How do you obtain Federal employment? Are there secrets to making the list and obtaining an interview?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 17:33:37 -0400

Want to share tips with those who are looking for employment within the federal system. Please contribute.

1. Your resume does not have to be in the USAjobs format. You can post your normal resume, but should focus on KSA's and past experience that align to the position you are applying for. It should also include dates, previous supervisors and contact information.

2. Write civilian lingo!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 5:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 17:41:33 -0400

Thank you.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 5 at 2016 5:49 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 17:49:24 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Thank You I appreciate this as I would love to work in the federal government in some capacity.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 6:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 18:03:10 -0400

The federal government is always looking for project managers (340 and 343 series). These are business and management analysts. If you have a back ground in a certain field like logistics. Type in that word and look at 343 positions.

The federal government also has good programs with progression. GS 5/7/9/11. Some fields are contracting 1102, Quality 1910 (Inspection) often on systems through DCMA (contract mgmt agency) and even Mission support or 201 field. Start searching through usajobs by your key trade or knowledge area.... Then apply, even if its 1000 miles away. If you get on list and an interview you will know you're going down the right path.

If you know someone in the agency and get on the list have them talk to hiring official. ITS NETWORKING and who you know or meet.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 5 at 2016 10:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 22:26:23 -0400

I was a senior hiring official for years but don't want to write a tome. Just as important as resume is understanding the process. First hurdle, no human eyes. RESUMIX bounces the pile of resumes (looking for key words) against what the HR Specialist queries and spits out a stack. The HR Specialist looks for hard stop issues like degree, license, etc. but typically isn't knowledgeable of the technical requirements. A "Cert" is generated with the end result in hiring priority order. The Selection Official receives the stack and either he/she or a board goes to work. This is the first time people who really know what the job needs bounces the resumes against the criteria. So realize this is where you want to land.

Various other things go into the mix like an evaluation matrix with weighted factors which also include interview elements, EEO Rep, etc. Also whatever there is may be short circuited by the Stopper List. People attach their resumes to positions they are ineligible for, sometimes technical, but most often outside the area of consideration. So reading the announcement carefully and making sure you meet all the yardsticks is essential.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 10:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 22:54:44 -0400

I have found that if an applicant does not rate themselves as the top in their field for the questions asked, they will not make the cut for consideration. Frustrating to say the least.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 12:48 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 00:48:02 -0400

Thanks for sharing, Sir!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2016 7:01 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 07:01:30 -0400

Another inside fact is you have to look at your whole experience. If there was a question have you reported to senior managers?

If your in the military and have been the SME for a cub, briefing, training event or event then you were the expert and have reported to senior leaders. So think your whole history and give yourself a 5.

It's not uncommon for others to falsely claim they are an expert. It's possible the interviewer could follow up, which is your opportunity to clarify.

I once had question and interviewer follow up about being data collection and analysis expert. I explained as the Performance Improvement Officer I was SME for obtaining XYZ data, analyzing and completing corrective action reports. In the military we are drafting opelation orders, running reports and analyzing, clarifying and reporting. So you all are 5s.