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www.ourpublicservice.org 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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)
www.ourpublicservice.org
Making the DifferenceSubhashree Madhavan National Institutes of Health (HHS)
Tobin Bradley U.S.
Department of State
Nicole Nelson-Jean U.S. Department of Energy
www.ourpublicservice.org
Benefits of Government Service
• Opportunity to make a difference
• Influence the future of our country
• Work/life balance
www.ourpublicservice.org
• 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Grade Qualifying Education
GS-54 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:
1) Class standing (upper third of class)
2) 3.0 or higher GPA; 3.5 or higher GPA in major
3) Honor society membership
GS-9 Master’s degree (or equivalent)
General Schedule (GS) Grade Criteria
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp
Grade Qualifying Education
GS-54 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:
1) Class standing (upper third of class)
2) 3.0 or higher GPA; 3.5 or higher GPA in major
3) Honor society membership
GS-9 Master’s degree (or equivalent)
GS-5 and GS-7 are considered
“entry level”
www.ourpublicservice.org
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9
Atlanta $29,694 $36,783 $44,993
Chicago $31,206 $38,656 $47,284
Dallas $30,066 $37,244 $45,556
New York City $31,919 $39,539 $48,363
San Francisco $33,394 $41,367 $50,599
Washington, DC $30,386 $37,640 $46,041
Selected 2007 Starting Salaries
https://www.opm.gov/oca/07tables/indexGS.asp
Starting salaries for GS-5, GS-7, and GS-9
www.ourpublicservice.org
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9
Atlanta $29,694 $36,783 $44,993
Chicago $31,206 $38,656 $47,284
Dallas $30,066 $37,244 $45,556
New York City $31,919 $39,539 $48,363
San Francisco $33,394 $41,367 $50,599
Washington, DC $30,386 $37,640 $46,041
Then, 2-3 years later… possible career progression:
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9 GS-11
Atlanta $29,694 $36,783 $44,993 $54,438
Chicago $31,206 $38,656 $47,284 $57,210
Dallas $30,066 $37,244 $45,556 $55,119
New York City $31,919 $39,539 $48,363 $58,516
San Francisco $33,394 $41,367 $50,599 $61,221
Washington, DC $30,386 $37,640 $46,041 $55,706
https://www.opm.gov/oca/07tables/indexGS.asp
Selected 2007 Starting Salaries
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where the Jobs Are: By Location
In addition, over 50,000 people work for the U.S. Government abroad!
www.ourpublicservice.org
OCCUPATION # EMPLOYEES
Medical and Public Health 4,108
Accounting and Budget 3,875
Business and Industry 1,950
Engineering and Architecture 1,587
Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare 741
Information Technology 343
Education 319
Where the Jobs Are: By OccupationIn 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Getting Started: Student Programs
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)
Description: • traditional internship• great program for a summer or short term experience
Eligibility: • Any student in enrolled in an accredited degree granting
institution.
Additional:• typically paid• length of the experience is set by the agency. • not required to be posted on www.USAJobs.gov or
www.StudentJobs.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
STEP Example: State Department
www.ourpublicservice.org
Getting Started: Student Programs
Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
Description:
• A student works in an area related to what they are studying.
Eligibility:
• A student in enrolled in an accredited degree granting institution
• An agency must form an agreement with the institution the student is attending
Additional:
• typically paid positions
• students work at least 640 hours (or less depending on academic achievement or prior experience)
• after experience, students are eligible to be hired into an agency non-competitively
• not required to be placed on www.USAJobs.gov or www.StudentJobs.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
SCEP Example: EPA
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Getting Started: Student ProgramsFederal Career Intern Program (FCIP)
Description:
• individual comes on board, full time, for 2 years.
• the term “Intern” refers to the idea of trying out a position for 2 years
Eligibility:
• student who has received a degree from an accredited degree granting institution
• fulfill the academic and skill based requirements set forth by the agency
Additional:
• eligible for all salary and benefits of a regular federal employee
• not required to be placed on www.USAJobs.gov or www.StudentJobs.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
FCIP Examples: FAS and EPA
www.ourpublicservice.org
Getting Started: Student Programs
Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF)
Description:
• government’s prestigious fellowship program
• students complete a 2 year rotation within an agency or between agencies as a full time fellows
Eligibility:
• student who has just completed a master’s program.
• apply during the fall of their final year of graduate school
Additional:
• A candidate must be nominated by their institution.
• For more information: https://www.pmf.opm.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
Professors
Friends
School Alumni
Where to Start Your Search
Family
www.ourpublicservice.org
Tools for Looking• www.makingthedifference.org
Search the Partnership’s site job seeker site for resources and tools
• www.usa.gov The U.S. Government’s official web portal
• Where the Jobs AreA Partnership report with government hiring projections through 2009
• www.bestplacestowork.orgThe most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee satisfaction in the federal government
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: MakingtheDifference.orgResources 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: USA.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: USA.gov
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where the Jobs Are
www.ourpublicservice.org
Best Places To Work bestplacestowork.org
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look
Your Career Development Center
Popular Job/Internship Search Engines
www.usajobs.gov The Government’s main job website
www.studentjobs.govFind an internship with the Government
Agency websitesVisit the websites of agencies whose missions interest you
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: USAJOBS
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: STUDENTJOBS
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Where to Look: Agency Sites
www.ourpublicservice.org
Where to Look: Agency Sites
www.ourpublicservice.org
Now let’s search…
www.ourpublicservice.org
Launch the Process at USAJOBS
www.ourpublicservice.org
Search by Various topics
Search by:
•Keyword
•Location
•Job Category
•Salary Range
•Pay Grade
www.ourpublicservice.org
Federal Jobs by College Major
www.ourpublicservice.org
Search by Interest
An example:
• Chicago, IL
• Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare
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Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
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Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
www.ourpublicservice.org
Overview DutiesQualifications and Evaluation
How to Apply
Benefits and Other
Information
Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
A vacancy announcement can represent multiple
hires.
Don’t forget to follow up.
www.ourpublicservice.org
OverviewSummary of organization’s mission and impact, plus a brief description of the job and its key requirements
Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
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DutiesLists major duties and responsibilities of the position, adding more detail to the brief overview
Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
www.ourpublicservice.org
Qualifications and EvaluationIdentifies skills and experience needed for the role and explains how applications will be assessed
Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
www.ourpublicservice.org
Benefits and Other InformationDescribes additional elements of the compensation package or perks associated with the job
Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement
www.ourpublicservice.org
How to ApplyProvides 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
How to Apply
www.ourpublicservice.org
Overview of the Online ProcessAfter 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Building a Federal Resume Online
www.ourpublicservice.org
Building a Federal Resume Online
Sections:
• Candidate Info.
• Work Experience
• Education
• References
• Affiliations
• Desired Locations
www.ourpublicservice.org
Requirements for a Federal ResumeFederal 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 QualificationsSource: Get Hired!, Lily Whiteman, FPMI, 2005
www.ourpublicservice.org
Building A Federal Resume
www.ourpublicservice.org
Federal Application Process
Applicants will be assessed for federal opportunities using one of the following methods:
Application Questionnaire
KSA or Essay
www.ourpublicservice.org
Sample QuestionnaireServe as a primary point of contact for a specific subject matter.
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.
www.ourpublicservice.org
• 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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
Skill in applying engineering concepts and theories to the solution of engineering problems.
Sample KSA
www.ourpublicservice.org
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 ExampleEarning 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.
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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
www.ourpublicservice.org
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!