hunt
• How to Avoid Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post Federal Resumes: USAJobs Resume Builder Tips appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Many people believe applying for a federal job is a difficult and complicated process, but it is actually very achievable.

The search process for federal government jobs can last about 6-18 months, which can be lengthy for many people.

But most find it is worth the effort and the wait — federal government jobs include healthcare, vacation and sick time, life insurance, pensions, training, and other benefits.

To be successful, you must apply only for jobs for which you are truly qualified by using a targeted federal-style resume, and, of course, you must also be patient.

Do not pay a third party to provide access to the “hidden” federal government job market. Usually these “services” just link you back to USAJOBS.

For the vast majority of federal positions, you must be a US citizen. Green card holders are not typically eligible to apply for federal jobs.

Understand the Civilian vs. Federal Job Search Process

There are many similarities to applying for a federal job and a position in the private sector such as:

• Having the right experience and using the right keywords for the job you are applying for.
• Highlighting your achievements or accomplishments (how you added value to your employers).
• Quantifying your accomplishments using metrics or numbers to provide context (think about how many people you supervise, the number of reports per month, the dollar size of your budget, etc.).

However, important differences exist, too, like:

• The amount of information required about job candidates.
• The use of occupational questionnaires.
• The benefit of veterans’ preference.
• A federal resume is usually longer than a civilian resume — 4 to 6 pages is not uncommon or unexpected.
• The vast majority of job announcements are posted on one website: USAJOBS.gov.
• A job posting is called a “job announcement” or “vacancy” in the federal government space.

Types of Federal Government Jobs

Federal government jobs are divided into 3 categories:

1. The Competitive Service.

This service is the largest federal service and typically what comes to mind when people think of government jobs. Jobs for this service are the focus of the process described below.

2. The Excepted Service.

This service is for positions outside the “traditional” government jobs which can include positions in the intelligence agencies or other authorized agencies.

3. The Senior Executive Service (a.k.a. “SES”)

These are the executive level of our government, just below the top Presidential appointees. This is the smallest service with only about 8,000 members nationwide.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a major employer which fills jobs outside of the typical federal process. Access those jobs through USPS Careers. USPS also offers special consideration for veterans.

More: Working in Government: Pros, Cons, and Types of Jobs

How Do Federal Salaries Work?

Most federal agencies use the General Schedule (GS) pay system, but note that there are other pay systems in the government as well. It can be difficult to tell where you might fit if you are unfamiliar with the various grades.

In essence, GS grades 5 to 11 are considered relatively entry-level level; grade 12 and 13 are mid-level; and grades 14 and 15 are senior level. Positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES) are at the executive level.

Instead of focusing on the grades and trying to figure out if you’re qualified, focus on the experience required (especially the specialized experience); if you have what the job announcement is asking for, then you should apply. Let the agency Human Resources (HR) office determine whether you meet the grade requirements.

If selected, most agencies will start you are the lower end of the grade’s pay band. However, if you are offered a job, salary is negotiable but recognize that agencies have many choices of applicants so they may not be open to your counter salary offer.

8 Steps to Land Your US Federal Government Job

This is the hiring process used to fill the majority of federal government jobs, those in the competitive service.

1. Create your USAJOBS account (applicants MUST apply through USAJOBS.gov)

If you don’t already have a USAJOBS account (USAJOBS.gov), create one. You must have complete a profile to apply to any job on USAJOBS. Because this will be used for all job applications, it is important to be accurate and thorough.

With a USAJOBS account and profile you can:

• Save jobs that interest you to review or apply later.
• Set up and save automated job searches.
• Upload your resume files, or use the USAJOBS resume builder to create one. USAJOBS allows you to store up to 5 resumes in the system.
• Upload and save required documents.
• Apply to job announcements posted on USAJOBS.
• Review and track your application status.

On any given day, USAJOBS includes as many as 10,000 job announcements. Announcements are posted daily, so it is important that you look at USAJOBS frequently.

2. Search for the right federal jobs.

USAJOBS uses your profile information to improve your job search results, so it is better to create an account before searching and, also, to search while signed in to USAJOBS. However, you can also search without having an account.

Available jobs can be searched by typing in a keyword or location and can be further narrowed by pay grade, salary, job series, agency, and more.

3. Review the Job/Vacancy Announcement

After finding a job you are interested in, review the announcement to see if you are eligible and meet the qualifications. Read the entire “vacancy announcement,” including the occupational questionnaire, before starting your application.

Keep in mind that for each job, there are specific qualifications each applicant must meet.

• Read the Who May Apply section to determine whether you are eligible to apply for the job.In most cases, if you are not a veteran and have never worked for the federal government before, you should only apply for positions open to U.S. Citizens or “all sources.”
• Read the Qualifications section to see if you meet the required job qualifications.If you have the requisite experience, you should apply. Although you may qualify for some jobs based on your degree(s), the government typically values specific work experience over education. If you have both education and experience, apply based on your experience.

There are some jobs (accountants, engineers, social workers, contract specialists, and more) that require either a degree or a certain number of college credit hours; the job announcement will spell this out, when education is required.

NOTE: DO NOT APPLY unless you have the required education.

4. Sign up for daily emails when you find a (job title, agency, location) that you prefer.

As mentioned above, after entering certain job criteria, USAJOBS will automatically look for jobs that match your desired criteria. You can then request that USAJOBS email you the search results daily, weekly, or monthly.

Request daily updates for faster, more effective information.

Since some jobs are only posted for a short period (as little as one week), the frequency can make a difference.  Because many job announcements are only available to receive applications for as few as 3 days, it is important that you check USAJOBS on a daily basis so that you do not miss an opportunity.

Late applications are not accepted, regardless of reason.

Do not read anything into the fact that a job announcement is only open for applications for a few days. Given the number of applications received for each posting, federal HR offices are trying to limit the number of applicants.

5. Apply immediately, but very carefully.

Competition is stiff, so apply immediately when you find a position that you are qualified for. Don’t waste your time applying if you don’t meet the requirements.

Read the How to Apply section of the job announcement before starting your application so that you are fully prepared to respond completely. This section tells you what is required to apply, including any required documents. To have your application considered, be sure to meet each of the requirements specified.

After you begin the application (and your resume and documents are uploaded and complete), the system will take you from USAJOBS to the agency online application system.

Then, you may be required to complete other agency-specific required steps such as:

• Providing more personal information.
• Providing additional documentation.
• Answering eligibility questions.
• Completing an occupational questionnaire. Tip: look for a preview of the questions under the Qualifications OR Required documents section before you begin so that you can ensure your resume content supports your answers to the questions.

The time it takes to apply varies and depends on the job and the agency’s requirements. Allow yourself at least an hour, maybe a little longer if you are new to the process.

After submitting your application, go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS account and verify that your application is indicated as received by the agency. The application status field should display “received” if the application submitted correctly.

Note: The agency may take a few hours to update the application status. Sometimes, the resume and other documents have to complete a virus scan or similar security check before they show as “received” on USAJOBS.

References are not generally required. If you included references in your application, it is unlikely that they will be checked before you are interviewed.

6. Check to see if you have been “referred.”

Once the job announcement is closed, the hiring agency will review your application.

Applicants typically will then be placed into qualification categories:

• Qualified
• Highly qualified
• Best qualified

These quality categories can be thought of as bronze, silver, and gold.

When your application has been put into a qualification category, the hiring agency may update your application status to “reviewed,” but not all agencies provide this level of detail on the status.

The hiring agency will then send the highest qualified applicants to the hiring official, and those applicants may see their application status updated to “referred.” Applicants not being considered further will see a “not referred” status.

7. The federal job interview process begins.

Hiring officials will review applications and decide who to interview based on agency policy. Interviews can include:

• A panel interview
• In-person interview
• Video interview
• Phone interview

The agency will contact applicants directly to schedule the interviews. This may take some time depending on the number of applicants. In most cases, there will only be one round of interviews (although more are allowed).

Federal interviews are highly structured; all candidates are asked the same questions in the same order. And, all interview questions are job related.

Interviews can be over the phone or in person and typically last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. References are usually checked after the interview and before the offer.

8. The preferred candidate is selected, and a job offer is made.

The hiring agency will select the qualified candidate — and contact him/her to start the job process.

Only HR can make an official job offer. HR will offer a salary and grade (if the job was posted at more than one grade). This is negotiable, but agencies are not required to do so.

Once a candidate accepts, HR will initiate the security clearance process. This can take an additional 3-6 months, depending upon the type of clearance required.

The job offer is final only when the background investigation and additional security checks are completed. The hiring agency will contact the candidate directly to determine a start date.

Applicants who were not selected will see their application status updated to “not selected.”

Bottom Line on Finding a US Federal Government Job

Getting a federal job is doable, but success requires these 3 things:

1. Applying for jobs for which you are truly qualified,

2. Using a targeted, federal-style resume, and

3. Patience!

This is NOT your private sector job search — in terms of process, time frame, or paperwork.

For More Information:

• Job-Hunt’s Guide to Federal Government Job Search articles on Job-Hunt, which includes —
  • How to Escape the USAJOBS.gov Resume “Black Hole”
  • How to Avoid Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes
  • Don’t Let Your Email Address Ruin Federal Job Opportunities
  • The 6 Secrets to Success in Federal Job Interviews
  • Federal Job Search for People with Disabilities
• Job-Hunt’s Veterans’ Online Job Search Guide

About the author…

Nancy Segal is a Certified Federal Resume Writer and Certified Employment Interview Consultant who has spent more than 30 years in Human Resources with the US federal government, serving as Personnel Officer, Deputy Regional Administrator, and Special Assistant in the Departent of Defense, the U.S. Treasury, and other government agencies. Now, Nancy is a career coach, speaker, and trainer on the federal hiring process, from entry level through Senior Executive Service. Learn more about Nancy on LinkedIn and through her website SolutionsfortheWorkplace.com.

The post 8 Steps to Land a US Federal Government Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

The USAJOBS “Saved Searches” feature helps you identify jobs in your area of interest. After you set up the specific search criteria, the Saved Searches feature will automatically find and retrieve available jobs based on your specific search criteria. When it finds a position that matches your requirements, you can set it to notify you via email.

With the thousands of jobs posted on USAJOBS.gov, this feature is critical for helping you narrow your search results in a timely fashion.

USAJOBS Saved Search Setup

You must have a USAJOBS.gov account to create a Saved Search, so if you do not have one, visit USAJOBS.gov, and use the option to Create your account now. Then, follow the instructions below to set up your Saved Searches.

Starting Saved Search

To create your first USAJOBS Saved Search:

1. Click the Sign In link at the top of the USAJOBS home page, and log in to your account.
2. Click Search in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Next, type in a keyword, such as “analyst” and/or a location where you’d like to work, such as “Vermont.”
4. Click Search.
5. Then, click Save Current Search on the left side of the screen.
6. At this point, you have the option of narrowing your search by adding criteria for keywords, job title, salary or pay grade, occupational series or job category, location, agency, posting options, and additional search options such as type of work, work schedule and more.NOTE: Be careful what you choose in this last step. Few criteria will give you a wide, broad search of job postings (maybe too broad). Too many criteria may narrow your options to situations where you never see any relevant job postings. The key is balance.
7. Next, scroll down.
8. Saved Searches must be named to be saved. Be sure to give each of your Saved Searches a unique name that will help you remember what it is about, such as Program Analyst, Budget Analyst, Regional Search – DC area, 2210 Series, or whatever is appropriate for you.
9. Determine how often notifications of new opportunities posted on the USAJOBS site will be sent to you by choosing the option you want from the bottom of the page. Options are daily, weekly, or monthly. NOTE: Selecting the Daily delivery option gives you ample time to prepare your application. Less frequent notifications may cause you to miss that perfect job opportunity since job posting deadlines can be very short. Some postings are open only a few days.
10. Click Save Search to save your search. Selecting Save and Run will save the search and then immediately run the query, taking you to a window of search results when the search has been completed.

Create a variety of searches to match your skills, education, job title interests, and/or geographic region where you would like to work. USAJOBS will let you create up to 10.

Adding Saved Searches

Once you have created your first Saved Search, the process changes just a bit. To add a new Saved Search or modify an existing one, follow these steps:

1. Click your name at the top of your screen. Then, click Home.
2. Click Saved Searches on the right. This is the page where the Saved Searches are manage, once at least one has been established. You can add new searches, delete old searches, and edit existing searches from this page.
3. Expand an existing Saved Search by clicking the (+) next to the Saved Search.
4. Click Edit to modify the Saved Search.
5. Click Duplicate to create an additional saved search with different criteria.

Remember that new searches will need to be named and saved.

Customize Your Resume to the Opportunity

When you find a position that meets your criteria, be sure to submit a customized resume.

One size does not fit all! Generic resumes equal generic results.

Customizing your resume takes time, but it will definitely pay off if it is done right. Since the Saved Searches feature will reduce the time you spend job searching, redirect the time saved to preparing a solid, tailored resume for each position identified in your area of interest.

For More Information:

• Additional How to Find a Federal Government Job articles on Job-Hunt
• How to Avoid Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes
• Working in Government: Pros, Cons, and Types of Jobs

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post How to Use USAJOBS Saved Searches for a Smarter Federal Government Job Search appeared first on Job-Hunt.

As with most large organizations, policies and practices try to ensure consistency across all parts.

When an organization is over 200 years old, those policies can be mammoth, too.

The U.S. Federal Government has a formal, methodical hiring process which tries to ensure fairness to all. This means many rules that must be followed, and a standardized process that must be navigated very carefully to land a federal job.

Given the age of this organization, the process isn’t simple, but it is well-documented. Job-Hunt will try to break the process down into understandable steps, and guide you through it.

The Federal Government Job Search Process

• 9 Federal Resume Myths to Ignore
  Substantial differences exist between federal and private sector resumes — in the resume length, the level of detail, and the actual content.
• 7 Steps to Land a US Federal Government Job
  The federal hiring process is more complex and structured in somewhat surprising ways, but follow these 7 steps to success.
• Avoiding the Most Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes
  If your federal resume is not producing results, i.e., getting you the “best qualified” ratings, interview opportunities, and job offers, what do you do? Do not give up!
• How to Escape the USAJOBs Resume “Black Hole”
  Are you wondering why you are not getting referred to the hiring official? Are you approaching the Federal job search as you would a private-sector job search? Are you applying at the last minute?

• Don’t Let Your Email Address Ruin Federal Job Opportunities
  Think about how your email address represents you. Put yourself in the position of a potential employer reviewing information of a job candidate.
• The 6 Secrets to Success in Federal Job Interviews
  You cannot afford to NOT ace this interview because it is too difficult to get these federal interview opportunities. Follow these 6 steps to be prepared for your interview.
• Federal Job Search for People with Disabilities
  Are you a disabled job seeker considering employment with the US Federal Government? Individuals with mental and physical disabilities can be hired under “Schedule A” hiring authority.

More About Job Search for Veterans

• Online Job Search Guide for Veterans
  Re-entering the civilian job market after 3 or 30 years of service in the military (THANK YOU!) can seem daunting, even to the most battle-hardened warriors. Not to worry! You have faced – and overcome – much tougher situations, starting with basic training a while ago!

Good luck with your job search!

The post Guide to US Federal Government Job Search appeared first on Job-Hunt.

USAJOBS.gov is the primary web site for Federal job announcements located in the United States and around the world. While it does not contain every job announcement from each agency, it is an excellent place to begin.

Job announcements can also be found on the agency-specific websites. It is a good idea to search each individual agency web site for positions that may not be listed on USAJOBS.gov.

Once you register on USAJOBS.gov (and it is FREE), you can post up to five versions of your resume. This will give you flexibility in applying for different positions and aligning your resume with each job announcement.

“Aligning” Your Resume to the Job Requirements

Yes, you really need to align your résumé and customize your focus in order to have successful results.

Aligning does not mean embellishing. Aligning in this case means that assuming you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of the job, it is critical that you use the same verbiage as written in the announcement then paralleling your knowledge, skills, and abilities within your résumé.

If the announcement states that you must have C++, JAVA, PHP, PL/SQL or Microsoft ASP/.NET, and you have C or Visual Basic programming, more than likely you will not qualify for the position and you should look for something that better matches your skills, education, and expertise.

Likewise, if you do possess C++, JAVA, PHP, PL/SQL or Microsoft ASP/.NET and the announcement states C++ as the only requirements, you could be overqualified.

Let USAJOBS.gov Work for You!

Job Search Agent

The USAJOBS.gov job search agent allows you to create up to five versions of your resume. You can set up conditions on job location, job category, occupational series, agency, keywords, job titles, and salary range that match your specifications.

Once it is set up, you will receive notifications via email that match your criteria. Be sure to utilize these features to take advantage of the database of job announcements, and act quickly once you do find an announcement that interests you.

• If the initial search does not return the types of positions you are seeking, try doing a geographical search to find out what positions are available in your region.
• Become familiar with the job titles. Read through announcements to get an idea of the duties and qualifications. Try using a different combination of search terms that are used in the job announcements that catch your interest.
• In addition to location adjustments, the search agent can be changed to the desired salary, GS (salary) level, or the categorical search can be eliminated to find the latest list of job announcements. This will refocus the search without sacrificing particular criteria.
• Once these areas have been specified, click on search to sort any job announcements that are matches.

You can have up to 10 possible agents set up with your profile. I recommend you use as many combinations as possible so you can achieve successful results, quickly.

Responding to Alerts

When you get the alert/email from the job search agent, it is critical that you read the announcement thoroughly. Note the deadline and be sure to get all of your materials in, preferably two days ahead of time so you have plenty of time to get confirmation and to allow for any system errors.

You will need to allow one to two hours to post one Federal resume online, depending on your resume length, computer skills, and Internet access. You should have your Federal résumé ready to apply to the position.

Your Applications

USAJOBS.gov also tracks your USAJOBS.gov application history. It is important to remember that this system does not track your applications through each specific agency site. It only tracks the applications submitted through USAJOBS.

You will need to contact the agency to verify receipt of your application.

Each record of application you submit will be deleted 18 months after the initial application date, so be sure to keep a copy of your applications, perhaps by copying and pasting into a Word file and saving.

USAJOBS allows you to upload five attachments such as your transcripts, DD-214, SF-15, SF-50 or other types of documents.

USAJOBS Portfolio

The USAJOBS.gov portfolio is where you enter your contact information, set up your username and password, enter your citizenship and veteran’s preference.

Your portfolio and account are tied to your social security number and email address.

NOTE: If you forget your password, it is difficult to set up a new account because your email is connected to your social security number…so write down your password and keep it in a safe place. It can take up to 24-48 hours during normal business hours to get confirmation of your password and/or create a new account.

To Land the Job

It is very important that you follow the directions as stated in the announcement:

• If they do not ask for a cover letter, do not submit one.
• If they ask for transcripts, you must submit them.

You must be sure to “cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s” when it comes to Federal applications.

If you can follow directions, provide a readable, keyword-optimized Federal résumé, interview well, and provide solutions, you will be well on your way to a Federal job.

Remember when there is a job posted, there is a need for someone to provide a solution, to find a way to save money or resources, manage a group of people, complete projects, or a combination of all of these.

You must convince the employer you are that person!

Bottom Line

USAJOBS.gov is one of the most comprehensive job listings and search tools for Federal government positions. If used properly, it can save you time and truly help in finding your ideal job.

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post Using USAJOBS.gov to Find a Government Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

First, do not give up!

Use the strategies below to revitalize your job search process, become more competitive in the federal job market, and find great federal job opportunities.

It will be worth your time and effort.

The 3 Most Common Mistakes

I received this email from a job seeker, “I have used my federal resume to apply for at least 35 different federal jobs, and I have not been rated as qualified for any of them. What am I doing wrong?”

After a thorough review of her account on USAJOBS.gov, I noticed this job seeker could have been well-qualified for many of those opportunities, but she was making some very common mistakes.

Mistake # 1. Using a cookie-cutter resume or template.

Submitting the same resume for every opportunity may have been the simplest thing for her to do, but by using her cookie-cutter resume, this job seeker repeatedly made this same mistake and wasted all her time and effort.

She did NOT customize her resume for the unique requirements of each job announcement.

The resume you use to apply for a job must incorporate the keywords into keyword phrases and qualifications that are in the job announcement.

The keywords can be found throughout the announcement, but the critical keywords are found in these two sections of the announcements: (1) Job Duties and (2) Qualifications and Evaluations. These can change from job announcement to job announcement—even if the job titles are the same! So read them carefully.

For example, I have taken the keywords from two different job announcements currently listed on www.USAJOBS.gov for the same job title.

A. Administrative Support Assistant (Bureau of Land Management) keywords include:

• receptionist duties
• budget maintenance
• completing requisitions
• reconciling charge card statements
• travel voucher preparation
• database administration
• processing mail
• maintaining logs and calendars

B. Administrative Support Assistant (Office of National Drug Control Policy) keywords include:

• coordinating proper work formats
• using computer applications
• conducting reviews to determine appropriate work flow or new requirements
• overseeing office automation functions
• conducting legislative and policy reviews

Assuming that a job seeker had the experience to do both of those jobs, the same resume obviously could not cover both of these positions effectively. So, an informed job seeker, like you now, would adjust the resume to fit each announcement.

Mistake # 2. Skipping some fields in the USAJOBS Resume Builder.

Read the job announcement carefully.Then, complete the application process thoroughly and accurately.

Using the online Resume Builder on USAJOBS.gov, job seekers must complete the form – do not leave any fields blank.

If something does not apply to you, put “NA” (for “not applicable”) in the relevant space.  Do not just leave it blank.

For example, a grade point average is required for all academic education.

Leaving it blank because you are afraid it might not meet expectations is not a good idea.

There are strategies around a low GPA, or not a perfect GPA. It’s ok! Don’t let that trip you up!

Likewise, the online Resume Builder asks for a salary for each of your work experiences, as well as the supervisor’s name and the business contact number.

Some people are reluctant to supply past salary information, so they leave it blank. This is another mistake that can postpone your federal job aspirations before you even get started.

Answer all of the questions, check all of the boxes that need to be checked, and make sure the application you submit is complete and accurate. There are strategies that can be used to address certain circumstances. If you are unsure, contact a Certified Federal Résumé Writer.

Mistake # 3. Being careless in your response to the announcements.

Always follow each vacancy announcement specification to screen yourself in, not out. For example:

• Some job announcements require faxed application documents including a resume, KSAs, DD214s, answers to questionnaires, and eligibility for federal employment forms.
• Other jobs specify that the applicant is to complete the online Resume Builder, and also upload or attach other documentation within the application manager on USAJOBS.gov.
• Some other job announcements direct the applicant to simply attach a completed federal resume to an email for submission.
• The date and time by which the application must be received are also specified and must be met without question. Sending the application a few days late and hoping it will still be considered is not an option…even if the USAJOBS website has issues.

Bottom Line:

Success is not in the number of resumes you send out, but in how thoroughly you address the employer’s needs and show your value in each submission. Follow these tips and provide all the information so that each of the six gatekeepers have what they need to pass you through each of the gates! Best of luck to you!

More Help:

• Job-Hunt’s Guide to Federal Government Job Search articles on Job-Hunt
• Don’t Let Your Email Address Ruin Federal Job Opportunities
• The 6 Secrets to Success in Federal Job Interviews
• Federal Job Search for People with Disabilities
• Veterans’ Online Job Search Guide

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post How to Avoid the Most Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Proving Your Disability

To qualify under Schedule A, you must provide

1. Documentation of your mental or physical disability. This must come from a licensed medical professional, state agency, private vocational rehabilitation specialist, or government agency that disburses disability benefits.
2. A statement that you are qualified to perform the position to which you are applying. This may be from the same entity providing your proof of disability, and may be combined in the same document with proof of disability. If you fail to provide this statement, it is possible to be hired on a temporary appointment, and your readiness would be determined on the job.

Getting Help with the Process

Most Federal agencies have a special program coordinator to assist you. They can help you learn about current job opportunities, types of available positions, and steps in the process. Visit the US Office of Personnel Management’s Selective Placement Program Coordinator Directory to find a coordinator near you.

Arranging Special Accommodations

Do not be deterred if you need special accommodation to carry out the job for which you are applying. The Federal government makes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Common accommodations include interpreters, readers, flexible work schedules, restructured work sites, personal assistance, and adaptive equipment. You may request reasonable accommodation orally or in writing.

Special Programs for Veterans

Disabled veterans with disability ratings of 30% or higher also can be hired under special hiring programs. If you are a disabled veteran, you can learn more by visiting the Veterans’ Preference Advisor.

Bottom Line on Government Jobs for the Disabled

If you are an individual with a mental or physical disability, the special hiring programs the Federal government offers may help you land your dream job!

More: Working in Government: Pros, Cons, and Types of Jobs

The post Federal Government Job Search for People with Disabilities appeared first on Job-Hunt.

The Audiences:

There are a minimum of four main audiences that will be reading the résumé:

1. The computer scanner, also known as the applicant tracking system (database),
2. Human Resource personnel,
3. The hiring manager.
4. The background investigation team will also use your résumé and other documentation to verify employment, education, and qualifications for security clearance purposes, after the candidate is selected for the position. Some of the verification process is also done before selecting candidates for interviews as well.

Key Sections:

Using a well-constructed Federal résumé gives the candidates a greater opportunity to sell themselves to the employer by incorporating categories that would typically be seen on a traditional private-sector résumé, such as Qualifications Summary and Core Competencies—both of which should include keywords and requirements from the job announcement. This strategy is the key element in an effective résumé.

In these two sections, keywords, requirements, and qualifications can be showcased in order to ‘sell’ the candidate to the employer.

It is critical to use the same verbiage used in the description of the opportunity. If the qualifications in the announcement specify “procuring supplies,” the résumé should use exactly the same terminology. Do not change the words on your résumé to “purchasing supplies” even though the tasks are the same. Using exactly the same keywords in the description are critical to the effectiveness of the résumé.

What information must be included on a Federal résumé?

It is important that the Federal résumé include all the information required by the announcement. Otherwise, the candidate could be disqualified. Planning ahead is essential to ensuring all the information is accurate.

Contact Information
Name, middle initial, last name, address, city, state, zip, day and evening phone numbers, Social Security Number, veteran’s preference, country of citizenship, highest Federal civilian grade held, reinstatement eligibility, and email address. Some agencies are changing to using the last four digits of the social security number due to the increase in identity theft.

Job Information
Announcement number, job title, series, and grade of the position.

Education
High school name, city, state, zip, diploma or GED; colleges or universities, including name, city, state, zip, degree or major, three to four relevant courses, number of semester hours completed, GPA, and the date graduated.

Training
Name of training course, name of institution, and month and year completed.

Military Service
Branch of military, rank, location, and depending on what the candidate is applying for, the responsibilities and accomplishments could be a short list or a long list.

Work Experience
Job title, name of employer, street address, city, state, zip; supervisor, supervisor’s phone number, may or may not contact; starting and ending salary; number of hours worked per week; starting month and year to ending month and year; key responsibilities; and key accomplishments.

Certifications
Name of certificate, institution issuing the certificate, and month and year.

Awards
Name of award, institution issuing the certificate, and month and year.

Publications
Published work, related or not, and month and year.

Presentations
Presentations given on relevant or non-relevant topics, and month and year.

Volunteer Service
Role, name of organization, month and year (paid or non-paid experience).

References
Three references of individuals who can verify work ethic, character, and performance.

Format:

The format of the Federal résumé varies depending on the writer. However, it is critical that the above information be included on the résumé. Some people create only a text version (.txt) of the résumé that can be used to copy and paste into the online builders. Therefore, the format and order of the categories would not matter in this case because the information would be copied and pasted in order on the builder.

With that said, I suggest creating three versions of each Federal résumé so the candidate has the proper tools for each situation:

1. Word document (.doc or .docx) for generating the initial résumé;
2. Text file (.txt) for copying and pasting into the builders—this version does not have graphics, bold, or shading, only plain text so it transfers to the builder without odd characters being substituted;
3. Portable document format (.pdf) for printing. This allows the candidate to print the résumé on any printer without having to repaginate the document to meet individual printer settings.

Strategy:

There are many strategies I use in positioning a candidate for a Federal job. Similar to any other traditional résumé, the candidate’s strongest attributes that are the most relevant to the position should be listed toward the first part of the résumé. For example, if the candidate does not have a degree, then the Education category should be listed toward the end of the résumé. However, if the candidate has many relevant training items, those could be listed toward the first part of the résumé. Each candidate has a different background, education, talent, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Bottom Line

It is important to take time to strategize. Read the announcement thoroughly. Identify keywords and requirements, and use them throughout the résumé where appropriate.

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at Camille@ccCareerServices.com, through LinkedIn, Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services).
More about this author…

The post Effective Federal Government Resume appeared first on Job-Hunt.