Armstrong Federal Job Guide

Armstrong
Armstrong
FederalJob
Guide
OfficeofCareerServices
OfficeofCareerServices
MCC101
11935AbercornSt.
Savannah,GA31419
912-344-2563
[email protected]
1
TABLEOFCONTENTS
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Whyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobs
Whyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobs3
Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest
Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest
Step1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest
4
Did you know? Percentage of Federal jobs by Region
4
5
Positions:Whatfederaljobsrelatetomymajor?
Did you know? Frequency of Federal jobs by Sector 9
Agencies:Whichagenciesinterestme? Step2:SearchforJobPostings
Step2:SearchforJobPostings
9
10
Full-timeemploymentpostings
10
SampleJobPosting
11
Did you know? Excepted Service 12
Internship,fellowship,orstudentjobpostings 13
CongressionalandForeignServicepositions
14
Did you know? Federal Internships
14
UnderstandingFederalPayScales 14
Step3:AssembleandSubmityourApplication
Step3:AssembleandSubmityourApplication
CreatingaFederalResume 15
PerfectingyourCoverLetter
SampleResume 15
15
16
Did you know? Veterans’ Preference 17
SampleResumefromResumeBuilder
18
SampleCoverLetter
20
Did you know? KSAs 20
Step4:BePatient
Step4:BePatient
21
AdditionalResources 22
2
WHYAPPLY?
WHYAPPLY?
Asof2010,thefederalgovernmentemployedover2.65millionworkers
intheExecutivebranchalone.Theseemployeesenjoyavarietyof
benefitsincluding:
•
Jobsecurity
•
Aseriesofnoncompetitiveraises
•
Reinstatementeligibility
If you leave federal service within 3 years of beginning employment, you have 3 years to decide if you want to be reinstated. If you stay within federal service for over 3 years, you have reinstatement eligibility for a lifetime.
•
Possibleopportunitiestomovebetweenagencies
•
Qualityhealthinsuranceandretirementplans
Geographicalflexibility
Withjobopeningsacrossthenationandpositionsinalmosteveryfield,
thefederalgovernmenthasawiderangeofemploymentopportunities.
•
DIDYOUKNOW?
NonNon-competitiveStatus
competitiveStatus
Mostfederalpositionsarecompetitive,meaningthattheyareopentoapplicantsoutsidethe
federalgovernmentandfilledaccordingtoqualificationsandinterviews.However,currentor
formerfederalemployeesareeligiblefornon-competitivestatuswithinthefederalhiringprocess.
NonNon-competitivestatusmayalsobegiventoapplicantswhomeettheminimumqualificationsand
competitivestatus
oneofthefollowingconditions:veterans,peoplewithdisabilities,displacedfederalemployees,
returnedPeaceCorpvolunteers,qualifiedfortheBilingual/Biculturalprogram,andapplicantsto
internshipsandstudentjobsprograms.Tofindoutifyouareeligibleforanon
TofindoutifyouareeligibleforanonTofindoutifyouareeligibleforanon-competitivestatus,
contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.
contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.
Ifyoudohavenon-competitivestatus,youcanexpandyoursearchonUSAjobs.govbyclicking
“AdvancedSearch”andcheckingtheboxfornon-competitivestatus.Asanapplicantwithnoncompetitiveeligibility,youaregivenpriorityintheapplicationprocessandyoumaybeableto
searchmorepositions.
3
STEP1:Identifypositions
andagenciesofinterest So you’ve decided that you’re interested in working for the federal government. What now? Sincethegovernmenthassomanydifferentpositionsavailable,itis
importanttotargetyoursearchbydecidingwhichpositionsand
agenciesaremostinterestingtoyou.Thissectionincludesalistof
possiblefederalcareersbymajorandaguidetofederalagencies.While
inthisstep,itmaybehelpfultodiscussdifferenttypesofpositions
withfaculty,staff,orcurrentfederalemployees.
DIDYOUKNOW?
FederalJobsbyRegion
FederalJobsarenotlimitedtoWashingtonD.C.TheycanbefoundacrosstheUnitedStatesand
evenabroad.NotethegeographicaldistributionofFederalJobsin2010.84%ofFederaljobswere
locatedOUTSIDEofWashington,D.C.,and15.8%ofFederaljobswerelocatedintheSoutheast.
PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010
PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010
Source:
Source "FederalJobs:Overview."Making the Difference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011.
<http://makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>.
4
FEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajor
FEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajor
Governmentemployeesspecializeinawide-varietyofareas.Belowisachartoffederaljobs
bymajorfromusajobs.gov.Youcanqualifyforsomeofthesejobsregardlessofmajor
(especiallywithjob-relatedexperience). This list is not comprehensive, so remember to search for This list is not comprehensive, so remember to search for jobs outside of these titles.
jobs outside of these titles.
ANYMAJOR
ANYMAJOR
EnvironmentalProtection
CivilRightsAnalyst
Personneloccupations
AdministrativeOfficer
ManagementAnalyst
LogisticsManagement
ParalegalSpecialist
ContractRepresentative
ClaimsExamining
PublicAffairs
WritingandEditing
InternalRevenueOfficer
ContractAdministration
GeneralInvestigator
AirTrafficController
SupplyManagement
ACCOUNTING
ACCOUNTING
Accountants
Auditors
ContractSpecialists
FinancialManagers
FinancialAdministrators
FinancialInstitution
Examiners
GAOFinancialAuditors
IntelligenceSpecialists
InternalRevenueAgents
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
SoilConservationists
AgriculturalCommodity
Graders
AgriculturalEngineers
AgriculturalMgmt.Spec.
AgriculturalProgramSpec.
AgriculturalMarket
Reporters
AgriculturalMarketingSpec.
ForeignAgricultureAffairs
Specialists
SoilScientists
AGRONOMY
AGRONOMY
Agronomists
AgriculturalMgmt.Spec.
SoilConservationists
SoilScientists
ANTHROPOLOGY
ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropologists
MuseumCurators
MuseumSpecialists
ProgramAnalysts
ManagementAnalysts
ARCHEOLOGY
ARCHEOLOGY
Archaeologists
MuseumCurators
MuseumSpecialists
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Architects
ConstructionAnalysts
ConstructionControl
Inspector.
LandscapeArchitects
NavalArchitects
ProgramAnalysts
ARTS,FINEANDAPPLIED
ARTS,FINEANDAPPLIED
ArtsSpecialists
Audio-VisualProduction
Specialists
RecreationandCreative
ArtsTherapists
ExhibitsSpecialists
GeneralArtsand
InformationSpecialists
Illustrators
Photographers
VisualInformation
Specialists
ASTRONOMY
ASTRONOMY
AstronomersandSpace
Scientists
Geodesists
AVIATION
AVIATION
AirSafetyInvestigators
AirTrafficControllers
AircraftOperators
AviationSafetyInspectors
AirNavigators
AircrewTechnicians
BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY
GeneralBiologicalScientists
Entomologists
FisheryBiologists
Microbiologists
RangeConservationists
WildlifeBiologists
Zoologists
BOTANY
BOTANY
Agronomists
Botanists
ForestryTechnicians
Geneticists
Horticulturists
PlantPathologists
PlantPhysiologists
PlantProtectionand
QuarantineSpecialists
RangeConservationists
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
BudgetAnalysts
BusinessandIndustry
Spec.
CommissaryStore
Managers
GAOAnalyst
ImportSpecialists
InternalRevenueOfficers
Miscellaneous
Administrativeand
ProgramsSpecialists
QualityAssurance
Specialists
TradeSpecialists
ContractSpecialists
CARTOGRAPHY
CARTOGRAPHY
Cartographers
CartographicTechnicians
GeodeticTechnicians
CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
ChemicalEngineers
Chemists
ConsumerSafetyOfficers
EnvironmentalEngineers
FoodTechnologists
HealthPhysicists
IntelligenceSpecialists
Toxicologists
5
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications
Managers
Communications
Specialists
PublicAffairsSpecialists
TechnicalWritersand
Editors
WritersandEditors
CORRECTIONS
CORRECTIONS
CorrectionalInstitution
Administrators
CorrectionalOfficers
ProgramAnalysts
COUNSELING
COUNSELING
Chaplains
Educ.andVocational
TrainingSpecialists
PersonnelSpecialists
Psychologists
PsychologyAidsand
Technicians
SocialServiceAidsand
Assistants
SocialServiceReps.
VocationalRehabSpec.
EqualOpportunity
ComplianceSpecialists
EducationalServices
Specialists
CRIMINALJUSTICE/LAW
ENFORCEMENT
ENFORCEMENT
BorderPatrolAgents
CriminalInvestigators
GameLawEnfc.Agents
GAOAnalyst
InternalRevenueOfficers
PoliceOfficers
UnitedStatesMarshals
DIETETICSANDNUTRITION
DIETETICSANDNUTRITION
Dietitians
FoodTechnologists
Nutritionists
Positionsbymajor,cont’d
ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS
Actuaries
BudgetAnalysts
ContractSpecialists
Economists
FinancialAnalysts
FinancialInstit.Examiners
GAOAnalyst
LoanSpecialists
TradeSpecialists
TransportationIndustrial
Analysts
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
EducationandTraining
Specialists
Educ.andVocational
TrainingSpecialists
VocationalRehab.
Specialists
EducationalProgram
Specialists
EmployeeDev.Specialists
PublicHealthEducators
TrainingInstructors
InstructionalSystems
Specialists
EducationalServices
Specialists
ELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGY
ELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGY
Communications
Specialists
ElectronicsTechnicians
PatentExaminers
ElectronicsMechanics
EMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONS
EMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONS
ContractorIndustrialRel.
Specialists
EmployeeRelations
Specialists
HearingandAppeals
Specialists
LaborManagement
RelationsExaminers
LaborRelationsSpecialists
Mediators
SalaryandWageAdmin.
WorkersCompensation
ClaimsExaminers
IndustrialEngineers
NuclearEngineers
ComputerEngineers
BiomedicalEngineers
(11otherEngineeringfields)
ENGLISHANDLITERATURE
ENGLISHANDLITERATURE
EditorialAssistants
PrintingSpecialists
PublicAffairsSpecialists
TechnicalWritersand
Editors
WritersandEditors
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
ProgramAnalysts
ProgramManagers
ManagementAnalysts
ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIES
ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIES
Ecologists
EnvironmentalHealth
Technicians
EnvironmentalProtection
Assistants
EnvironmentalProtection
Specialists
GAOAnalyst
Gen.FishandWildlife
Administrators
FishandWildlifeRefuge
Management
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
Toxicologists
EPIDEMIOLOGY
EPIDEMIOLOGY
EnvironmentalHealth
Technicians
Gen.HealthScientists
IndustrialHygienists
Microbiologists
FINANCE
FINANCE
AppraisersandAssessors
BudgetAnalysts
FinancialAdministrators
FinancialAnalysts
FinancialInstitution
Examiners
GAOAnalyst
SecuritiesCompliance
ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY) Examiners
ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY)
TaxExaminers
GeneralEngineers
TradeSpecialists
CivilEngineers
MechanicalEngineers
ElectricalEngineers
ElectronicsEngineers
AerospaceEngineers
FISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFE
FISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
Gen.FishandWildlife
Administrators
FishandWildlifeRefuge
Management
FisheryBiologists
GameLawEnforcement
Agents
SoilConservationists
WildlifeBiologists
WildlifeRescueManagers
GeneralBiologicalScientists
FOODTECHNOLOGYAND
SAFETY
SAFETY
ConsumerSafety
Inspectors
ConsumerSafetyOfficers
DietitianandNutritionists
FoodAssistanceProgram
Specialists
FoodTechnologists
Toxicologists
FOREIGNLANGUAGE
FOREIGNLANGUAGE
AirSafetyInvestigators
BorderPatrolAgents
CustomsInspectors
LanguageSpecialists
EqualEmployment
OpportunitySpecialists
ForeignAffairsSpecialists
ForeignAgriculturalAffairs
Specialists
IntelligenceSpecialists
FORESTRY
FORESTRY
Foresters
SoilConservationists
ManagementAnalysts
ProgramAnalysts
Gen.FishandWildlife
Administrators
FishandWildlifeRefuge
Management
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY
Cartographers
Geographers
GEOLOGY
GEOLOGY
Geodesists
Geologists
Hydrologists
Oceanographers
Gen.PhysicalScientists
6
GEOPHYSICS
GEOPHYSICS
Geophysicists
Gen.PhysicalScientists
HEALTH
HEALTH
EnvironmentalHealth
Technicians
GAOAnalyst
Gen.HealthScientists
HealthPhysicists
HealthSystemAdmin.
HealthSystemSpec.
IndustrialHygienists
PublicHealthPrograms
Specialists
SafetyandOccup.Health
ManagementSpecialists
HISTORY
HISTORY
ArchivesTechnicians
Archivists
ExhibitsSpecialists
Historians
IntelligenceSpecialists
MuseumCurators
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
ManagementAnalysts
ProgramAnalysts
HOMEECONOMICS
HOMEECONOMICS
ConsumerSafetyOfficers
FoodTechnologists
HORTICULTURE
HORTICULTURE
AgriculturalMgt.Specialist
Gen.BiologicalScientists
Horticulturists
PlantProtectionand
Quaran.Specialists
PlantPhysiologists
Specialists
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
HOSPITALADMINISTRATION
HOSPITALADMINISTRATION
AdministrativeOfficers
HealthSystem
Administrators
HealthSystemSpecialists
HospitalHousekeepers
Gen.HealthScientists
PublicHealthPrograms
Specialists
Positionsbymajor,cont’d
HUMANRESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
ApprenticeshipandTraining
Representatives
EmployeeDev.Specialists
EqualEmployment
OpportunitySpecialists
HumanResourceSpecialist
MilitaryPers.Mgmt.Spec.
PersonnelStaffingSpec.
PositionClassification
Specialists
HYDROLOGY
HYDROLOGY
EnvironmentalEngineers
EnvironmentalProtection
Specialists
Hydrologists
Gen.FishandWildlife
Administrators
FishandWildlifeRefuge
Management
ProgramAnalysts
INDUSTRIALMANAGEMENT
INDUSTRIALMANAGEMENT
BusinessandInd.
Specialists
EquipmentSpecialists
IndustrialHygienists
IndustrialProperty
Managers
IndustrialSpecialists
ManagementAnalysts
ProductionControllers
ProgramAnalysts
PropertyDisposal
Specialists
QualityAssurance
Specialists
INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY
INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY
InformationTechnology
Specialists
ComputerSpecialists
ProgramManagers
ManagementAnalysts
ComputerProgrammers
INTERNATIONALRELATIONS
INTERNATIONALRELATIONS
ForeignAffairsSpecialists
ForeignAgricult.Affairs
Specialists
IntelligenceSpecialists
LanguageSpecialists
PublicAffairsSpecialists
TradeSpecialists
InternationalRelations
Workers
JOURNALISM
JOURNALISM
Agricult.MarketReporters
PrintingSpecialists
PublicAffairsSpecialists
WritersandEditors
TechnicalWritersand
Editors
ProgramAnalysts
LAW
LAW
AdministrativeLawJudges
Attorneys
HearingandAppeals
Specialists
LegalInstruments
Examiners
ParalegalSpecialists
PatentAttorneys
TaxLawSpecialists
LAWENFORCEMENT
LAWENFORCEMENT
Alcohol,Tobacco,and
FirearmsInspectors
BorderPatrolAgents
CriminalInvestigators
CustomsInspectors
GameLawEnforcement
Agents
ImmigrationInspectors
Inspec.,Invest.and
ComplianceSpecialists
PoliceOfficers
UnitedStatesMarshals
LIBERALARTS/HUMANITIES
LIBERALARTS/HUMANITIES
ContactRepresentatives
CustomsInspectors
EqualOpportunity
INSURANCE
INSURANCE
ComplianceSpec.
CropInsurance
ManagementAnalysts
Administrators
Pers.ManagementSpec.
SocialInsuranceAdmin.
ProgramAnalysts
SocialInsuranceClaims
SocialInsuranceClaims
Examiner
UnemploymentInsurance Examiners
SpecialistsMisc.Admin.and VeteransClaimsExam.
ProgramsSpecialists
Educ.ServicesSpec.
ProgramAnalysts
LIBRARYSCIENCE
LIBRARYSCIENCE
Librarians
LibraryTechnicians
MedicalRecordLibrarians
TechnicalInfo.Services
MGT.INFO.SYSTEMS
MGT.INFO.SYSTEMS
ComputerScience
Specialists
ComputerSpecialists
FinancialManagers
LogisticsMgt.Specialists
ManagementAnalysts
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
OperationsResearch
Analysts
ProgramAnalysts
ProgramManagers
MANAGEMENT,FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT,FACILITIES
CommissaryStore
Managers
CorrectionalInstitution
Administrators
Distrib.FacilityandStorage
Managers
EquipmentSpecialists
FacilityManagers
Gen.FacilitiesandEquip.
Manager
HousingManagers
IndustrialProperty
Managers
ProductionControllers
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
AdministrativeOfficers
LogisticsMgt.Specialists
ManagementAnalysts
ManpowerDev.Specialists
Misc.Admin.andProgram
Specialists
ProgramAnalysts
SupportSvcs.
Administrators
MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICS
Actuaries
Cartographers
ComputerScience
MathematicalStatisticians
Mathematicians
OperationsResearch
Analysts
Statisticians
MEDICALSUPPORT
MEDICALSUPPORT
DiagnosticRadiological
Technicians
MedicalInstrument
Technicians
MedicalRecordTechnicians
MedicalTechnicians
NuclearMedicine
Technicians
PathologyTechnicians
TherapeuticRadiological
Technicians
METEOROLOGY
METEOROLOGY
Meteorologists
Gen.PhysicalScientists
NATURALRESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
FishandWildlifeAdmin.
Gen.BiologicalScientists
ProgramAnalysts
WildlifeBiologists
WildlifeRefuge
Management
NURSING
NURSING
Nurses
Physician'sAssistants
PARKANDRECREATION
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT
Foresters
OutdoorRecreation
Planners
ParkRangers
RecreationSpecialists
MARKETING
MARKETING
Rec.andCreativeArts
Agric.MarketingSpecialists Therapists
BondSalesPromotion
ManagementAnalysts
Representatives
ContractSpecialists
PHARMACY
InventoryMgt.Specialists PHARMACY
ConsumerSafety
PackagingSpecialists
Inspectors
PropertyDisposalSpec.
ConsumerSafetyOfficers
SupplySpecialists
Pharmacists
TradeSpecialists
Pharmacologists
BusinessandIndustry
Specialists
7
Positionsbymajor,cont’d
PHYSICALEDUCATION
PHYSICALEDUCATION
CorrectiveTherapists
OutdoorRecreation
Planners
Rec.andCreativeArts
Therapists
RecreationSpecialists
RecreationAids&
Assistants
SportsSpecialists
ProgramAnalysts
PHYSICALSCIENCE
PHYSICALSCIENCE
Gen.PhysicalScientists
Metallurgists
Physicists
PHYSICS
PHYSICS
AstronomersandSpace
Scientists
Geodesists
Geophysicists
HealthPhysicists
Hydrologists
Oceanographers
PatentExaminers
Physicists
Gen.PhysicalScientists
POLITICALSCIENCE/GOVT
POLITICALSCIENCE/GOVT
Archivists
BudgetAnalysts
Historians
ForeignAffairsSpecialists
GAOAnalyst
Misc.Admin.andPrograms
Specialists
ProgramAnalysts
PublicAffairsSpecialists
SocialScientists
PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
Rec.andCreativeArts
Therapists
EmployeeDev.Specialists
GAOAnalyst
PersonnelManagement
Spec.
Psychologists
PersonnelStaffingSpec.
PositionClass.Specialists
EducationalSvcs.
Specialists
PUBLICHEALTH
PUBLICHEALTH
EnvironmentalHealth
Technicians
FoodAssistanceProgram
Specialists
FoodInspectors
HealthSystem
Administrators
HealthSystemSpecialists
IndustrialHygienists
PublicHealthPrograms
Specialists
PublicHealthEducators
SocialInsuranceAdmin.
VeteransClaimsExaminers
PUBLICADMIN.
PUBLICADMIN.
BudgetAnalysts
EmployeeDev.Specialists
EmployeeRelations
Specialists
GAOAnalyst
HousingManagers
ManagementAnalysts
ManpowerDev.Specialists
Misc.AdminandPrograms
Specialists
ProgramAnalysts
PublicUtilitiesSpec.
PUBLICRELATIONS
PUBLICRELATIONS
ContactRepresentatives
ForeignAffairsSpecialists
ForeignAgricult.Affairs
Specialists
PublicAffairsSpecialists
PURCHASING
PURCHASING
CommissaryStore
Managers
ContractSpecialists
PurchasingSpecialists
BusinessandIndustry
Specialists
REALESTATE
REALESTATE
BuildingManagers
HousingManagers
Realtors
BusinessandIndustry
Specialists
ContractSpecialists
REHABILITATIONTHERAPY
REHABILITATIONTHERAPY
CorrectiveTherapists
ManualArtsTherapists
OccupationalTherapists
PhysicalTherapists
ProstheticReps.
RehabilitationTherapy
Assistants
SOCIALWORK
SOCIALWORK
FoodAssistanceProgram
Specialists
PsychologyAidsand
Technicians
SocialScienceAidsand
Technicians
SocialScientists
SocialServiceAidsand
Assistants
SocialServiceReps.
SocialWorkers
RecreationSpecialists
SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
GAOAnalyst
SocialScienceAidsand
Technicians
SocialScientists
SocialServiceAidsand
Assistants
SocialServiceReps.
ProgramAnalysts
Sociologists
STATISTICS
STATISTICS
Actuaries
ComputerScienceSpec.
MathematicalStatisticians
OperationsResearch
Analysts
ProgramAnalysts
Statisticians
TransportationIndustry
Analysts
SURVEYING
SURVEYING
Geodesists
LandSurveyors
SYSTEMSANALYSIS
SYSTEMSANALYSIS
ComputerScience
Specialists
ComputerSpecialists
GAOITAnalyst
Misc.Administrativeand
ProgramsSpecialists
ManagementAnalysts
ProgramAnalysts
THEOLOGY
THEOLOGY
Chaplains
SocialWorkers
ProgramAnalysts
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
CargoSchedulers
HighwaySafetySpecialists
MarineCargoSpecialists
TrafficMgt.Specialists
TransportationIndustry
Analysts
TransportationLoss/
DamageClaimsExaminers
TransportationOperators
TransportationSpecialists
TravelAssistants
ZOOLOGY
ZOOLOGY
AnimalScientists
Zoologists
Physiologists
Source:“FederalJobsbyCollegeMajor.”USAjobs.2011.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.Web.6Jul
Source:
2011.<http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/jobsbycollegemajor.asp#icc>.
MakingTheDifference.orgalsoprovidesalistoffederalcareersbyinterest
MakingTheDifference.org
areasathttp://www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/.
Thislistisespeciallyhelpfulbecauseitlistsagencies
agenciesthatfrequently
agencies
employthesepositions.
8
DIDYOUKNOW?
MakingTheDifference.orgliststhe5largestfederaljobareas(accordingto2012projections)as:
MakingTheDifference.org
MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)
MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)
Includesphysicians,nurses,pharmacists,medicaltechniciansandnursingassistants.
SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)
SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)
Includesintelligenceanalysis,internationalrelations,foreignaffairs,securityadministration,transportation
securityofficer,parkranger,correctionalofficerandpoliceofficer.
EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)
EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)
Includesinspectors,investigators(includingcriminal),customsandborderpatrolandprotection,import
specialistandcustomsinspection.
ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)
ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)
Includesprogrammanagersandanalystswhomonitorprogramoperationsandeffectivenessto
administrativestaff;administrativesupportjobsaccountfortheleastamountofthejobsinthiscategory.
Legal(2596newhires)
Legal(2596newhires)
Includesattorney,contactrepresentative,paralegal,passport/visaexaminingandclaims
examining/assistance.
Source:“Overview.”Making the Difference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011.
Source:
<http://makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/>.
FEDERALAGENCIES
FEDERALAGENCIES
Agovernmentagency
agencyisanorganizationthatisresponsibleforcarryingoutspecificgovernment
agency
policies.Federaljobsarelocatedwithintheseagencies.USAjobs.govprovidesacompletelistof
federalagencies*athttp://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.Asyou
explorepositiontitles,alsoexploreagenciesthatmayinterestyou.
Thereareover1,300federalagenciesforyoutochoosefrom.Thelargestagenciesinclude:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Homeland Security Department of the Treasury Department of Agriculture Department of Justice Department of Defense Department of the Interior Department of Health and Human Services Department of Transportation Department of Commerce Department of State National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Department of Labor Department of Energy National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) *TheNationalAcademiesofScience(NAS)isnotlistedbutisagovernment-relatedorganizationfor
scientists,policyexperts,andadministrativepersonnel.Tolearnmorevisit:http://www.nas.edu.
9
STEP2:Searchfor
Postings Now that you have identified positions and agencies that interest you. It’s time to start finding job openings. Thisstepisdividedintothreesections:1.)graduatesseekingfull-time
employment,2.)thoselookingforinternshipsandfellowships,3.)those
interestedinCongressionalorForeignService.Italsoincludesasample
jobpostingandanexplanationofthefederalpayscale.
1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull-timeemployment:
timeemployment:
• CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov.USAjobs.govcontainsmostfull-timefederal
CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov
jobpostings;thesepostingsrequireapplicantstosubmittheirapplications
directlythroughUSAjobs.gov.Itisfreeandeasytocreateanaccount.Once
youcreateanaccount,youcansavejobpostings.
• SearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywords.Ifyouconsideryourself
SearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywords
ageneralisttrysearchingfor“publicaffairs,”“communications,”“writer,”
“Congressionalaffairs,”“policyanalyst”and“programanalyst.”
• Readthepostingscarefully.Belowisasamplejobpostingwithhelpful
Readthepostingscarefully.
explanationsofthevariouscategoriesandcommonabbreviations.
• Saveanyjobsofinterest.SinceUSAjobs.govcontainssomanypostings,itis
Saveanyjobsofinterest.
helpfultosavepositionsthatinterestyousoyoucaneasilyaccessthem
later.
• ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.Someagenciesdecidenottopost
ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.
theiropeningsonUSAjobs.gov.Tofindthesepostings,besureto:
*Checkthewebsitesofagenciesthatinterestyouregularlyfornewjob
postings;mostagencieshaveanindividualwebsite.
*SearchtheclassifiedsectioninnewspaperssuchasRoll Call and The Hill.
*AttendFederalJobFairs.Youcanfindeventannouncements
onUSAjobs.govandonindividualagencies’websites.
10
SAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTING
SAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTING
Job Title: Administrative Support Assistant
Department: Department Of The Interior
Agency: National Park Service
Job Announcement Number: MWW-DE-11-052 (480164)
Salary Range:
$27,990.00-$40,706.00/year
Open Period:
Wednesday, June 08, 2011 to June 22, 2011
Series & Grade:
GS-0303-04/05
Position Information:
Full Time Career/Career Conditional
Promotion Potential:
05
Duty Locations:
1 vacancy—Medora, ND
Who May be Considered:
United States Citizens
Checktheendingdatetomakesure
youhaveenoughtimetocomplete
andsubmittheapplication.
TheSeriesandGradeandPromotion
Potentialareexplainedonthe
followingpage.
Initialappointmentsaretypically
“careerconditional.”Employeeswho
remaininthepositionfor3years
transitiontocareerappointments.
JOB SUMMARY: This is a permanent full-time position located at Theodore Roosevelt
National Park located in Medora, North Dakota
KEY REQUIREMENTS: US Citizenship, Background Investigation, State drivers license, a Noticetheskillsand
qualitiesemployers
NPS uniform, Initial probationary period, Travel up to 5 days a month
DUTIES: As an Administrative Support Assistant for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, arelookingforand
focusontheseinyour
you will be responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical support functions,
application.
including, but not limited to: Answer the phone and greet park visitors providing
general information and directions to appropriate personnel for specific information. Givesyourexpectedpay
QUALIFICATIONS: FOR A GS-04 : At least one year of general office experience using rategivenyour
educationand
office automation equipment; OR EDUCATION: Have successfully completed 2 years
experience.
above high school; OR A COMBINATION : Post-High School education and general
experience. FOR A GS-05: One full year of specialized experience; OR EDUCATION:
Successfully completed four years of education above the high school level in any
Payattentiontohow
field; OR A COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of education and experience. applicantsareevaluated!
Iftheoccupational
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Applicants will be rated according to responses
questionnaireisthe
to the occupational questionnaire. A review of the resume and other supporting
largestdecidingfactor,
documentation of the highest scoring applicants will be conducted and compared
focusonthe
against the responses to the occupational questionnaire. The score, based on
questionnaire.
responses to the questionnaire, is a measure of the degree to which an applicant's
background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
HOW TO APPLY: To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application
Package which includes all the following parts: 1. Resume/Application;
Whenyouapplytothe
2. Complete Occupational Questionnaire; 3. Other Supporting Documents
postingonUSAjobs.gov,
youwillbegiventhelink
(See Required Documents Section Below)
toanyonline
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
questionnairessuchas
The following documents are required: Resume, Transcripts, Qualifications
thisone.
(assessment questionnaire), SF-50: showing current grade and tenure if applicable
(Awards SF50 will not be considered as proof of status.), Veterans Preference
SF:50isforcurrentfederal
Documentation (DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), VA Letter, SF-15, etc) see veterans
employees,Veterans
preference under the other information section, CTAP/ICTAP Documents
PreferenceDocisfor
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
veteransandCTAP/ICTAPis
forapplicantsdisplaced
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement
fromtheFDIC.
email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may/or
may not be referred to the hiring official. You will be notified of your rating and/or
referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you may Veryhelpfulsectionfor
applicants!
applicants!
be contacted directly.
11
DecodingtheSeriesandGrade
DecodingtheSeriesandGrade
ThesamplejobpostinggivesyouanideaofwhattoexpectfromUSAjobs.gov
postings.Twoofthemostconfusingsectionsarethe“Series&Grade”and
“Promotionpotential.”
GSGS-03030303-04/05
04/05
GSGS-Thefirsttwolettersofthe“Series&GradeCode”representthepayrateofthe
position.GSrepresents“GeneralSchedule”andisthemostcommonabbreviation.
LearnmoreabouttheGSpayrateinthe“FederalPayScale”section.
03030303-Thisfourdigitnumberistheoccupationalclassificationofthejob.0303isthe
“MiscellaneousClerkandAssistantSeries.”FormorecodeswithintheGSgroupvisit:
http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/html/gsseries.asp.
04/05—
04/05—Thelastfourdigitsrepresenttherangeofenteringpaygrades.Inthis
posting,anenteringemployeecouldbeGrade4orGrade5(outof15grades)
dependingonexperienceandeducation.
PromotionPotential—Thisnumberreflectsthehighestpossiblepaygradeinthe
PromotionPotential
position(ortheroomforpayraises).Forthecaselistedonthepreviouspage,
promotionpotentialwouldbeGS-05.
DIDYOUKNOW?
ExceptedServicePositions
ExceptedServicePositions
Althoughmostfederalservicepositionsarecompetitive,someagenciesfillopeningsthrough
exceptedservice.Excepted service
Excepted servicepositionsarehiredaccordingtotheagencies’individual
Excepted service
proceduresandmaynotbepubliclyadvertised.Thefollowingagenciesfrequentlyhaveexpected
serviceappointments.Contactthemdirectlyformoreinformation:
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Agency for International Development (USAID), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Reserve System, Board of Governors, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Military Sealift Command (MSC), National Geospatial
-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Maritime Intelligence Center, National Security Agency (NSA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Mission to the United Nations, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), U.S. Secret Service, Uniformed Division (USSS). 12
2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:
2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:
•
•
•
•
BrowseUSAjobs.gov.AlthoughmostofthejobsonUSAjobs.govarefull-time,
BrowseUSAjobs.gov
permanentpositions,browsethesiteforpositionsthatmeetyourneeds.
TIP: You can search “student” as a keyword on USAjobs.gov to find student TIP
employment/internships.
CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov/studentjobs
CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsifyouareinterestedinpart-time
USAjobs.gov/studentjobs
jobsandentry-levelcareerexperience.Thejobpostingsandapplicationprocess
aresimilartoUSAjobs.gov,sopleaserefertotheabovesectionfordetailsabout
searchingpostsandsavingjobs.Thesejobsmaybepartofthefederalstudent
employmentPathwaysprograms:
*InternshipProgram(formerlyknowasSTEP&SCEP)providesstudentsinhigh
InternshipProgram
schools,colleges,tradeschools,andotherqualifyingeducationalinstitutions
withpaidopportunitiestoworkinagenciesandexploreFederalcareerswhile
completingtheireducation.
*RecentGraduatesProgram
RecentGraduatesProgramprovidesdevelopmentalexperiencesinthe
RecentGraduatesProgram
FederalGovernment.Itisintendedtopromotepossiblecareersinthecivil
servicetoindividualswho,withintheprevioustwoyears,graduatedfrom
qualifyingeducationalinstitutionswithanassociates,bachelors,masters,
professional,doctorate,vocationalortechnicaldegreeorcertificatefrom
qualifyingeducationalinstitutions.
*PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Program
PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Programisaflagshipleadership
PresidentialManagementFellows(PMF)Program
developmentprogramattheentry-levelforadvanceddegreecandidates.
TheProgramattractsandselectsfromamongthebestcandidatesandis
designedtodevelopacadreofpotentialFederalGovernmentleaders.
StudentsinPMFprogrammaybeconvertedtoapermanentpositionnthe
competitiveservice.
ResearchFederalInternshipPrograms.Manyfederalagenciesprovideinternship
ResearchFederalInternshipPrograms
opportunitiestocurrentstudentsandrecentgraduatesinterestedin
governmentwork.Contactindividualagenciesformoreinformation:
*TheFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgram
FederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramusesstudent
FederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgram
ambassadorstoincreaseawarenessoffederalemploymentoncollege
campuses:(http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/programs/
calltoserveambassadors.shtml)
*ThePublicServiceFellowsProgram
PublicServiceFellowsProgram,aspartofthePartnershipforPublic
PublicServiceFellowsProgram
Service,providesstudents(bothgraduateandundergraduate)aswellas
recentgraduateswiththeopportunitytoworkinvariousroles.Formore
informationaboutthestipendsandfellowshipsavailablepleasevisit:
http://www.apps.ourpublicservice.org/fellows/default.aspx.
*Alistofadditionalinternshipprogramsisavailableat
http://www.makingthedifference.org/federalinternships/co-ops.shtml.
ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Notalljobsarepostedon
Expandyoursearch
USAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Tofindadditionalpostings:
*VisitStudents.gov.Underthe“Career Development”Section,youwillfindlinks
toadditionalwebsitesthatfrequentlypostinternships,studentjobs,and
fellowships.
*Checkindividualagencywebsitesforinternshipopportunities.
13
3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:
3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:
ThesepositionsarenotlistedonUSAjobs.gov,sopleasevisitthefollowingsitesforjob
postings:
Congressional postings: senate.gov, house.gov, politixgroup.com Congressional postings
Foreign Service: The U.S. Department of State (state.gov), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Service: (USDA.gov), the International Trade Administration (trade.gov), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID.gov) DIDYOUKNOW?
DIDYOUKNOW?
FederalInternships
FederalInternships
Federalinternshipsarenotlimitedtostudents.Manygovernmentalagencieshirerecent
graduatesasinterns.Theseinternsmayeventuallybehiredintofull-timepositions.Graduates
seekingfull-timeemploymentmayalsochoosetobrowsetheaforementionedinternshipsites.
Whenlookingatinternshipprogramsandpostings,remembertoclarifyiftheyarehiringfor
recentgraduatesorcurrentstudents.
UNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALE
UNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALE
MostjobsarepaidbyGSor“GeneralSchedule.”TheGeneralSchedulehas15grades
dependingonexperienceandeducation;withineachgradethereare10steps(each
withapayincrease).Ifyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowing
baseonthegeneralpayschedule:
baseonthegeneralpayschedule:
• GS-2:HighSchooldiplomawithoutworkexperience
• GS-3,4,5:HighSchooldiplomawithsomecollegeandworkexperience
• GS-5:Collegedegreewithoutspecializedexperience
• GS-7:CollegedegreewithcollegecredentialssuchasaGPAabove3.0.
• GS-9:Master’sdegree
• GS-12:Doctoraldegree
Ifyou’recurrentlyemployed,theagencieswilllikelyworktoprovideyouwitha
competitivesalarybasedonyourcurrentearnings.
OtherPaySchedules
OtherPaySchedules
AlthoughtheGeneralScheduleisthemostcommonpayschedule,therearemany
otherpayscheduleswithintheFederalgovernment.Ifyouareunsureofwhatapay
scheduleabbreviationmeans,youcanfindoutmorebyenteringtheabbreviationand
“federalpay”intoasearchengine.
14
STEP3:Assemble&
STEP3:
SubmityourApp. So you’ve found job openings and you’re ready to apply? Thissectioncontainsinformationaboutresumes,coverletters,and
supplementaldocuments.
A.CreatingaFederalResume
A.CreatingaFederalResume
AFederalResumeismuchdifferentfromatraditionalresume.Eventhebest
Eventhebest
privatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsand
expectationsoffederalagencies.Herearesomeguidelines:
expectationsoffederalagencies.
1.ResumesonUSAjobs.gov
USAjobs.gov:
USAjobs.gov USAjobs.govcontainsaResumeBuilderthatguidesapplicantsthrough
theprocessofcreatingaFederalResume.Althoughyoucanuploadyour
ownresumetoUSAjobs.gov,mostpostingsrequireaResumeBuilder
resume.Pg.18containsasampleresumefromResumeBuilder.
2.ResumesoutsideofUSAjobs.gov
USAjobs.gov:
IfyouapplyforpositionsoutsideofUSAjobs.gov,youwillneedtocreate
yourownFederalResume.Pg.16containsasampleresume.
B.
B. PerfectingyourCoverLetter
PerfectingyourCoverLetter
1.AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter
AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter.Althoughacoverlettermaynotbe
AlwayssubmitaCoverLetter
listedasaREQUIREDdocument,itisveryimportanttosubmita
well-writtencoverletterwithyourapplication.Usethecoverletterto:
*Introduceyourselfwithenthusiasm
*Highlightyourcredentialsandqualifications
*Expressyourinterestandknowledgeoftheorganization; articulatewhyyouwanttoworkforthatagency
*Givetheemployeranexcellentwritingsample
*Ifyouareapplyingforanoncompetitiveappointmentincludethis
inthecoverletter.
Pg. 20 contains a cover letter outline. 2.CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov
CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov.Youcanuploadacoverletterto
CoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov
USAjobs.govbysigninginandclicking“My Documents.”Whenyouapply forajobthroughUSAjobs.gov,youwillbegiventheoptiontosendan
uploadedcoverletterwithyourresume.Youcanuploadupto5
Youcanuploadupto5
Youcanuploadupto5 documents,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploada
documents,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploada
personalizedcoverletterforeach.
personalizedcoverletterforeach.
15
SampleFederalResume
Position Title, Series & Grade:
Name
Permanent Address:
Street
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
________________________________________________________________________________
SSN: (Social Security Number)
Citizenship: (Country of Citizenship)
Veterans Status: (Enter “none” if not a veteran)
Reinstatement Eligibility: (Enter “N/A” if not a
former federal employee)
Objective:
Position Title, Series & Grade, Agency Name, Department Name, Announcement: (Job Announcement
Number)
Skills and Qualifications:
Briefly highlight a few (three or four) of your relevant skills and/or qualifications (EX: Two years
working in a research laboratory setting). Use action verbs and numbers to describe your
accomplishments (EX: managed a $300 budget). Write in paragraph form.
Education:
B.A. History; Minor: Spanish; May 2011
Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU); Savannah, GA
GPA: (Can include both Overall and In-Major GPA if over a 2.8)
Dean’s List: Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2009
• Briefly highlight any relevant coursework, study abroad experiences, or other academic honors.
Diploma; May 2011
Name of High School; City, State
GPA: (Can include if over a 2.8)
• Briefly highlight any relevant coursework, student club/activity involvement, or other honors.
Work Experience:
Job Title
Dates
Company
Hours per week
Street Address, City, State
Salary (if paid)
Supervisor: (Supervisor Name, Supervisor Title), you may contact: (Supervisor Number)
Brief description of responsibilities and accomplishments; use action verbs and phrases; Write in
a paragraph form but don’t use complete sentences
TIP: Include any relevant experience, including internships (paid or unpaid),
volunteer work, and summer jobs in this section.
16
SampleFederalResume
SampleFederalResume
Position Title, Series & Grade, pg. 2:
Training: (if you already have training in job field)
List training courses, including title and year
Current certificates and/or licenses related to the job
Activities:
Organization Name, Dates of Membership
• Position, Dates Held
• Other responsibilities in the organization
• Include clubs and organizations at AASU or in the community, volunteer work, or leadership
experiences in this section
Additional Skills:
Language: Proficient in written and spoken Spanish
Beginner-level French
Computer: 70 WPM typing ability
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Access
Special Equipment: List any relevant experience with special equipment
WhatdistinguishesaFederalResume
fromaPrivateSectorResume?
fromaPrivateSectorResume?
•
•
•
•
Qualifications,experience,andjobdutiesareinparagraph(not bulleted) form
Objectivecontainspositioninformationinsteadofastatement.
Federalresumesrequireadditionalbackgroundinformation(SSN, Veteran Status, Reinstatement eligibility)
Federalresumesaretypicallylongerthanapage.
DIDYOUKNOW?
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans’ Preference
AccordingtoUSAjobs.gov,veterans'preference
veterans'preferencegrantsveteranswhohave“servedonactiveduty
veterans'preference
foratleast2yearsduringaperiodofwarorinacampaignforexpeditionforwhichacampaign
badgeisauthorized,orbeendisabled”anadditional5to10pointsontheircompetitiveservice
examination.Veterans’preferencedoesnotguaranteeveteransjobsandisnotthesameas
noncompetitiveappointments.
17
SampleFederalResume
SampleFederalResume
FromResumeBuilder
FromResumeBuilder
Jane Smith
888 Abercorn Dr.
Savannah, GA 34101
Mobile: 123-456-7890
Email: [email protected]
Country of Citizenship:
Veterans’ Preference:
Contact Current Employer:
United States
No
Yes
WORK EXPERIENCE
Armstrong Atlantic State University,
Student Recreation Center
Savannah, GA US
UsecapitalLettersto
accentuateyourtitles.
8/2007-5/2011
Salary: 7.25 USD Per Hour
Hours per week: 16
OFFICE ASSISTANT
+Managed the front desk of the Student Recreation Center.
+Provided customer support to Armstrong Atlantic faculty, staff, and students by
answering phones, taking messages, swiping cards, and creating guest accounts.
+Developed excellent organization skills by managing accounts and hours.
+Worked to finance 100% of college education. (Contact Supervisor; Yes, Supervisor’s
Name: Ben Recreation, Supervisor’s Phone: 445-233-1234)
City of Savannah, Recreation Department
1/2010—5/2010
Savannah, GA US
Salary: Unpaid
Hours per week: 25
CUSTOMER SERVICE INTERN
+Initiated customer outreach to Savannah and the surrounding area through programs
such as “City Park Adventure 2010” and the “2nd Annual Nature Relay,” working with
budgets of over $30,000.
+Organized over 1000 customer and volunteer files.
+Effectively managed calendar and schedule appointments for the Director and
Assistant Director of Recreation. (Contact Supervisor: Yes, Supervisor’s Name: Wendy
Recreation, Supervisor’s Phone: 223-344-5566).
Atlanta Honda
Atlanta, GA US
8/2004—5/2007
Salary: 9 USD Per Hour
Hours per week: 20
-
EDUCATION
RECEPTIONIST
+Welcomed and initiated prospective customers in one of the area’s largest car
dealerships.
+Also provided excellent customer service while answering and directing phone calls.
(Contact Supervisor: Yes, Supervisor’s Name: Jeff Honda, Supervisor’s Phone: 112-223
3444)
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Savannah, GA US
Bachelor’s Degree—5/2011
Major: History
GPA: 3.7 out of 4.0
Honors: magna cum laude
Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications;
+Studied abroad in Argentina as part of the “History and Culture of Argentina:
Gauchos, Wine, and Tango” program—Junior Year (2010)
+Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Sigma Theta Chapter—Member (2009-2011)
18
SamplefromResumeBuilder
SamplefromResumeBuilder
EDUCATION
UsecapitalLettersto
makeheaderswithin
categories.
Paideia School
Atlanta, GA US
High School of equivalent—5/2007
GPA: 3.9 out of 4.0
Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications:
ACADEMIC HONORS
+Advanced Placement United States History Student of the Year (2007), National Merit
Finalist (May 2007), Honor Roll (2003, 2004)
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
+President of the History Club (2007), Peer Mediator (2004-2007), Secretary of
Student Government (2006)
JOB RELATED TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS
2007, 2008
First-Aid Certified
COMPUTER SKILLS
70 WPM typing ability
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Access
LANGUAGES
REFERENCES
Usethe“Additional
Information”sectionto
includeaparagraphform
ofyourqualifications.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
French
Spoken:
Written:
Read:
Intermediate
Advanced
Advanced
Spanish
Spoken:
Written:
Read:
Intermediate
Advanced
Advanced
Supervisor Name
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Reference Type:
Company
Phone
Email
Professional
Title
Supervisor Name
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Reference Type:
Employer
Phone
Email
Personal
Title
OVERVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS
An ORGANIZED and diligent worker with a passion for history and a skill for customer
service. I have proven myself RELIABLE and TRUSTWORTHY with confidential
information in multiple contexts. Able to bring enthusiasm and creativity to work
projects while still maintaining a high attention to detail. Commitment to accomplishing
goals such as becoming proficient in Spanish.
RESUMEBUILDERTIPS
RESUMEBUILDERTIPS
•
DoNOTactivateyourresumeuntilyouhavefinishedit.Ifyoudo,employerswill
seeyourunfinishedcopy.(Youcansaveitandcomebacktoitwithoutactivatingit.)
•
ResumeBuilderwillletyousaveupto5resumes.Ifyouareinterestedinmultiple
positions,createresumescateringtoeachjobdescription.
19
SampleCoverLetter
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Date
Name of Contact Person
Contact Person’s Title
Name of Agency
Address
City, State ZIP
RE: Name and number of job opening
Dear Name of Contact Person:
Introduction:
Use the opening statement to show enthusiasm for the position. To do this, you may mention one of the
agency’s recent achievements and how it sparked your interest in the position or describe how
your work/values align with the agency’s mission.
Middle:
Express your credentials in a bullet or table format and introduce them with a statement such as my
qualifications include:
• Do not copy and paste from your resume.
• Address the qualifications in the job posting. For instance, if the posting emphasizes leadership,
create a bullet explaining your leadership experience.
• If you have veteran’s preference or qualify for a noncompetitive appointment, state it here.
• Expand on any special circumstances relating to your application (e.g., large gaps in work history,
willingness to relocate).
Conclusion:
Briefly wrap up the letter by stating the best way to contact you (phone, email) and thanking the contact
person for their consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Enclosure: Resume (if sending as a formal letter or email)
*Adapted from “How To Land a Top-Paying Federal Job” by Lily Whiteman
DIDYOUKNOW?KSAs
ApplicationEssayscalledKSAs(Knowledge,Skills,andAbility)andECQs(ExecutiveCoreQualifications)were
requiredforfederaljobapplicationsuntillastyear.In2010,theOfficeofPersonnelManagementissueda
HiringFormeliminatingKSAsandswitchingtheapplicationfocustoresumesandoptionalcoverletters.
20
STEP4:BePatient •
•
•
•
Mostjobpostingsincludeasectionon“WhattoExpectNext.”Thissectionwillgive
youabasictimelineoftheprocessafterapplying.
Youmaynotbecontactedforaninterviewforseveralmonths(dependingonthe
closingdate),soAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBS
APPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSandbepatientafterapplying.
APPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBS
Wheninvitedtointerview,followproperinterviewguidelinesandtips.Formore
informationaboutinterviewetiquettevisittheArmstrongCareerServiceswebsite,
select“Student&AlumniServices,”then“JobSearchResources,”then“Interviewing
Resources.”
Evenafteryoureceiveajoboffer,youmustbepatientduringthesecurity
security
clearanceprocess(includesabackgroundcheck,fingerprinting,creditchecks,and
clearanceprocess
evenaninvestigationoffamily/friendrelationships).Employeeshavedifferent
levelsofsecurityclearance.Theinitialclearanceprocesscantakefromsixmonths
toayear.Higherlevelclearancecanrequireuptotwoyears.TopSecret,Secret,
andConfidentialclearancerequirere-examinationevery5to15years.
SummaryofKeyPoints
SummaryofKeyPoints
•
•
•
•
•
Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsand
subjectareas.
subjectareas.
Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Duetothe
Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!
lengthyhiringprocess,youshouldbeginapplyingabout
8-10monthsbeforeyouwouldliketobeginworking.
Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesector
resumes.
resumes.
Ifyouareaveteran,formalfederalemployee,ormeet
otherqualifications,youmaybeeligibleforanon
nonnoncompetitiveappointmentand/orveteran’spreference
veteran’spreference.
competitiveappointment
veteran’spreference
USAjobs.govisalarge,centraldatabaseoffederaljobs,
USAjobs.gov
butNOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite.
NOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite.
NOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite.
21
AdditionalResources
AdditionalResources
Thefollowingsourceswereusedtocreatethisguide.Pleaseuse
themtolearnmoreaboutfederaljobs:
Crosby,Olivia.“HowtoGetaJobintheFederalGovernment.”OccupationalOutlook
Quarterly,Summer2004.Web<http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/summer/
art01.pdf>.
“FederalGovernmentEmployment.”OfficeofCareerServices,VirginiaTech,2011.
Web.6Jul2011.<http://www.career.vt.edu/FederalGovernmentEmployment/
FederalEmploymentIndex.html>.
“FederalJobs:Overview."MakingtheDifference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.
Web.6Jul2011.<http://makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>.
MakingtheDifference.2011.PartnershipforPubicService.Web.6Jul2011.<http://
makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>.
Roberts,CamilleCarboneau.“CreateanEffectiveFederalResumewiththe
USAJOBS.govOnlineResumeBuilder.”Job-HuntQuickGuide.NETability,Inc,2011.Web.
6Jul2011.<http://www.job-hunt.org/guides/Job-Hunt-USAJOBS-resume.pdf>.
USAjobs.2011.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.Web.6Jul2011.
<http://usajobs.gov>.
Whiteman,Lily.HowtoLandaTop-PayingFederalJob.NewYork,NY:AMACON,2008.
Print.
22