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An overview of the tricky federal jobs application process.
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How to Apply for Federal Jobs
Barbara RichardsonCareer Center Liaison, Warner College of Natural Resources
Colorado State University
Career Center Resources
To schedule an appointment, call the Colorado State University Career Center at
491-5707
or come by Drop-Ins (next to Sweet Sinsations in the LSC), M-F, 8:30 – 4:30…no
appointment necessary!
Agenda
• Overview of Government Jobs & Lingo • Student Programs • Applying on USAjobs.gov • Federal Resumes & KSAs • Changes• Questions
Types of Government Jobs
In 2009, roughly 103,631 people were hired into the federal government at the entry-level (GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8, GS-9) into the following occupations:
In 2009, roughly 103,631 people were hired into the federal government at the entry-level (GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8, GS-9) into the following occupations:
Occupation # Employees
Business and Accounting 12,802
Legal 11,064Medical and Public Health 11,005Biology/Natural Resources 7,614Social Sciences/Liberal Arts 4,254
Engineering and Architecture 3,696Education 1,527
Information Technology 1,522
Location of Government Jobs
Only 16% in the Washington, D.C.
metro region
Plus 50,000 jobs overseas!
Benefits of Government Jobs
• Student loan repayment assistance–Up to $10,000 per year– In 2009, 36 agencies provided
8,454 employees with $61.8 million in assistance
• Flexible schedules and generous vacation time
• Training and professional development
• Competitive health and retirement benefits
Government Lingo
• Excepted Service • Competitive Service• Noncompetitive Service• Job/Occupational Series • Veterans Preference • GS/Pay Bands• Student Employment• KSA – Knowledge, Skills &
Abilities
GS/Pay Band
Grade Qualifying educationGS-5 4 academic years above high school leading to a
bachelor’s degree OR a bachelor’s degree
GS-7 Bachelor’s degree with one of the following:• Class standing (upper third of class)• 3.0 or higher GPA; 3.5 or higher GPA in major • Honor society membership
GS-9 Master’s degree (or equivalent)GS-11 Doctorate degree or J.D.
GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry
level”Source: opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp
Salaries
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9 GS-11
Atlanta $32,722 $40,534 $49,581 $59,987
Chicago $34,316 $42,508 $51,995 $62,909
Dallas $33,101 $41,002 $50,154 $60,681
New York City $35,309 $43,738 $53,500 $64,729
San Francisco $37,073 $45,923 $56,172 $67,963
Washington, D.C. $34,075 $42,209 $51,630 $62,467
Possible career progression over a
2-3year period
Source: http://opm.gov/oca/11tables/indexGS.asp
Student Programs…
STEP and SCEP
Federal Career Internship Program (FCIP)
Presidential Management Fellows Program
CURRENT PROGRAMS
ENDED MARCH 1st
Internship Program
Recent Graduates Program
Presidential Management Fellows Program
ANNOUNCED PROGRAMS
…in Transition
Internship Program: • Paid opportunities while still in school• Agencies may convert eligible participants to full-time employment
Recent Graduate Program: • Apply within 2 years of receiving degree• Veterans can apply within in six years of receiving a degree if they have
been actively serving in the military
Presidential Management Fellows Program: • The recruiting calendar will be adjusted to better align with academic
calendars• Open to advanced degree students within two years of graduation
Steps to Apply
To find and apply for a federal job, follow these steps online:
1. Search for specific positions
2. Create your federal resume
3. Complete application questionnaires
4. Submit the complete application by deadline
5. Follow up with the agency contact
Where to Find Federal Jobs
Usajobs.gov
CLOSED
October 7 – 12, 2011
Usajobs.gov Hints
• Create a profile and resume before you begin to apply for jobs • Don’t hesitate to contact the agency –
use the contact information listed on the announcement • Print the job announcement, once the
deadline passes, it won’t be accessible • Save your favorite searches and set it to
email you
Usajobs.gov Hints
Federal Resumes
Federal resumes require more detail than standard resumes
Hrs worked/week, supervisor’s name & phone number, salary
1-5 pages in length
Carefully review the job vacancy announcement or position description
Focus on the “duties” or “responsibilities” section, and customize your resume accordingly by identifying and including key words and phrases
Target your resume for every job you apply for!
Duty 1: Research design: developing an evaluation's scope, research questions, and data collection methods • Contributed to a collaborative article evaluating
communication journals’ external validity • Developed the methodology, research questions, and
research design for the research article and coded journal articles
• Wrote methodology section of paper outlining data collection methods
• Followed rigorous fact-checking and information citing procedures
• Received an A on the assignment.
Federal Resume Tips
Application Questionnaires• Between 25-125 questions• May include yes/no questions as well as experience-based questions• Tip: Preview questions using a link found in the job vacancy announcement
Participates in basic health care teaching to patients and their families. A.I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. B.I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job. C.I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures. D.I have performed this task as a regular part of my job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee. E.I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in this task because of my expertise.
Assessments
Some full-time positions will require applicants to go through the security clearance process, all require a general background check
Begin gathering relevant information now
Check out the SF-85 and SF-86 form
Tip: Be honest!
Security Clearances
Changes implemented by November 1, 2010:• Eliminate KSAs from the initial application
process• Allow individuals to apply with a résumé
and cover letter• Improve the quality and speed of hiring• Notify applicants about their status during
the process Visit opm.gov/hiringreform for additional
information
Hiring Reform
Additional Resources
• 18 interest-specific career guides
• Agency profiles• Application and
federal resume tips• Security clearances
information• Student loan
repayment information
• Profiles of young feds
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Barbara Richardson, Career Center LiaisonWarner College of Natural Resources
107 C Natural [email protected]
(970) 491-2668