If there is one thing all federal workers, both former and current, have in common, it is this: they all got their job in the face of that daunting process. Do you want to be in their number?
When officials at the Office of Personnel Management agree that the process needs simplifying, and they agree to do it, many of us have learned to be just a bit cynical. Remember the written civil service test? The dreaded SF-171? The next step was the federal resume, creating an industry which supported it, defined it, and for a price, would write you one.
The complication of the federal job search is not an urban myth. It really is that challenging, with its unique requirements. Just ask an expert. I did. She’s Karol Taylor, co-author of Guide to America’s Federal Jobs (Jist, 2009). Taylor says it is complicated because there is a unique body of regulations for these competitive service jobs, managed by OPM. If you are serious about applying for one of the thousands of openings in the federal workforce, this is a book you must have.
According to Taylor and her colleague, Janet Ruck, you will need a resume, several essays, and any additional supplemental information the hiring agency may require. Daunting? Definitely. Impossible? Not at all.
With the help of this wonderful book, you can prepare your application tools effectively and stand a good chance of surviving the screening process. If you need additional support, or have questions the book doesn’t address about your unique situation, you can reach Karol Taylor ( Karol@tayloryourcareer.com )
I invite any federal employee to share strategies that might help someone’s application stand out from the pack.
September 27, 2009 at 12:18 pm |
[...] Go here to read the rest: The Uniqueness of the Federal Job Search… [...]
September 27, 2009 at 10:32 pm |
[...] The Uniqueness of the Federal Job Search « Anne Headley's Blog11 hours ago by anneheadley The complication of the federal job search is not an urban myth. It really is that challenging, with its unique requirements. Just ask an expert. I did. She's Karol Taylor, co-author of Guide to America's Federal Jobs (Jist, 2009). … [...]
October 6, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
I’ve become a veritable expert on applying to Federal jobs–I’ve been with the government for 8 years now, but have moved a couple of times and have had several interviews through the regular submission process. My advice is to match the words in your essay as closely as possible to what they are asking for–it’s fine to elaborate after that–but it’s important, given that the people who are screening your application are probably not familiar with your line of work, so you need to be very LITERAL. It’s worked for me!
October 6, 2009 at 2:34 pm |
Also, don’t hesitate to apply for an advertised job even though it looks like it may be wired. Your application will reach the decision makers in that office who may know about other openings that have not yet been advertised or can be filled from within or through a transfer. It’s all about networking!