Armstrong Federal Job Guide

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ArmstrongArmstrongArmstrongArmstrongFederalJob

Guide

OfficeofCareerServicesOfficeofCareerServicesOfficeofCareerServicesOfficeofCareerServicesMCC10111935AbercornSt.Savannah,[email protected]

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Step4:BePatientStep4:BePatientStep4:BePatientStep4:BePatient 21

AdditionalResources 22

Step3:AssembleandSubmityourApplicationStep3:AssembleandSubmityourApplicationStep3:AssembleandSubmityourApplicationStep3:AssembleandSubmityourApplication 15

CreatingaFederalResume 15

PerfectingyourCoverLetter 15

SampleResume 16

Didyouknow?Veterans’Preference 17

SampleResumefromResumeBuilder 18

SampleCoverLetter 20

Didyouknow?KSAs 20

TABLEOFCONTENTSTABLEOFCONTENTSTABLEOFCONTENTSTABLEOFCONTENTS

Step2:SearchforJobPostingsStep2:SearchforJobPostingsStep2:SearchforJobPostingsStep2:SearchforJobPostings 10

Full-timeemploymentpostings 10

SampleJobPosting 11

Didyouknow?ExceptedService 12

Internship,fellowship,orstudentjobpostings 13

CongressionalandForeignServicepositions 14

Didyouknow?FederalInternships 14

UnderstandingFederalPayScales 14

Whyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobsWhyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobsWhyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobsWhyapply?BenefitsofFederalJobs3

Step1:IdentifypositionsandagenciesofinterestStep1:IdentifypositionsandagenciesofinterestStep1:IdentifypositionsandagenciesofinterestStep1:Identifypositionsandagenciesofinterest 4

Didyouknow?PercentageofFederaljobsbyRegion 4

Positions:Whatfederaljobsrelatetomymajor? 5

Didyouknow?FrequencyofFederaljobsbySector 9

Agencies:Whichagenciesinterestme? 9

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Asof2010,thefederalgovernmentemployedover2.65millionworkersintheExecutivebranchalone.Theseemployeesenjoyavarietyofbenefitsincluding:

• Jobsecurity

• Aseriesofnoncompetitiveraises

• Reinstatementeligibility

Ifyouleavefederalservicewithin3yearsofbeginning employment,youhave3yearstodecideifyouwanttobe reinstated.Ifyoustaywithinfederalserviceforover3years,you havereinstatementeligibilityforalifetime.

• Possibleopportunitiestomovebetweenagencies

• Qualityhealthinsuranceandretirementplans

• Geographicalflexibility

Withjobopeningsacrossthenationandpositionsinalmosteveryfield,thefederalgovernmenthasawiderangeofemploymentopportunities.

WHYAPPLY?WHYAPPLY?WHYAPPLY?WHYAPPLY?

DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?

NonNonNonNon----competitiveStatuscompetitiveStatuscompetitiveStatuscompetitiveStatusMostfederalpositionsarecompetitive,meaningthattheyareopentoapplicantsoutsidethefederalgovernmentandfilledaccordingtoqualificationsandinterviews.However,currentorformerfederalemployeesareeligiblefornon-competitivestatuswithinthefederalhiringprocess.NonNonNonNon----competitivestatuscompetitivestatuscompetitivestatuscompetitivestatusmayalsobegiventoapplicantswhomeettheminimumqualificationsandoneofthefollowingconditions:veterans,peoplewithdisabilities,displacedfederalemployees,returnedPeaceCorpvolunteers,qualifiedfortheBilingual/Biculturalprogram,andapplicantstointernshipsandstudentjobsprograms.TofindoutifyouareeligibleforanonTofindoutifyouareeligibleforanonTofindoutifyouareeligibleforanonTofindoutifyouareeligibleforanon----competitivestatus,competitivestatus,competitivestatus,competitivestatus,contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.contacttheprogram/agencyyouareaffiliatedwith.Ifyoudohavenon-competitivestatus,youcanexpandyoursearchonUSAjobs.govbyclicking“AdvancedSearch”andcheckingtheboxfornon-competitivestatus.Asanapplicantwithnon-competitiveeligibility,youaregivenpriorityintheapplicationprocessandyoumaybeabletosearchmorepositions.

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FederalJobsbyRegionFederalJobsbyRegionFederalJobsbyRegionFederalJobsbyRegion

FederalJobsarenotlimitedtoWashingtonD.C.TheycanbefoundacrosstheUnitedStatesandevenabroad.NotethegeographicaldistributionofFederalJobsin2010.84%ofFederaljobswerelocatedOUTSIDEofWashington,D.C.,and15.8%ofFederaljobswerelocatedintheSoutheast.

PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010PercentageofFederalJobsbyRegion,2010

SourceSourceSourceSource:"FederalJobs:Overview."MakingtheDifference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011.<http://makingthedifference.org/federaljobs>.

STEP1:STEP1:STEP1:STEP1:Identifypositions

andagenciesofinterestSoyou’vedecidedthatyou’reinterestedinworkingforthefederalgovernment.Whatnow?

Sincethegovernmenthassomanydifferentpositionsavailable,itisimportanttotargetyoursearchbydecidingwhichpositionsandagenciesaremostinterestingtoyou.Thissectionincludesalistofpossiblefederalcareersbymajorandaguidetofederalagencies.Whileinthisstep,itmaybehelpfultodiscussdifferenttypesofpositionswithfaculty,staff,orcurrentfederalemployees.

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FEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajorFEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajorFEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajorFEDERALPOSITIONS,bymajorGovernmentemployeesspecializeinawide-varietyofareas.Belowisachartoffederaljobsbymajorfromusajobs.gov.Youcanqualifyforsomeofthesejobsregardlessofmajor(especiallywithjob-relatedexperi-ence).Donotbediscouragedfromapplyingforpositionsthatarenotrelatedtoyourmajor,especiallyifyouDonotbediscouragedfromapplyingforpositionsthatarenotrelatedtoyourmajor,especiallyifyouDonotbediscouragedfromapplyingforpositionsthatarenotrelatedtoyourmajor,especiallyifyouDonotbediscouragedfromapplyingforpositionsthatarenotrelatedtoyourmajor,especiallyifyouhaveworkexperiencethatisinlinewiththeannouncement.haveworkexperiencethatisinlinewiththeannouncement.haveworkexperiencethatisinlinewiththeannouncement.haveworkexperiencethatisinlinewiththeannouncement.Thislistisnotcomprehensive,soremembertosearchforjobsoutsideofthesetitles.

*site:http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/jobsbycollegemajor.asp#icc

ANYMAJORANYMAJORANYMAJORANYMAJOREnvironmentalProtectionCivilRightsAnalystPersonneloccupationsAdministrativeOfficerManagementAnalystLogisticsManagementParalegalSpecialistContractRepresentativeClaimsExaminingPublicAffairsWritingandEditingInternalRevenueOfficerContractAdministrationGeneralInvestigatorAirTrafficControllerManagementAnalystsProgramAnalystsSupplyManagementACCOUNTINGACCOUNTINGACCOUNTINGACCOUNTINGAccountantsAuditorsContractSpecialistsFinancialManagersFinancialAdministratorsFinancialInstitutionExaminersGAOFinancialAuditorsIntelligenceSpecialistsInternalRevenueAgentsAGRICULTUREAGRICULTUREAGRICULTUREAGRICULTURESoilConservationistsAgriculturalCommodityGradersAgriculturalEngineersAgriculturalMgmt.Spec.AgriculturalProgramSpec.AgriculturalMarketReportersAgriculturalMarketingSpec.ForeignAgricultureAffairsSpecialistsSoilScientistsAGRONOMYAGRONOMYAGRONOMYAGRONOMYAgronomistsAgriculturalMgmt.Spec.SoilConservationistsSoilScientists

ANTHROPOLOGYANTHROPOLOGYANTHROPOLOGYANTHROPOLOGYAnthropologistsMuseumCuratorsMuseumSpecialistsProgramAnalystsManagementAnalysts

ARCHEOLOGYARCHEOLOGYARCHEOLOGYARCHEOLOGYArchaeologistsMuseumCuratorsMuseumSpecialists

ARCHITECTUREARCHITECTUREARCHITECTUREARCHITECTUREArchitectsConstructionAnalystsConstructionControlInspector.LandscapeArchitectsNavalArchitectsProgramAnalysts

ARTS,FINEANDAPPLIEDARTS,FINEANDAPPLIEDARTS,FINEANDAPPLIEDARTS,FINEANDAPPLIEDArtsSpecialistsAudio-VisualProductionSpecialistsRecreationandCreativeArtsTherapistsExhibitsSpecialistsGeneralArtsandInformationSpecialistsIllustratorsPhotographersVisualInformationSpecialists

ASTRONOMYASTRONOMYASTRONOMYASTRONOMYAstronomersandSpaceScientistsGeodesists

AVIATIONAVIATIONAVIATIONAVIATIONAirSafetyInvestigatorsAirTrafficControllersAircraftOperatorsAviationSafetyInspectorsAirNavigatorsAircrewTechnicians

BIOLOGYBIOLOGYBIOLOGYBIOLOGYGeneralBiologicalScientistsEntomologistsFisheryBiologistsMicrobiologistsRangeConservationistsWildlifeBiologistsZoologists

BOTANYBOTANYBOTANYBOTANYAgronomistsBotanistsForestryTechniciansGeneticistsHorticulturistsPlantPathologistsPlantPhysiologistsPlantProtectionandQuarantineSpecialistsRangeConservationists

BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSProjectManagerBudgetAnalystsBusinessandIndustrySpec.CommissaryStoreManagersGAOAnalystImportSpecialistsInternalRevenueOfficersMiscellaneousAdministrativeandProgramsSpecialistsQualityAssuranceSpecialistsTradeSpecialistsContractSpecialistsCARTOGRAPHYCARTOGRAPHYCARTOGRAPHYCARTOGRAPHYCartographersCartographicTechniciansGeodeticTechnicians

CHEMISTRYCHEMISTRYCHEMISTRYCHEMISTRYChemicalEngineersChemistsConsumerSafetyOfficersEnvironmentalEngineersFoodTechnologistsHealthPhysicists

IntelligenceSpecialistsToxicologists

COMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONSTelecommunicationsManagersCommunicationsSpecialistsPublicAffairsSpecialistsTechnicalWritersandEditorsWritersandEditors

CORRECTIONSCORRECTIONSCORRECTIONSCORRECTIONSCorrectionalInstitutionAdministratorsCorrectionalOfficersProgramAnalysts

COUNSELINGCOUNSELINGCOUNSELINGCOUNSELINGChaplainsEduc.andVocationalTrainingSpecialistsPersonnelSpecialistsPsychologistsPsychologyAidsandTechniciansSocialServiceAidsandAssistantsSocialServiceReps.VocationalRehabSpec.EqualOpportunityComplianceSpecialistsEducationalServicesSpecialists

CRIMINALJUSTICE/LAWCRIMINALJUSTICE/LAWCRIMINALJUSTICE/LAWCRIMINALJUSTICE/LAWENFORCEMENTENFORCEMENTENFORCEMENTENFORCEMENTBorderPatrolAgentsCriminalInvestigatorsGameLawEnfc.AgentsGAOAnalystInternalRevenueOfficersPoliceOfficersUnitedStatesMarshals

DIETETICSANDNUTRITIONDIETETICSANDNUTRITIONDIETETICSANDNUTRITIONDIETETICSANDNUTRITIONDietitiansFoodTechnologistsNutritionists

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ECONOMICSECONOMICSECONOMICSECONOMICSActuariesBudgetAnalystsContractSpecialistsEconomistsFinancialAnalystsFinancialInstit.ExaminersGAOAnalystLoanSpecialistsTradeSpecialistsTransportationIndustrialAnalysts

EDUCATIONEDUCATIONEDUCATIONEDUCATIONEducationandTrainingSpecialistsEduc.andVocationalTrainingSpecialistsVocationalRehab.SpecialistsEducationalProgramSpecialistsEmployeeDev.SpecialistsPublicHealthEducatorsTrainingInstructorsInstructionalSystemsSpecialistsEducationalServicesSpecialists

ELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGYELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGYELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGYELECTRONICSTECHNOLOGYCommunicationsSpecialistsElectronicsTechniciansPatentExaminersElectronicsMechanics

EMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONSEMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONSEMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONSEMPLOYEE/LABORRELATIONSContractorIndustrialRel.SpecialistsEmployeeRelationsSpecialistsHearingandAppealsSpecialistsLaborManagementRelationsExaminersLaborRelationsSpecialistsMediatorsSalaryandWageAdmin.WorkersCompensationClaimsExaminers

ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY)ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY)ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY)ENGINEERING(ANYSPECIALTY)GeneralEngineersCivilEngineersMechanicalEngineersElectricalEngineersElectronicsEngineersAerospaceEngineers

IndustrialEngineersNuclearEngineersComputerEngineersBiomedicalEngineers(11otherEngineeringfields)

ENGLISHANDLITERATUREENGLISHANDLITERATUREENGLISHANDLITERATUREENGLISHANDLITERATUREEditorialAssistantsPrintingSpecialistsPublicAffairsSpecialistsTechnicalWritersandEditorsWritersandEditorsMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsProgramAnalystsProgramManagersManagementAnalysts

ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIESENVIRONMENTALSTUDIESENVIRONMENTALSTUDIESENVIRONMENTALSTUDIESEcologistsEnvironmentalHealthTechniciansEnvironmentalProtectionAssistantsEnvironmentalProtectionSpecialistsGAOAnalystGen.FishandWildlifeAdministratorsFishandWildlifeRefugeManagementMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsToxicologists

EPIDEMIOLOGYEPIDEMIOLOGYEPIDEMIOLOGYEPIDEMIOLOGYEnvironmentalHealthTechniciansGen.HealthScientistsIndustrialHygienistsMicrobiologists

FINANCEFINANCEFINANCEFINANCEAppraisersandAssessorsBudgetAnalystsFinancialAdministratorsFinancialAnalystsFinancialInstitutionExaminersGAOAnalystSecuritiesComplianceExaminersTaxExaminersTradeSpecialists

FISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFEFISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFEFISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFEFISH,GAME,ANDWILDLIFEMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTGen.FishandWildlifeAdministratorsFishandWildlifeRefugeManagementFisheryBiologistsGameLawEnforcementAgentsSoilConservationistsWildlifeBiologistsWildlifeRescueManagersGeneralBiologicalScientists

FOODTECHNOLOGYANDFOODTECHNOLOGYANDFOODTECHNOLOGYANDFOODTECHNOLOGYANDSAFETYSAFETYSAFETYSAFETYConsumerSafetyInspectorsConsumerSafetyOfficersDietitianandNutritionistsFoodAssistanceProgramSpecialistsFoodTechnologistsToxicologists

FOREIGNLANGUAGEFOREIGNLANGUAGEFOREIGNLANGUAGEFOREIGNLANGUAGEAirSafetyInvestigatorsBorderPatrolAgentsCustomsInspectorsLanguageSpecialistsEqualEmploymentOpportunitySpecialistsForeignAffairsSpecialistsForeignAgriculturalAffairsSpecialistsIntelligenceSpecialists

FORESTRYFORESTRYFORESTRYFORESTRYForestersSoilConservationistsManagementAnalystsProgramAnalystsGen.FishandWildlifeAdministratorsFishandWildlifeRefugeManagement

GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYCartographersGeographers

GEOLOGYGEOLOGYGEOLOGYGEOLOGYGeodesistsGeologistsHydrologistsOceanographersGen.PhysicalScientists

GEOPHYSICSGEOPHYSICSGEOPHYSICSGEOPHYSICSGeophysicistsGen.PhysicalScientists

HEALTHHEALTHHEALTHHEALTHEnvironmentalHealthTechniciansGAOAnalystGen.HealthScientistsHealthPhysicistsHealthSystemAdmin.HealthSystemSpec.IndustrialHygienistsPublicHealthProgramsSpecialistsSafetyandOccup.HealthManagementSpecialists

HISTORYHISTORYHISTORYHISTORYArchivesTechniciansArchivistsExhibitsSpecialistsHistoriansIntelligenceSpecialistsMuseumCuratorsMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsManagementAnalystsProgramAnalysts

HOMEECONOMICSHOMEECONOMICSHOMEECONOMICSHOMEECONOMICSConsumerSafetyOfficersFoodTechnologists

HORTICULTUREHORTICULTUREHORTICULTUREHORTICULTUREAgriculturalMgt.SpecialistGen.BiologicalScientistsHorticulturistsPlantProtectionandQuaran.SpecialistsPlantPhysiologistsSpecialistsMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialists

HOSPITALADMINISTRATIONHOSPITALADMINISTRATIONHOSPITALADMINISTRATIONHOSPITALADMINISTRATIONAdministrativeOfficersHealthSystemAdministrators

HealthSystemSpecialistsHospitalHousekeepersGen.HealthScientistsPublicHealthProgramsSpecialists

Positionsbymajor,cont’dPositionsbymajor,cont’dPositionsbymajor,cont’dPositionsbymajor,cont’d

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HUMANRESOURCEHUMANRESOURCEHUMANRESOURCEHUMANRESOURCEMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTApprenticeshipandTrainingRepresentativesEmployeeDev.SpecialistsEqualEmploymentOpportunitySpecialistsHumanResourceSpecialistMilitaryPers.Mgmt.Spec.PersonnelStaffingSpec.PositionClassificationSpecialists

HYDROLOGYHYDROLOGYHYDROLOGYHYDROLOGYEnvironmentalEngineersEnvironmentalProtectionSpecialistsHydrologistsGen.FishandWildlifeAdministratorsFishandWildlifeRefugeManagementProgramAnalysts

INDUSTRIALMANAGEMENTINDUSTRIALMANAGEMENTINDUSTRIALMANAGEMENTINDUSTRIALMANAGEMENTBusinessandInd.SpecialistsEquipmentSpecialistsIndustrialHygienistsIndustrialPropertyManagersIndustrialSpecialistsManagementAnalystsProductionControllersProgramAnalystsPropertyDisposalSpecialistsQualityAssuranceSpecialists

INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYINFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYINFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYINFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYInformationTechnologySpecialistsComputerSpecialistsProgramManagersManagementAnalystsComputerProgrammers

INSURANCEINSURANCEINSURANCEINSURANCECropInsuranceAdministratorsSocialInsuranceAdmin.SocialInsuranceClaimsExaminerUnemploymentInsuranceSpecialistsMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsProgramAnalysts

INTERNATIONALRELATIONSINTERNATIONALRELATIONSINTERNATIONALRELATIONSINTERNATIONALRELATIONSForeignAffairsSpecialistsForeignAgricult.AffairsSpecialistsIntelligenceSpecialistsLanguageSpecialistsPublicAffairsSpecialistsTradeSpecialistsInternationalRelationsWorkers

JOURNALISMJOURNALISMJOURNALISMJOURNALISMAgricult.MarketReportersPrintingSpecialistsPublicAffairsSpecialistsWritersandEditorsTechnicalWritersandEditorsProgramAnalysts

LAWLAWLAWLAWAdministrativeLawJudgesAttorneysHearingandAppealsSpecialistsLegalInstrumentsExaminersParalegalSpecialistsPatentAttorneysTaxLawSpecialists

LAWENFORCEMENTLAWENFORCEMENTLAWENFORCEMENTLAWENFORCEMENTAlcohol,Tobacco,andFirearmsInspectorsBorderPatrolAgentsCriminalInvestigatorsCustomsInspectorsGameLawEnforcementAgentsImmigrationInspectorsInspec.,Invest.andComplianceSpecialistsPoliceOfficersUnitedStatesMarshals

LIBERALARTS/HUMANITIESLIBERALARTS/HUMANITIESLIBERALARTS/HUMANITIESLIBERALARTS/HUMANITIESContactRepresentativesCustomsInspectorsEqualOpportunityComplianceSpec.ManagementAnalystsPers.ManagementSpec.ProgramAnalystsSocialInsuranceClaimsExaminersVeteransClaimsExam.Educ.ServicesSpec.

LIBRARYSCIENCELIBRARYSCIENCELIBRARYSCIENCELIBRARYSCIENCELibrariansLibraryTechniciansMedicalRecordLibrariansTechnicalInfo.Services

MGT.INFO.SYSTEMSMGT.INFO.SYSTEMSMGT.INFO.SYSTEMSMGT.INFO.SYSTEMSComputerScienceSpecialistsComputerSpecialistsFinancialManagersLogisticsMgt.SpecialistsManagementAnalystsMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsOperationsResearchAnalystsProgramAnalystsProgramManagers

MANAGEMENT,FACILITIESMANAGEMENT,FACILITIESMANAGEMENT,FACILITIESMANAGEMENT,FACILITIESCommissaryStoreManagersCorrectionalInstitutionAdministratorsDistrib.FacilityandStorageManagersEquipmentSpecialistsFacilityManagersGen.FacilitiesandEquip.ManagerHousingManagersIndustrialPropertyManagersProductionControllers

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTAdministrativeOfficersLogisticsMgt.SpecialistsManagementAnalystsManpowerDev.SpecialistsMisc.Admin.andProgramSpecialistsProgramAnalystsSupportSvcs.Administrators

MARKETINGMARKETINGMARKETINGMARKETINGAgric.MarketingSpecialistsBondSalesPromotionRepresentativesContractSpecialistsInventoryMgt.SpecialistsPackagingSpecialistsPropertyDisposalSpec.SupplySpecialistsTradeSpecialistsBusinessandIndustrySpecialists

MATHEMATICSMATHEMATICSMATHEMATICSMATHEMATICSActuariesCartographersComputerScienceMathematicalStatisticiansMathematiciansOperationsResearchAnalystsStatisticians

MEDICALSUPPORTMEDICALSUPPORTMEDICALSUPPORTMEDICALSUPPORTDiagnosticRadiologicalTechniciansMedicalInstrumentTechniciansMedicalRecordTechniciansMedicalTechniciansNuclearMedicineTechniciansPathologyTechniciansTherapeuticRadiologicalTechnicians

METEOROLOGYMETEOROLOGYMETEOROLOGYMETEOROLOGYMeteorologistsGen.PhysicalScientists

NATURALRESOURCENATURALRESOURCENATURALRESOURCENATURALRESOURCEMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTFishandWildlifeAdmin.Gen.BiologicalScientistsProgramAnalystsWildlifeBiologistsWildlifeRefugeManagement

NURSINGNURSINGNURSINGNURSINGNursesPhysician'sAssistants

PARKANDRECREATIONPARKANDRECREATIONPARKANDRECREATIONPARKANDRECREATIONMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTForestersOutdoorRecreationPlannersParkRangersRecreationSpecialistsRec.andCreativeArtsTherapistsManagementAnalysts

PHARMACYPHARMACYPHARMACYPHARMACYConsumerSafetyInspectorsConsumerSafetyOfficersPharmacistsPharmacologists


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PHYSICALEDUCATIONPHYSICALEDUCATIONPHYSICALEDUCATIONPHYSICALEDUCATIONCorrectiveTherapistsOutdoorRecreationPlannersRec.andCreativeArtsTherapistsRecreationSpecialistsRecreationAids&AssistantsSportsSpecialistsProgramAnalysts

PHYSICALSCIENCEPHYSICALSCIENCEPHYSICALSCIENCEPHYSICALSCIENCEGen.PhysicalScientistsMetallurgistsPhysicists

PHYSICSPHYSICSPHYSICSPHYSICSAstronomersandSpaceScientistsGeodesistsGeophysicistsHealthPhysicistsHydrologistsOceanographersPatentExaminersPhysicistsGen.PhysicalScientists

POLITICALSCIENCE/GOVTPOLITICALSCIENCE/GOVTPOLITICALSCIENCE/GOVTPOLITICALSCIENCE/GOVTArchivistsBudgetAnalystsHistoriansForeignAffairsSpecialistsGAOAnalystMisc.Admin.andProgramsSpecialistsProgramAnalystsPublicAffairsSpecialistsSocialScientists

PSYCHOLOGYPSYCHOLOGYPSYCHOLOGYPSYCHOLOGYRec.andCreativeArtsTherapistsEmployeeDev.SpecialistsGAOAnalystPersonnelManagementSpec.

PsychologistsPersonnelStaffingSpec.PositionClass.SpecialistsEducationalSvcs.Specialists

PUBLICHEALTHPUBLICHEALTHPUBLICHEALTHPUBLICHEALTHEnvironmentalHealthTechniciansFoodAssistanceProgramSpecialistsFoodInspectorsHealthSystemAdministratorsHealthSystemSpecialistsIndustrialHygienistsPublicHealthProgramsSpecialistsPublicHealthEducatorsSocialInsuranceAdmin.VeteransClaimsExaminers

PUBLICADMIN.PUBLICADMIN.PUBLICADMIN.PUBLICADMIN.BudgetAnalystsEmployeeDev.SpecialistsEmployeeRelationsSpecialistsGAOAnalystHousingManagersManagementAnalystsManpowerDev.SpecialistsMisc.AdminandProgramsSpecialistsProgramAnalystsPublicUtilitiesSpec.

PUBLICRELATIONSPUBLICRELATIONSPUBLICRELATIONSPUBLICRELATIONSContactRepresentativesForeignAffairsSpecialistsForeignAgricult.AffairsSpecialistsPublicAffairsSpecialists

PURCHASINGPURCHASINGPURCHASINGPURCHASINGCommissaryStoreManagersContractSpecialistsPurchasingSpecialists

BusinessandIndustrySpecialists

REALESTATEREALESTATEREALESTATEREALESTATEBuildingManagersHousingManagersRealtorsBusinessandIndustrySpecialistsContractSpecialists

REHABILITATIONTHERAPYREHABILITATIONTHERAPYREHABILITATIONTHERAPYREHABILITATIONTHERAPYCorrectiveTherapistsManualArtsTherapistsOccupationalTherapistsPhysicalTherapistsProstheticReps.RehabilitationTherapyAssistants

SOCIALWORKSOCIALWORKSOCIALWORKSOCIALWORKFoodAssistanceProgramSpecialistsPsychologyAidsandTechniciansSocialScienceAidsandTechniciansSocialScientistsSocialServiceAidsandAssistantsSocialServiceReps.SocialWorkersRecreationSpecialists

SOCIOLOGYSOCIOLOGYSOCIOLOGYSOCIOLOGYGAOAnalystSocialScienceAidsandTechniciansSocialScientistsSocialServiceAidsandAssistantsSocialServiceReps.ProgramAnalystsSociologists

STATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSActuariesComputerScienceSpec.

MathematicalStatisticiansOperationsResearchAnalystsProgramAnalystsStatisticians

TransportationIndustryAnalysts

SURVEYINGSURVEYINGSURVEYINGSURVEYINGGeodesistsLandSurveyors

SYSTEMSANALYSISSYSTEMSANALYSISSYSTEMSANALYSISSYSTEMSANALYSISComputerScienceSpecialistsComputerSpecialistsGAOITAnalystMisc.AdministrativeandProgramsSpecialistsManagementAnalystsProgramAnalysts

THEOLOGYTHEOLOGYTHEOLOGYTHEOLOGYChaplainsSocialWorkersProgramAnalysts

TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONCargoSchedulersHighwaySafetySpecialistsMarineCargoSpecialistsTrafficMgt.SpecialistsTransportationIndustryAnalystsTransportationLoss/DamageClaimsExaminersTransportationOperatorsTransportationSpecialistsTravelAssistants

ZOOLOGYZOOLOGYZOOLOGYZOOLOGYAnimalScientistsZoologistsPhysiologists


MakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgalsoprovidesalistoffederalcareersbyinterestareasathttp://www.makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/.

Thislistisespeciallyhelpfulbecauseitlistsagenciesagenciesagenciesagenciesthatfrequentlyemploythesepositions.

Source:Source:Source:Source:“FederalJobsbyCollegeMajor.”USAjobs.2011.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.Web.6Jul2011.<http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/jobsbycollegemajor.asp#icc>.

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FEDERALAGENCIESFEDERALAGENCIESFEDERALAGENCIESFEDERALAGENCIESAgovernmentagencyagencyagencyagencyisanorganizationthatisresponsibleforcarryingoutspecificgovernmentpolicies.Federaljobsarelocatedwithintheseagencies.USAjobs.govprovidesacompletelistoffederalagencies*athttp://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.Asyouexplorepositiontitles,alsoexploreagenciesthatmayinterestyou.

Thereareover1,300federalagenciesforyoutochoosefrom.Thelargestagenciesinclude:• DepartmentofVeteransAffairs• DepartmentofHomelandSecurity• DepartmentoftheTreasury• DepartmentofAgriculture• DepartmentofJustice• DepartmentofDefense• DepartmentoftheInterior• DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices• DepartmentofTransportation• DepartmentofCommerce• DepartmentofState• NationalAeronauticsandSpaceAdministration(NASA)• EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)• DepartmentofLabor• DepartmentofEnergy• NationalEndowmentfortheArts(NEA)• UnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID)

*TheNationalAcademiesofScience(NAS)isnotlistedbutisagovernment-relatedorganizationforscientists,policyexperts,andadministrativepersonnel.Tolearnmorevisit:http://www.nas.edu.


MakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgMakingTheDifference.orgliststhe5largestfederaljobareas(accordingto2012projections)as:

MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)MedicalandPublicHealth(54,114newhires)Includesphysicians,nurses,pharmacists,medicaltechniciansandnursingassistants.SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)SecurityandProtection(52,077newhires)Includesintelligenceanalysis,internationalrelations,foreignaffairs,securityadministration,transportationsecurityofficer,parkranger,correctionalofficerandpoliceofficer.EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)EnforcementandCompliance(31,276newhires)Includesinspectors,investigators(includingcriminal),customsandborderpatrolandprotection,importspecialistandcustomsinspection.ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)ProgramManagement/Administrative(17,287newhires)Includesprogrammanagersandanalystswhomonitorprogramoperationsandeffectivenesstoadministrativestaff;administrativesupportjobsaccountfortheleastamountofthejobsinthiscategory.Legal(2596newhires)Legal(2596newhires)Legal(2596newhires)Legal(2596newhires)Includesattorney,contactrepresentative,paralegal,passport/visaexaminingandclaimsexamining/assistance.Source:Source:Source:Source:“Overview.”MakingtheDifference.PartnershipforPublicService,2011.Web.6Jul2011.<http://makingthedifference.org/federalcareers/>.

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1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull1.Ifyouareagraduateseekingfull----timeemployment:timeemployment:timeemployment:timeemployment:• CreateanaccountonUSAjobs.govCreateanaccountonUSAjobs.govCreateanaccountonUSAjobs.govCreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov.USAjobs.govcontainsmostfull-timefederaljob

postings;thesepostingsrequireapplicantstosubmittheirapplicationsdirectlythroughUSAjobs.gov.Itisfreeandeasytocreateanaccount.Onceyoucreateanaccount,youcansavejobpostings.

• SearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywordsSearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywordsSearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywordsSearchUSAjobs.govpostingsbyagencyorkeywords.Ifyouconsideryourselfageneralisttrysearchingfor“publicaffairs,”“communications,”“writer,”“Congressionalaffairs,”“policyanalyst”and“programanalyst.”

• Readthepostingscarefully.Readthepostingscarefully.Readthepostingscarefully.Readthepostingscarefully.Belowisasamplejobpostingwithhelpfulexplanationsofthevariouscategoriesandcommonabbreviations.

• Saveanyjobsofinterest.Saveanyjobsofinterest.Saveanyjobsofinterest.Saveanyjobsofinterest.SinceUSAjobs.govcontainssomanypostings,itishelpfultosavepositionsthatinterestyousoyoucaneasilyaccessthemlater.

• ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.ExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov.SomeagenciesdecidenottoposttheiropeningsonUSAjobs.gov.Tofindthesepostings,besureto:

*Checkthewebsitesofagenciesthatinterestyouregularlyfornewjob postings;mostagencieshaveanindividualwebsite. *SearchtheclassifiedsectioninnewspaperssuchasRollCallandTheHill. *AttendFederalJobFairs.YoucanfindeventannouncementsonUSAjobs.gov andonindividualagencies’websites.

STEP2:STEP2:STEP2:STEP2:Searchfor

PostingsNowthatyouhaveidentifiedpositionsandagenciesthatinterestyou.It’stimetostartfindingjobopenings.

Thisstepisdividedintothreesections:1.)graduatesseekingfull-timeemployment,2.)thoselookingforinternshipsandfellowships,3.)thoseinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService.Italsoincludesasamplejobpostingandanexplanationofthefederalpayscale.

DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?NetworkingNetworkingNetworkingNetworking

Manygovernmentpositionsandprogramsarehighlyselectiveandcandidates'willingnesstoattendgovernmentsponsoredcareerdaysandtheirabilitytonetworkarekeystolandingopportunitiesofinterest.Checkagencywebsitesandlocalvenuesforgovernmentcareerfairs.

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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 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 NPS uniform, Initial probationary period, Travel up to 5 days a month DUTIES: As an Administrative Support Assistant for Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you will be responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical support functions, including, but not limited to: Answer the phone and greet park visitors providing general information and directions to appropriate personnel for specific information. QUALIFICATIONS: FOR A GS-04 : At least one year of general office experience using office automation equipment; OR EDUCATION: Have successfully completed 2 years 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 field; OR A COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of education and experience. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Applicants will be rated according to responses to the occupational questionnaire. A review of the resume and other supporting documentation of the highest scoring applicants will be conducted and compared against the responses to the occupational questionnaire. The score, based on 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;

2. Complete Occupational Questionnaire; 3. Other Supporting Documents

(See Required Documents Section Below) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

The following documents are required: Resume, Transcripts, Qualifications (assessment questionnaire), SF-50: showing current grade and tenure if applicable (Awards SF50 will not be considered as proof of status.), Veterans Preference Documentation (DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), VA Letter, SF-15, etc) see veterans preference under the other information section, CTAP/ICTAP Documents WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement 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 be contacted directly.

SAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTINGSAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTINGSAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTINGSAMPLEUSAjobs.govPOSTING

Checktheendingdatetomakesureyouhaveenoughtimetocompleteandsubmittheapplication.

TheSeriesandGradeandPromotionPotentialareexplainedonthefollowingpage.

Initialappointmentsaretypically“careerconditional.”Employeeswhoremaininthepositionfor3yearstransitiontocareerappointments.

Noticetheskillsandqualitiesemployersarelookingforandfocusontheseinyourapplication.

Givesyourexpectedpayrategivenyoureducationandexperience.

Payattentiontohowapplicantsareevaluated!Iftheoccupationalquestionnaireisthelargestdecidingfactor,focusonthequestionnaire.

WhenyouapplytothepostingonUSAjobs.gov,youwillbegiventhelinktoanyonlinequestionnairessuchasthisone.

SF:50isforcurrentfederalemployees,VeteransPreferenceDocisforveteransandCTAP/ICTAPisforapplicantsdisplacedfromtheFDIC.

VeryhelpfulsectionforVeryhelpfulsectionforVeryhelpfulsectionforVeryhelpfulsectionforapplicants!applicants!applicants!applicants!

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ExceptedServicePositionsExceptedServicePositionsExceptedServicePositionsExceptedServicePositionsAlthoughmostfederalservicepositionsarecompetitive,someagenciesfillopeningsthroughexceptedservice.ExceptedserviceExceptedserviceExceptedserviceExceptedservicepositionsarehiredaccordingtotheagencies’individualproceduresandmaynotbepubliclyadvertised.Thefollowingagenciesfrequentlyhaveexpectedserviceappointments.Contactthemdirectlyformoreinformation:AdministrativeOfficeoftheU.S.Courts,AgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID),CentralIntelligenceAgency(CIA),DefenseIntelligenceAgency(DIA),FederalBureauofInvestigation(FBI),FederalReserveSystem,BoardofGovernors,GovernmentAccountabilityOffice(GAO),MilitarySealiftCommand(MSC),NationalGeospatial-IntelligenceAgency(NGA),NationalMaritimeIntelligenceCenter,NationalSecurityAgency(NSA),NuclearRegulatoryCommission(NRC),TennesseeValleyAuthority(TVA),TransportationSecurityAdministration(TSA),U.S.CourtofFederalClaims,U.S.DepartmentofDefenseEducationActivity(DODEA),U.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS),U.S.DepartmentofState,U.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA),U.S.MissiontotheUnitedNations,U.S.PatentandTrademarkOffice(USPTO),U.S.PostalService(USPS),U.S.SecretService,UniformedDivision(USSS).

DecodingtheSeriesandGradeDecodingtheSeriesandGradeDecodingtheSeriesandGradeDecodingtheSeriesandGradeThesamplejobpostinggivesyouanideaofwhattoexpectfromUSAjobs.govpostings.Twoofthemostconfusingsectionsarethe“Series&Grade”and“Promotionpotential.”

GSGSGSGS----0303030303030303----04/0504/0504/0504/05

GSGSGSGS----Thefirsttwolettersofthe“Series&GradeCode”representthepayrateoftheposition.GSrepresents“GeneralSchedule”andisthemostcommonabbreviation.LearnmoreabouttheGSpayrateinthe“FederalPayScale”section.0303030303030303----Thisfourdigitnumberistheoccupationalclassificationofthejob.0303isthe“MiscellaneousClerkandAssistantSeries.”FormorecodeswithintheGSgroupvisit:http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/html/gsseries.asp.04/0504/0504/0504/05————Thelastfourdigitsrepresenttherangeofenteringpaygrades.Inthisposting,anenteringemployeecouldbeGrade4orGrade5(outof15grades)dependingonexperienceandeducation.PromotionPotentialPromotionPotentialPromotionPotentialPromotionPotential—Thisnumberreflectsthehighestpossiblepaygradeintheposition(ortheroomforpayraises).Forthecaselistedonthepreviouspage,promotionpotentialwouldbeGS-05.

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2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:2.Ifyouareseekinganinternship,fellowship,orstudentjob:• BrowseUSAjobs.govBrowseUSAjobs.govBrowseUSAjobs.govBrowseUSAjobs.gov.AlthoughmostofthejobsonUSAjobs.govarefull-time,

permanentpositions,browsethesiteforpositionsthatmeetyourneeds. TIPTIPTIPTIP:Youcansearch“student”asakeywordonUSAjobs.govtofindstudent employment/internships.• CreateanaccountonCreateanaccountonCreateanaccountonCreateanaccountonUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsUSAjobs.gov/studentjobsifyouareinterestedinpart-time

jobsandentry-levelcareerexperience.ThejobpostingsandapplicationprocessaresimilartoUSAjobs.gov,sopleaserefertotheabovesectionfordetailsaboutsearchingpostsandsavingjobs.Thesejobsmaybepartofthefederalstudentemploymentprograms:

*StudentTemporaryEmploymentProgram(STEP)StudentTemporaryEmploymentProgram(STEP)StudentTemporaryEmploymentProgram(STEP)StudentTemporaryEmploymentProgram(STEP)providesstudents withtheopportunitytoworkfortheFederalgovernmentwhile attendingcollege,graduateorprofessionalschool.Thearea/typeof employmentisnotnecessarilyrelatedtothestudent’scareergoals.

*StudentCareerExperienceProgram(SCEP)StudentCareerExperienceProgram(SCEP)StudentCareerExperienceProgram(SCEP)StudentCareerExperienceProgram(SCEP)providesworkexperiencetostudentsthatrelatetothestudent’sacademicprogramandcareergoals.AccordingtotheOfficeofPersonnelManagement(OPM.gov),studentsinSCEPmaybenoncompetitivelyhiredtocareerorcareer-conditionalappointmentsafterworkingthroughSCEP.

• ResearchFederalInternshipProgramsResearchFederalInternshipProgramsResearchFederalInternshipProgramsResearchFederalInternshipPrograms.Manyfederalagenciesprovideinternship

opportunitiestocurrentstudentsandrecentgraduatesinterestedingovernmentwork.Contactindividualagenciesformoreinformation:

*TheFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramFederalServiceStudentAmbassadorProgramusesstudent ambassadorstoincreaseawarenessoffederalemploymentoncollege campuses:(http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/programs/ calltoserveambassadors.shtml) *ThePublicServiceFellowsProgramPublicServiceFellowsProgramPublicServiceFellowsProgramPublicServiceFellowsProgram,aspartofthePartnershipforPublic Service,providesstudents(bothgraduateandundergraduate)aswellas recentgraduateswiththeopportunitytoworkinvariousroles.Formore informationaboutthestipendsandfellowshipsavailablepleasevisit: http://www.apps.ourpublicservice.org/fellows/default.aspx. *Graduatestudentsinterestedinupper-levelmanagementprogramsmay alsoexplorethePresidentialManagementFellowsProgram(PMFP)PresidentialManagementFellowsProgram(PMFP)PresidentialManagementFellowsProgram(PMFP)PresidentialManagementFellowsProgram(PMFP) (http://www.pmf.org).StudentsinPMFPmaygethirednon-competitivelyfor careerorcareer-conditionalpositions. *Alistofadditionalinternshipprogramsisavailableat http://www.makingthedifference.org/federalinternships/co-ops.shtml.• ExpandyoursearchExpandyoursearchExpandyoursearchExpandyoursearchbeyondUSAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Notalljobsarepostedon

USAjobs.gov/studentjobs.Tofindadditionalpostings: *VisitStudents.gov.Underthe“CareerDevelopment”Section,youwillfindlinks

toadditionalwebsitesthatfrequentlypostinternships,studentjobs,andfellowships.

*Checkindividualagencywebsitesforinternshipopportunities.

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3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:3.IfyouareinterestedinCongressionalorForeignService:ThesepositionsarenotlistedonUSAjobs.gov,sopleasevisitthefollowingsitesforjob

postings:CongressionalpostingsCongressionalpostingsCongressionalpostingsCongressionalpostings:senate.gov,house.gov,politixgroup.comForeignService:ForeignService:ForeignService:ForeignService:TheU.S.DepartmentofState(state.gov),theU.S.Departmentof

Agriculture(USDA.gov),theInternationalTradeAdministration(trade.gov),andtheU.S.AgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID.gov)

UNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALEUNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALEUNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALEUNDERSTANDINGTHEFEDERALPAYSCALEMostjobsarepaidbyGSor“GeneralSchedule.”TheGeneralSchedulehas15gradesdependingonexperienceandeducation;withineachgradethereare10steps(eachwithapayincrease).Ifyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowingIfyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowingIfyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowingIfyouarearecentgraduate,youshouldexpectthefollowingbaseonthegeneralpayschedule:baseonthegeneralpayschedule:baseonthegeneralpayschedule:baseonthegeneralpayschedule:• GS-2:HighSchooldiplomawithoutworkexperience• GS-3,4,5:HighSchooldiplomawithsomecollegeandworkexperience• GS-5:Collegedegreewithoutspecializedexperience• GS-7:CollegedegreewithcollegecredentialssuchasaGPAabove3.0.• GS-9:Master’sdegree• GS-12:DoctoraldegreeIfyou’recurrentlyemployed,theagencieswilllikelyworktoprovideyouwithacompetitivesalarybasedonyourcurrentearnings.OtherPaySchedulesOtherPaySchedulesOtherPaySchedulesOtherPaySchedulesAlthoughtheGeneralScheduleisthemostcommonpayschedule,therearemanyotherpayscheduleswithintheFederalgovernment.Ifyouareunsureofwhatapayscheduleabbreviationmeans,youcanfindoutmorebyenteringtheabbreviationand“federalpay”intoasearchengine.

DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?DIDYOUKNOW?FederalInternshipsFederalInternshipsFederalInternshipsFederalInternshipsFederalinternshipsarenotlimitedtostudents.Manygovernmentalagencieshirerecentgraduatesasinterns.Theseinternsmayeventuallybehiredintofull-timepositions.Graduatesseekingfull-timeemploymentmayalsochoosetobrowsetheaforementionedinternshipsites.Whenlookingatinternshipprogramsandpostings,remembertoclarifyiftheyarehiringforrecentgraduatesorcurrentstudents.

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STEP3:STEP3:STEP3:STEP3:Assemble&SubmityourApp.

Soyou’vefoundjobopeningsandyou’rereadytoapply?

Thissectioncontainsinformationaboutresumes,coverletters,andsupplementaldocuments.

A.CreatingaFederalResumeA.CreatingaFederalResumeA.CreatingaFederalResumeA.CreatingaFederalResumeAFederalResumeismuchdifferentfromatraditionalresume.EventhebestEventhebestEventhebestEventhebestprivatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsandprivatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsandprivatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsandprivatesectorresumesmustbeeditedtofittherequirementsandexpectationsoffederalagencies.expectationsoffederalagencies.expectationsoffederalagencies.expectationsoffederalagencies.Herearesomeguidelines:

1.ResumesonUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.gov: USAjobs.govcontainsaResumeBuilderthatguidesapplicantsthrough

theprocessofcreatingaFederalResume.AlthoughyoucanuploadyourownresumetoUSAjobs.gov,mostpostingsrequireaResumeBuilderresume.Pg.18containsasampleresumefromResumeBuilder.

2.ResumesoutsideofUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.gov:

IfyouapplyforpositionsoutsideofUSAjobs.gov,youwillneedtocreateyourownFederalResume.Pg.16containsasampleresume.

B.B.B.B. PerfectingyourCoverLetterPerfectingyourCoverLetterPerfectingyourCoverLetterPerfectingyourCoverLetter 1.AlwayssubmitaCoverLetterAlwayssubmitaCoverLetterAlwayssubmitaCoverLetterAlwayssubmitaCoverLetter.Althoughacoverlettermaynotbe listedasaREQUIREDdocument,itisveryimportanttosubmita well-writtencoverletterwithyourapplication.Usethecoverletterto:

*Introduceyourselfwithenthusiasm *Highlightyourcredentialsandqualifications *Expressyourinterestandknowledgeoftheorganization; articulatewhyyouwanttoworkforthatagency *Givetheemployeranexcellentwritingsample *Ifyouareapplyingforanoncompetitiveappointmentincludethis inthecoverletter. Pg.20containsacoverletteroutline. 2.CoverlettersonUSAjobs.govCoverlettersonUSAjobs.govCoverlettersonUSAjobs.govCoverlettersonUSAjobs.gov.Youcanuploadacoverletterto USAjobs.govbysigninginandclicking“MyDocuments.”Whenyouapply forajobthroughUSAjobs.gov,youwillbegiventheoptiontosendan uploadedcoverletterwithyourresume.Youcanuploadupto5Youcanuploadupto5Youcanuploadupto5Youcanuploadupto5 documents,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploadadocuments,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploadadocuments,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploadadocuments,soifyouareapplyingformultiplejobs,uploada personalizedcoverletterforeach.personalizedcoverletterforeach.personalizedcoverletterforeach.personalizedcoverletterforeach.

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Position Title, Series & Grade:

Name Permanent Address:

Street City, State, Zip

Phone Email ________________________________________________________________________________

SSN: (Social Security Number) Veterans Status: (Enter “none” if not a veteran) Citizenship: (Country of Citizenship) 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

SampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResume

TIP: Include any relevant experience, including internships (paid or unpaid),

volunteer work, and summer jobs in this section.

Employersuseakeywordsearchtonarrowdowntheapplicantpool.BeBeBeBesuretoincludekeywordsfromthejobdescriptioninyourapplication!suretoincludekeywordsfromthejobdescriptioninyourapplication!suretoincludekeywordsfromthejobdescriptioninyourapplication!suretoincludekeywordsfromthejobdescriptioninyourapplication!

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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


Veterans’PreferenceVeterans’PreferenceVeterans’PreferenceVeterans’PreferenceAccordingtoUSAjobs.gov,veterans'preferenceveterans'preferenceveterans'preferenceveterans'preferencegrantsveteranswhohave“servedonactivedutyforatleast2yearsduringaperiodofwarorinacampaignforexpeditionforwhichacampaignbadgeisauthorized,orbeendisabled”anadditional5to10pointsontheircompetitiveserviceexamination.Veterans’preferencedoesnotguaranteeveteransjobsandisnotthesameasnoncompetitiveappointments.

SampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResume

WhatdistinguishesaFederalResumeWhatdistinguishesaFederalResumeWhatdistinguishesaFederalResumeWhatdistinguishesaFederalResumefromaPrivateSectorResume?fromaPrivateSectorResume?fromaPrivateSectorResume?fromaPrivateSectorResume?• Qualifications,experience,andjobdutiesareinparagraph(notbulleted)form• Objectivecontainspositioninformationinsteadofastatement.• Federalresumesrequireadditionalbackgroundinformation(SSN,VeteranStatus,

Reinstatementeligibility)• Federalresumesaretypicallylongerthanapage.

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UsecapitalLetterstoaccentuateyourtitles.

Jane Smith

888 Abercorn Dr.

Savannah, GA 34101

Mobile: 123-456-7890

Email: [email protected]

Country of Citizenship: United States Veterans’ Preference: No Contact Current Employer: Yes

WORK EXPERIENCE Armstrong Atlantic State University, 8/2007-5/2011

Student Recreation Center Savannah, GA US 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 8/2004—5/2007 Atlanta, GA US Salary: 9 USD Per Hour Hours per week: 20 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)

EDUCATION 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)

SampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeSampleFederalResumeFromResumeBuilderFromResumeBuilderFromResumeBuilderFromResumeBuilder

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UsecapitalLetterstomakeheaderswithincategories.

Usethe“AdditionalInformation”sectiontoincludeaparagraphformofyourqualifications.

EDUCATION 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 French

Spoken: Intermediate Written: Advanced Read: Advanced Spanish Spoken: Intermediate Written: Advanced Read: Advanced

REFERENCES Supervisor Name Company Title

Phone Number: Phone Email Address: Email Reference Type: Professional Supervisor Name Employer Title Phone Number: Phone Email Address: Email Reference Type: Personal

ADDITIONAL OVERVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS

INFORMATION 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.

RESUMEBUILDERTIPSRESUMEBUILDERTIPSRESUMEBUILDERTIPSRESUMEBUILDERTIPS• DoNOTactivateyourresumeuntilyouhavefinishedit.Ifyoudo,employerswill

seeyourunfinishedcopy.(Youcansaveitandcomebacktoitwithoutactivatingit.)

• ResumeBuilderwillletyousaveupto5resumes.Ifyouareinterestedinmultiplepositions,createresumescateringtoeachjobdescription.

SamplefromResumeBuilderSamplefromResumeBuilderSamplefromResumeBuilderSamplefromResumeBuilder

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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

SampleCoverLetterSampleCoverLetterSampleCoverLetterSampleCoverLetter

DIDYOUKNOW?KSAsDIDYOUKNOW?KSAsDIDYOUKNOW?KSAsDIDYOUKNOW?KSAsApplicationEssayscalledKSAs(Knowledge,Skills,andAbility)andECQs(ExecutiveCoreQualifications)wererequiredforfederaljobapplicationsuntillastyear.In2010,theOfficeofPersonnelManagementissuedaHiringFormeliminatingKSAsandswitchingtheapplicationfocustoresumesandoptionalcoverletters.

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STEP4:STEP4:STEP4:STEP4:BePatient• Mostjobpostingsincludeasectionon“WhattoExpectNext.”Thissectionwillgive

youabasictimelineoftheprocessafterapplying.• Youmaynotbecontactedforaninterviewforseveralmonths(dependingonthe

closingdate),soAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSAPPLYEARLYFORFEDERALJOBSandbepatientafterapplying.• Wheninvitedtointerview,followproperinterviewguidelinesandtips.Formore

informationaboutinterviewetiquettevisittheArmstrongCareerServiceswebsite,select“Student&AlumniServices,”then“JobSearchResources,”then“InterviewingResources.”

• Evenafteryoureceiveajoboffer,youmustbepatientduringthesecuritysecuritysecuritysecurityclearanceprocessclearanceprocessclearanceprocessclearanceprocess(includesabackgroundcheck,fingerprinting,creditchecks,andevenaninvestigationoffamily/friendrelationships).Employeeshavedifferentlevelsofsecurityclearance.Theinitialclearanceprocesscantakefromsixmonthstoayear.Higherlevelclearancecanrequireuptotwoyears.TopSecret,Secret,andConfidentialclearancerequirere-examinationevery5to15years.

SummaryofKeyPointsSummaryofKeyPointsSummaryofKeyPointsSummaryofKeyPoints

• Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsandsubjectareas.Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsandsubjectareas.Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsandsubjectareas.Federaljobsareavailableinavarietyoflocationsandsubjectareas.• Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Startsearchingandapplyingtojobsearly!Duetothelengthyhiring

process,youshouldbeginapplyingabout8-10monthsbeforeyouwouldliketobeginworking.

• Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesectorresumes.Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesectorresumes.Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesectorresumes.Federalresumesaredifferentfromprivatesectorresumes.• Manygovernmentpositionsandprogramsarehighlyselectiveand

candidates'willingnesstoattendgovernmentsponsoredcareerdaysandtheirabilitytonetworkarekeystolandingopportunitiesofinterest.

• Ifyouareaveteran,formalfederalemployee,ormeetotherqualifications,youmaybeeligibleforanonnonnonnon----competitiveappointmentcompetitiveappointmentcompetitiveappointmentcompetitiveappointmentand/orveteran’spreferenceveteran’spreferenceveteran’spreferenceveteran’spreference.

• USAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govUSAjobs.govisalarge,centraldatabaseoffederaljobs,butNOTallNOTallNOTallNOTallfederaljobsarelistedonthissite.federaljobsarelistedonthissite.federaljobsarelistedonthissite.federaljobsarelistedonthissite.Supplementyourjobsearchbycheckingagencywebsites.

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AdditionalResourcesAdditionalResourcesAdditionalResourcesAdditionalResources

Thefollowingsourceswereusedtocreatethisguide.Pleaseusethemtolearnmoreaboutfederaljobs:

Crosby,Olivia.“HowtoGetaJobintheFederalGovernment.”OccupationalOutlookQuarterly,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.“CreateanEffectiveFederalResumewiththeUSAJOBS.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.

Armstrong Federal Job Guide

Documents

Transcript of Armstrong Federal Job Guide