One of the biggest misconceptions about obtaining employment with the federal government is that it is the same process you go through in the private sector. Although there are similarities, there are glaring differences in the process of landing a federal job. Let's look at a step-by-step process that you will need to go through in order to land that job with the federal government.
Step 1 - Determine your Target Position
Just like in the private sector, it is best to have a target position in mind when you begin your federal search. Keywords are just as important in a federal resume as in the private sector. The biggest difference is that when you submit a resume in the private sector, it is probably scanned by a computer. However, in the federal government, a person reviews your resume to determine your level of qualification.
Step 2 - Read the Job Posting
The federal job posting can be intimidating and overwhelming. However there are some key areas to look in the job posting to get the most important information. To find key words and the key skills you want to highlight in your resume look in the Duties and Responsibilities section, the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) section, and review the job description. In addition, before you begin to write your resume, click on the link that takes you to the Qualifications Questionnaire. This questionnaire will give you valuable insight about what must be contained on your resume.
Step 3 - Prepare a Federal Resume
This is where the differences between the federal government and the private sector stand out the most. The federal resume is a completely different ball game from the private sector. The federal resume is longer and more information-intensive - it is typically 3 to 5 pages long. You must include details such as employer address, month and year of employment, salary, hours worked per week, and supervisor name and contact info for each job on your federal resume. When listing education, you must include the school name and location, month and year of completion, number of credit hours, and GPA.
Step 4 - Track your Progress
If you have completed your application through USAJOBS.gov, then you can track the status of your application. Be prepared for the process to take a bit longer than standard private sector companies. Remember that making it to the "Cert List" is only one step along the way. Once you are deemed as highly qualified and put on the cert list, the hiring authority has the discretion as to whether or not they will call you for an interview. Keep in mind, no matter how much they want to hire you, if you don't make the cert list (i.e. your resume is not up to federal standards) the hiring authority can not move forward with you as a candidate.
Showing posts with label federal employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label federal employment. Show all posts
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Four Main Differences between Federal Resumes and Private Sector Resumes
According to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s 7/2007 Issues of Merit, in September 2006, 40% of permanent full-time federal employees were 50 years of age or older and about 60% of the federal government’s white collar employees were due to be eligible for retirement in the upcoming 10 years. There is no doubt that there are, and will continue to be, opportunities for employment with the federal government.
However many opportunities there may be, the federal employment process can be intimidating because it so different from the private sector. Here are some of the key differences between federal resumes and the standard resume format.
Length
The standard private sector resume is generally no longer than 2 pages, and is often a single-page document. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a typical federal resume is usually 4 to 7 pages long. I have even seen 12 to 15 page documents for some agencies. This is a direct result of the next difference, the amount of detail that is required in the federal resume.
Detail
In a standard resume, your focus is to be concise, focused, and get straight to the point. Alternatively, the federal resume requires much more detail for each position. Your federal resume must clearly communicate your experience utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for each position.
Required Content
The list of required content on a federal resume is far too long to detail here. For example, each job you have listed on your resume must contain the following information: job title, company name, location city, state, and zip, your hours worked per week, salary (annual or hourly), starting and ending month and year, supervisor name and contact phone number, permission to contact the supervisor, and of course, your accomplishments, details, and key works that demonstrate the required skills.
Lack of Formatting
When writing a standard resume, we often use formatting to make the resume more attractive to the eye and lead the reader through the entire document. However, the federal resume does not use standard formatting such as bullet points, italics, and borders.
However many opportunities there may be, the federal employment process can be intimidating because it so different from the private sector. Here are some of the key differences between federal resumes and the standard resume format.
Length
The standard private sector resume is generally no longer than 2 pages, and is often a single-page document. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a typical federal resume is usually 4 to 7 pages long. I have even seen 12 to 15 page documents for some agencies. This is a direct result of the next difference, the amount of detail that is required in the federal resume.
Detail
In a standard resume, your focus is to be concise, focused, and get straight to the point. Alternatively, the federal resume requires much more detail for each position. Your federal resume must clearly communicate your experience utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for each position.
Required Content
The list of required content on a federal resume is far too long to detail here. For example, each job you have listed on your resume must contain the following information: job title, company name, location city, state, and zip, your hours worked per week, salary (annual or hourly), starting and ending month and year, supervisor name and contact phone number, permission to contact the supervisor, and of course, your accomplishments, details, and key works that demonstrate the required skills.
Lack of Formatting
When writing a standard resume, we often use formatting to make the resume more attractive to the eye and lead the reader through the entire document. However, the federal resume does not use standard formatting such as bullet points, italics, and borders.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Uncle Sam Wants you! Four Tips for Landing a Federal Job
The federal government is the largest employer in the United States. For someone looking for a stable position with excellent growth potential, this is a good option. However, getting a job with the government is a bit of a daunting process. Here are some tips to prepare you for federal employment.
Know Where to Look
The main site where most federal positions are listed is www.usajobs.gov. However, each agency within the federal government does its own hiring. Check each agency’s web site to find their individual openings and determine their hiring process. You can find a list of agencies at www.firstgov.gov. You can also find a list of internships and opportunities for students at www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs.
Be Prepared
The federal application process is lengthy and requires extensive information. However, the more prepared you are in advance, the easier the process will be. Gather employer addresses, supervisor names and contact information, salary, and hours worked per week for each position. You will also want to gather your transcripts and references. If you are a military veteran, you will need to upload your DD-214 form to take advantage of your veteran’s preference. Many applications require you to fill out a supplemental questionnaire with the application. You will find a link to preview the application within the job posting. Some answers require short essay responses, so preparation in advance is important.
Be Specific
It is imperative that your resume clearly demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are required for the job. Provide detailed examples of these KSAs within the resume. Always list both month and years in your job experience so that the exact number of months of your experience is clear to the employer.
Be Patient
The federal hiring process does not move as quickly as hiring in the private sector. Don’t be surprised if you submit an application by the deadline and you don’t hear back for several weeks or more. There is a very specific screening process the government must follow and this takes time. There is a feature on www.usajobs.gov that allows you to track the status of your application.
Know Where to Look
The main site where most federal positions are listed is www.usajobs.gov. However, each agency within the federal government does its own hiring. Check each agency’s web site to find their individual openings and determine their hiring process. You can find a list of agencies at www.firstgov.gov. You can also find a list of internships and opportunities for students at www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs.
Be Prepared
The federal application process is lengthy and requires extensive information. However, the more prepared you are in advance, the easier the process will be. Gather employer addresses, supervisor names and contact information, salary, and hours worked per week for each position. You will also want to gather your transcripts and references. If you are a military veteran, you will need to upload your DD-214 form to take advantage of your veteran’s preference. Many applications require you to fill out a supplemental questionnaire with the application. You will find a link to preview the application within the job posting. Some answers require short essay responses, so preparation in advance is important.
Be Specific
It is imperative that your resume clearly demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are required for the job. Provide detailed examples of these KSAs within the resume. Always list both month and years in your job experience so that the exact number of months of your experience is clear to the employer.
Be Patient
The federal hiring process does not move as quickly as hiring in the private sector. Don’t be surprised if you submit an application by the deadline and you don’t hear back for several weeks or more. There is a very specific screening process the government must follow and this takes time. There is a feature on www.usajobs.gov that allows you to track the status of your application.
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