Federal Employment FAQs
by Sophia Marshall, MHR
MSCCN Volunteer
Are you considering federal employment for your next career move? Here are a few FAQs about federal employment to get you started:
- What is a federal civilian employee? Federal civilian employees are those who choose to work for an agency of the federal government. This can be done in the US and abroad. These employees can be appointed to permanent or temporary employment positions doing many types of jobs.
- What agencies can you work for? Federal civilian employees can work for numerous agencies. To get an idea of what types of agencies, look at the following website: http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml
- Who is eligible? This depends on the job announcement. An announcement could be open to all US citizens or it could be open to only those who meet a specific criterion such as current federal employees, veterans, military spouses, or through an interchange agency.
- How does federal employment differ from other employment? First, there is a longer process to getting hired. There can be a significant period of time between application and job offer. There is also a different application process that usually involves more paperwork and documentation at the initial stage.
- Do military spouses get some type of preference? Yes, military spouses can receive preference for certain jobs, but this depends on the agency. Executive Order 13473 allows military spouses to compete for jobs without going through the usual hiring process. To read more about this preference, look at the Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 190 at the following website: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-23125.pdf. The agencies for which you are applying will probably also have information regarding this preference.
- Why are the ads so lengthy? Federal employment job announcements can go from 1 page to possibly 15 pages in length. It simply depends on what type of job you are looking for and how detailed of a description is needed to inform you of the duties.
- What kind of résumé should I use? It is important to use a federal résumé. This means that you can go over the traditional résumé length of 2 pages, as long as you are addressing what is being asked for in the job announcement. More will follow in future articles about what to put in the federal résumé.
- How long does it take to hear back from a federal agency? It depends on the hiring timeline and the agency. It could be weeks and sometimes it could be months or longer. I strongly suggest looking for a federal position while you are receiving a paycheck from another source. Do not expect results overnight as this will probably not be a quick process.
- What if I’m not qualified? First, keep in mind that the playing field for federal jobs is very large. Congratulate yourself on completing the process! Some people give up before they even finish reading the job announcement because they do not understand what they need to do! Keep trying. Remember to target your résumé to the position at hand and apply for all jobs for which you are qualified and have an interest.
These 9 FAQs should serve as a quick overview for federal employment. Are you ready to learn more? In the next article of this series, you will be provided assistance on understanding the various components of a federal job announcement.
This article is a guide for the current federal hiring system. Please keep in mind that this hiring process periodically changes.
The Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), www.msccn.org, is a designated 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing with the IRS. The MSCCN is dedicated to providing career opportunities and job portability for military spouses, veterans, war wounded and their caregivers, and transitioning military through a nationwide network of employers. MSCCN operates with MOUs from all branches of the Armed Forces as an employment partner. For more information, please contact the MSCCN at 1-877-696-7226 or askus@msccn.org.
Comments:
Federal employment -- some pointers new
1) Use a federal Form 612 for applying for federal jobs. Cut and paste your resume into the form.
2) Follow all the instructions on the federal job announcement carefully. Each announcement is DIFFERENT. Make a check list for yourself of what the announcement requires. If it says to "mail" your application - then "Mail" it. You can hand deliver it too-- but be sure to mail it, as instructed.
3) Be timely.
4) Get sworn into the job as soon as it is offered to you -- just in case there's a hiring freeze, which there may be in 2010. Once sworn into the job, ask for "leave without pay" if you need some time before starting work. You are helping the agency by asking to be sworn in immediately.
5) Have OPM give you a job rating NOW. Various Human Resource Officers rate applicants differently; some rate LOW, which you do not want. You can always apply for a positon that is below your rating -- use your higher rating as a point to negotiate your salary to a higher step for pay. A higher step at a lower rating may be equal pay or more pay than the higher rating. Think about it.
6) Use all the "buzz" words in the job announcement. BE the person they are looking for when you described your previous employment -- it may get you the interview you want. AND, don't forget any volunteer work you have done. (I once got the job OVER the attorney I was helping voluntarily. I was there as a volunteer to learn her job, & it worked for me!)
7) Have someone read your application & give you feed back. There is no reason/excuse for ERRORS on a job application.
8) Keep your references in the loop; let them know they will be contacted, and let them know your results.
9) Continue your education any time that you have an opportunity. There are many free programs for military spouses and families.
HTH
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