Tips for Applying to Federal Jobs

Hi all,

Happy Friday!  My coworker attended the Federal Jobs Career Fair at City College this past week and here are some excellent tips and information she learned that will hopefully help you!  If you like to discuss this with a career counselor, call our office at 415-422-6216 to schedule an appointment!

Thanks,

Ellen

Presenter: Julie Saad, Human Resources Specialist, US Office of Personnel Management

Email: julie.saad@opm.gov

Benefits of Government Service:

• Public Service
• Work/Life Balance
• Excellent Advance Opportunities
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Flex time and tele-work options
• Pay is comparable to private sector

Pay Grades

Range: GS1 to GS15 and varies geographically

GS-5 – requires Bachelor degree

GS-7 -  requires Bachelor degree, 3.0 or higher GPA, member of Honor Society, upper 1/3 of class level

GS-9 – requires Masters degree

San Francisco example of pay grades:

GS-5 - $36,309

GS-7 - $44,976

GS-9 - $55,015

GS-11 - $66,562

By Fall 2012, the Federal government projects to hire 273,000 new workers.  Where the hot jobs will be:

1. Medical & Public Health
2. Security & Protection
3. Compliance & Enforcement
4. Legal
5. Administration & Program Management

Student Hiring Programs:

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

Temporarily work for a Federal agency while in school.

Position terminates upon graduation.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

College studies are related to work at a Federal agency.

Work for agency until graduation.

Agency can offer a permanent position upon graduation.

Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF)

For graduate students.

2 year, full-time developmental program.

Agency can offer a permanent position upon completion.

Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP)

For recent, new graduates.

Apply for positions announced via the program.

2 year, full-time training/development program.

Agency can offer a permanent position upon completion.

Steps to find Federal Jobs:

1. Go to www.usajobs.gov.
2. Create a USAJobs account.
3. Create a Federal resume.
4. Answer questions posted online.
5. Complete application package by deadline.
6. Follow-up with agency contact.

KSAs = Knowledge, Skills, Ability

1. Address key words/phrases used in job description.
2. Tie experiences to each KSA.
3. Use illustrative examples.
4. Focus on outcomes.

Tips:

1. Apply in the Fall of your last year in school.
2. Plan ahead to thoroughly complete application(s).
3. Tailor your search.
4. Follow up with agency point of contact provided in the job description.

What happens after you apply?

1. After closing date, the agency reviews the applications submitted to USAJobs.
2. Agency selects the best candidates and develops a list.
3. Agency selects the candidates to interview.
4. Agency conducts the interviews.

Basic security clearances are performed in 37 days.  More in-depth security clearances take 72 days.

Key Web Sites:

www.USAJOBS.gov = Federal jobs

www.studentjobs.gov = specifically for students

www.makingthedifference.org = resource to start the exploration process

www.opm.gov/careerintern/index.asp = Federal career intern program

The full Powerpoint presentation will be available on City College of San Francisco Career Center’s web site in the next week.