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OVERVIEW
The federal government is one of the nation's largest employers (approximately 3 million employees) and when private employers are cutting back or downsizing, the federal government continues to hire. If you are career military and find yourself retiring after 20 years we recommend exploring opportunities within the federal government; ones that will utilize your unique skills. Most of the skills you acquired while serving your country can easily transfer to other federal, military, contract, or government jobs.
The positions are diverse: management, logistics, security, project management, IT/MIS, operations, finance, and medical, just to name a few. Many government or federal jobs hire on a point system, with veterans getting preference.
At first glance, the process seems daunting. But as you review the job description, the federal/government application clearly lists the requirements and skills needed to successfully complete the process. Every agency has their own set of specifications. Some departments instruct you to e-mail or fax the documents, while others want printed copies. Then there are those that allow you to apply online and do a paste and copy of your resume. There are key words for skills that will act as a selective factor; for example, some government agencies require you have an active security clearance level.
There are many other components to the application, from KSAs to in-depth essay questions. The complexity of the documents depend on many things; an important one being the grade level of the position (the higher the grade, the more difficult the application process).
PROCESS
We gather all the pertinent information via, OERs, EPRs, performance reviews, and conduct a telephone interview, if necessary. This gives us a full picture of your career and accomplishments. If we are utilizing documents to create or support your federal resume, you can send them to us via email or regular mail.
The turnaround time for receiving a draft of your resume is 48-72 hours after receipt of your documents. We are available by telephone during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
We cannot create a one size fits all federal resume. It is important that the requirements of the specific career opportunity you are applying for and your skill set are a match. We can show you how to customize your resume to fit other positions (or we can do it for you, for a nominal fee). Visit www.usajobs.com for available job openings.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSA)
Many federal positions will require you to complete a set of specific KSAs or essay questions. These are an important part of the selection process and must be completed correctly. Most KSAs are less than one page in length (or 3,000 characters) and use the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) format. They are used to determine your qualification value - either "Best Qualified" or "Qualified." Obviously, you want to be judged "Best Qualified" and offered an interview. All departments rank the KSAs according to their guidelines, either on a point value or percentage of the total points awarded system. Many KSAs are generic; therefore, you will be able to use those KSAs for other job announcements.
Early in 2010, some federal agencies are requiring that the KSAs be part of the federal resume. This will make the application process much easier for the job seeker. You must read the job requirements to see if you will be able to include the KSAs in the resume. The complete transition will probably take two to three years until all agencies are in compliance. If you are unsure of the job requirements, send a copy to us and we will review at no charge to see if you can include them in the resume.
APPLYING ONLINE
There are many online applications, such as QuickHire, USAJobs, AVUE, and military job boards. They all have specific formats and can be difficult to navigate. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation before you start. Many agencies afford the option to go online and print out the essay questions before you fill out the online application.
Read the announcement carefully. If it states that candidates will only be chosen internally, DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTS. They are stating exactly what they mean.
Remember, the government clearly lists the requirements, unlike the private sector. Make sure you have the necessary skill set required; quantify, when possible. Your application will be rejected if you do not meet the necessary requirements.
Even though the application process seems confusing, we can assist you in your job search by composing your resume, assisting you with your KSAs, essay questions, and any other documentation that is needed.
Our firm is here to provide assistance to our clients at an affordable price. We have been in business for more than 21 years and have been creating federal, military, and government resumes and supporting documentation for the past 12 years. Our prices are reasonable and we have the expertise to get your documents rated "Best Qualified."
Resumix or Federal resume formats:
$199.00 to $299.00 [depending on complexity and number of documents]
SES Resume - $319.00 and up [depending on complexity and number of documents]
SES ECQs - $75.00 each (5 for $300.00)
KSAs or Essays
$39.00 - $59.00 each [depending on grade level] (from worksheets)
Compose a traditional version of your federal resume - $69.00
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