StudentWorkshop PPSformat 07 25 2007

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I N S P I R E T R A N S F O R M R E A L I Z E Making the Difference Jobs with the Federal Government

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Agenda Part 2: Navigating the Process How to Search for a Federal Internship or Job How to Apply for a Federal Internship or Job Essays & KSAs Summary Part 1: Opportunities and Benefits A Job for Every Interest Benefits of Government Service Where the Jobs Are

What Young Feds Say about Their Jobs: 

What Young Feds Say about Their Jobs “I work on the most important national security and humanitarian issues our country faces today and see real progress towards improving how we respond to crises.” (DOD) “Working for the Government offers me a level of experience and substantive knowledge that I could not access in the private sector at this stage of my career.” (STATE) “I am able to make a big difference by working from within the Government.” (OPM) “I am able to make a big difference by working from within the Government.” (OPM) “Working for the Government offers me a level of experience and substantive knowledge that I could not access in the private sector at this stage of my career.” (STATE) “I work on the most important national security and humanitarian issues our country faces today and see real progress towards improving how we respond to crises.” (DOD)

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Making the Difference Subhashree Madhavan National Institutes of Health (HHS) Tobin Bradley U.S. Department of State Nicole Nelson-Jean U.S. Department of Energy

Benefits of Government Service: 

Benefits of Government Service Opportunity to make a difference Influence the future of our country Work/life balance

Benefits of Government Service: 

Student loan repayment assistance Some agencies may repay up to $10,000 of your student loans per year In 2006, 34 agencies provided 5,755 employees with $36 million in assistance The average loan repayment in 2006 was $6,245 Flexible schedules and generous vacation Training and professional development Competitive health and retirement benefits Excellent advancement opportunities Benefits of Government Service

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Federal Pay & Advancement General Schedule (GS) is the pay scale for many Federal jobs from 1-15. Varies by geographic location Each GRADE has 10 steps, allowing for a range of salaries Within a few years, you can progress through several grades

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General Schedule (GS) Grade Criteria http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp

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Selected 2007 Starting Salaries https://www.opm.gov/oca/07tables/indexGS.asp Starting salaries for GS-5, GS-7, and GS-9

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Then, 2-3 years later… possible career progression: https://www.opm.gov/oca/07tables/indexGS.asp Selected 2007 Starting Salaries

Where the Jobs Are: By Location: 

Where the Jobs Are: By Location In addition, over 50,000 people work for the U.S. Government abroad!

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Where the Jobs Are: By Occupation In FY2006, roughly 36,000 people were hired in the Federal Government at the entry level, GS-5 to GS-7. Here’s how many of those were hired into the following occupations: Source: www.fedscope.opm.gov

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Agenda Part 2: Navigating the Process How to Search for a Federal Internship or Job How to Apply for a Federal Internship or Job Essays & KSAs Summary Part 1: Opportunities and Benefits A Job for Every Interest Benefits of Government Service Where the Jobs Are

Getting Started: Student Programs: 

Getting Started: Student Programs

STEP Example: State Department: 

STEP Example: State Department

Getting Started: Student Programs: 

Getting Started: Student Programs

SCEP Example: EPA: 

SCEP Example: EPA

Getting Started: Student Programs: 

Getting Started: Student Programs

FCIP Examples: FAS and EPA: 

FCIP Examples: FAS and EPA

Getting Started: Student Programs: 

Getting Started: Student Programs

Where to Start Your Search: 

Professors Friends School Alumni Where to Start Your Search Family

Tools for Looking: 

Tools for Looking

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Where to Look: MakingtheDifference.org Resources include: Ten Reasons to Consider a Federal Career Red, White and Blue Jobs Library: How to Find Great Jobs in the Federal Service Interest-Specific Career Guides Internship Database Agency Profiles Profiles in Public Service Security Clearance

Where to Look: USA.gov: 

Where to Look: USA.gov

Where to Look: USA.gov: 

Where to Look: USA.gov

Where the Jobs Are: 

Where the Jobs Are Outlines projected hiring needs through 2009 Covers 99% of the federal workforce, 34 agencies 193,000 mission critical jobs Presented by agency and by occupation Download on: MakingtheDifference.org

Where the Jobs Are: 

Where the Jobs Are

Best Places To Work bestplacestowork.org: 

Best Places To Work bestplacestowork.org

Where to Look: 

Where to Look Your Career Development Center Popular Job/Internship Search Engines www.usajobs.gov The Government’s main job website www.studentjobs.gov Find an internship with the Government Agency websites Visit the websites of agencies whose missions interest you

Where to Look: USAJOBS: 

Where to Look: USAJOBS

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Where to Look: STUDENTJOBS

Where to Look: Agency Sites: 

Where to Look: Agency Sites

Where to Look: Agency Sites: 

Where to Look: Agency Sites

Now let’s search…: 

Now let’s search…

Launch the Process at USAJOBS: 

Launch the Process at USAJOBS

Search by Various topics: 

Search by Various topics Search by: Keyword Location Job Category Salary Range Pay Grade

Federal Jobs by College Major: 

Federal Jobs by College Major

Search by Interest: 

Search by Interest An example: Chicago, IL Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Overview Duties Qualifications and Evaluation How to Apply Benefits and Other Information Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Overview Summary of organization’s mission and impact, plus a brief description of the job and its key requirements Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Duties Lists major duties and responsibilities of the position, adding more detail to the brief overview Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Qualifications and Evaluation Identifies skills and experience needed for the role and explains how applications will be assessed Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

Benefits and Other Information Describes additional elements of the compensation package or perks associated with the job Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement: 

How to Apply Provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply and may include information on when/how applicants can expect to hear from the agency Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

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How to Apply Be careful to follow the “How to Apply” directions closely, since they may differ across agencies

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How to Apply

Overview of the Online Process: 

Overview of the Online Process After selecting the job to which you’d like to apply, there are usually several steps in the online application process: Create your federal resume Answer the questions posed online Submit the complete application package by the stated deadline Follow up with the appropriate agency contact to inquire about progress in hiring for the position

Building a Federal Resume Online: 

Building a Federal Resume Online

Building a Federal Resume Online: 

Building a Federal Resume Online

Requirements for a Federal Resume: 

Requirements for a Federal Resume Federal resumes require more detail than standard resumes. Essentials include: Information about the opening Your personal information Education and coursework levels Work Experience Dates and number of hours per week Location of position & supervisor contact info Other Qualifications Source: Get Hired!, Lily Whiteman, FPMI, 2005

Building A Federal Resume: 

Building A Federal Resume

Federal Application Process: 

Federal Application Process

Sample Questionnaire: 

Sample Questionnaire Serve as a primary point of contact for a specific subject matter. I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job. 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. 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. 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.

Application Essays: 

Can be extremely important in the evaluation process in sorting out the best qualified candidates Vary depending on the job, but examples include: skill in written and oral communications; demonstrated technical ability; knowledge of specific subject matter areas Are similar to interview questions; answers should provide concrete examples (coursework and volunteer experience count), particularly to demonstrate quantifiable results, complexity, or leadership Should be a narrative written in first person and about 1-2 pages each Agencies commonly require essays as part of the application to address characteristics they seek. Application Essays

What is KSA?: 

KSA is an acronym for “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities” What is KSA? Ability to communicate orally. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to work with data on a computer. Ability to organize the work flow of clerical and administrative support functions. Note: Specifically address each KSA in your application, providing examples of how your experience prepares you for this role

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Context: Describe the specific problem you had to address (What did you have to solve, resolve, respond to, handle, etc.) Challenges: Describe the factors that contributed to a particular challenge such as budget cuts, new legislation, institutional reform, new goals from upper management, etc. Action: Describe the steps you took to solve the problem (Stay away from the ordinary -- be extraordinary in your response) Result: Outcomes of your actions- use %, #s, grades (What was the difference you made – highlight THE BEST) KSA Response Approach: CCAR

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Skill in applying engineering concepts and theories to the solution of engineering problems. Sample KSA

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Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering has given me a firm foundation of the engineering principles necessary to solve challenging problems. As a senior engineering major I often tutored freshmen in introductory level engineering classes such as Dynamic Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. For my thesis project at the University of Michigan I designed a remote-controllable Geiger counter that could be used by the military to detect radiation sources that are too hazardous for personnel to approach. The project gave me the opportunity to solidify my knowledge of physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts as they apply to the real world. For my work on my thesis I received the highest honors from the university and my paper has since been published in an academic journal. Green – Action Red – Result Black – Context Blue - Challenge Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering has given me a firm foundation of the engineering principles necessary to solve challenging problems. As a senior engineering major I often tutored freshmen in introductory level engineering classes such as Dynamic Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. For my thesis project at the University of Michigan I designed a remote-controllable Geiger counter that could be used by the military to detect radiation sources that are too hazardous for personnel to approach. The project gave me the opportunity to solidify my knowledge of physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts as they apply to the real world. For my work on my thesis I received the highest honors from the university and my paper has since been published in an academic journal. Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering has given me a firm foundation of the engineering principles necessary to solve challenging problems. As a senior engineering major I often tutored freshmen in introductory level engineering classes such as Dynamic Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. For my thesis project at the University of Michigan I designed a remote-controllable Geiger counter that could be used by the military to detect radiation sources that are too hazardous for personnel to approach. The project gave me the opportunity to solidify my knowledge of physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts as they apply to the real world. For my work on my thesis I received the highest honors from the university and my paper has since been published in an academic journal. KSA Response Example Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering has given me a firm foundation of the engineering principles necessary to solve challenging problems. As a senior engineering major I often tutored freshmen in introductory level engineering classes such as Dynamic Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. For my thesis project at the University of Michigan I designed a remote-controllable Geiger counter that could be used by the military to detect radiation sources that are too hazardous for personnel to approach. The project gave me the opportunity to solidify my knowledge of physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts as they apply to the real world. For my work on my thesis I received the highest honors from the university and my paper has since been published in an academic journal. Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering has given me a firm foundation of the engineering principles necessary to solve challenging problems. As a senior engineering major I often tutored freshmen in introductory level engineering classes such as Dynamic Analysis and Fluid Mechanics. For my thesis project at the University of Michigan I designed a remote-controllable Geiger counter that could be used by the military to detect radiation sources that are too hazardous for personnel to approach. The project gave me the opportunity to solidify my knowledge of physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts as they apply to the real world. For my work on my thesis I received the highest honors from the university and my paper has since been published in an academic journal.

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Summary Tips for the KSA Section Address key words/phrases mentioned in the position description Tie your experiences to each KSA Use illustrative examples Focus on outcomes to which you directly contributed Use plain language, without acronyms Review your answers to ensure they are succinct, easy to read, and grammatically correct

Applicant Eligibility: 

Applicant Eligibility When submitting an application, agencies request eligibility information including: Past or current Federal employment Veteran qualifications (http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetsInfo.asp) Disability status Non-competitive appointment Peace Corps and AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers have 1 year of non-competitive eligibility http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whyvol.profben#adv, http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/alumni/opportunities.asp

Summary Tips for Applying: 

Summary Tips for Applying Plan ahead- allow plenty of time to thoroughly complete your application Select carefully- always consider using a tailored application for each vacancy you apply Prepare for a wait- don’t assume you have been rejected if you do not hear back within weeks of submitting your application Follow-up with an agency- contact the identified representative to learn the status of an application or find out more about a job

What Happens Next: 

What Happens Next After the closing date for applications, the agency evaluates candidate qualifications From this assessment, the agency produces a list of qualified candidates From the list of qualified applicants, agencies select candidates for interviews At this point, agencies are like other organizations They conduct interviews and select the best candidate(s) for the job Some jobs require security clearance

Summary: 

Summary Federal agencies hire the best and brightest, and getting a Federal job is competitive Increase your chances of being hired by following a few clear steps Research potential opportunities Consider various employment avenues Search on job websites and specific agencies Follow the application directions carefully Sell yourself!