An overview of the tricky federal jobs application process.

1. Barbara Richardson Career Center Liaison, Warner College of Natural Resources Colorado State University How to Apply for Federal Jobs

2. To schedule an appointment, call the Colorado State University Career Center at 491-5707 or come by Drop-Ins (next to Sweet Sinsations in the LSC), M-F, 8:30 – 4:30…no appointment necessary! Career Center Resources

4. Student Programs

5. Applying on USAjobs.gov

6. Federal Resumes & KSAs

7. Changes

8. Questions Agenda

9. In 2009, roughly 103,631people were hired into the federal government at the entry-level (GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8, GS-9) into the following occupations: Types of Government Jobs

10. Only 16% in the Washington, D.C. metro region Plus 50,000 jobs overseas! Location of Government Jobs

11. Student loan repayment assistance Up to $10,000 per year In 2009, 36 agencies provided 8,454 employees with $61.8 million in assistance Flexible schedules and generous vacation time Training and professional development Competitive health and retirement benefits Benefits of Government Jobs

13. Competitive Service

14. Noncompetitive Service

15. Job/Occupational Series

16. Veterans Preference

17. GS/Pay Bands

18. Student Employment

19. KSA – Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesGovernment Lingo

20. GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry level” Source: opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp GS/Pay Band

21. Source: http://opm.gov/oca/11tables/indexGS.asp Possible career progression over a 2-3year period Salaries

22. CURRENT PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED PROGRAMS ENDED MARCH 1st Student Programs…

23. Internship Program: Paid opportunities while still in school Agencies may convert eligible participants to full-time employment Recent Graduate Program: Apply within 2 years of receiving degree Veterans can apply within in six years of receiving a degree if they have been actively serving in the military Presidential Management Fellows Program: The recruiting calendar will be adjusted to better align with academic calendars Open to advanced degree students within two years of graduation …in Transition

24. To find and apply for a federal job, follow these steps online: Search for specific positions Create your federal resume Complete application questionnaires Submit the complete application by deadline Follow up with the agency contact Steps to Apply

25. Where to Find Federal Jobs

26. CLOSED October 7 – 12, 2011 Usajobs.gov

28. Don’t hesitate to contact the agency – use the contact information listed on the announcement

29. Print the job announcement, once the deadline passes, it won’t be accessible

30. Save your favorite searches and set it to email you Usajobs.gov Hints

31. Usajobs.gov Hints

33. Hrs worked/week, supervisor’s name & phone number, salary

34. 1-5 pages in length

35. Carefully review the job vacancy announcement or position description

36. Focus on the “duties” or “responsibilities” section, and customize your resume accordingly by identifying and including key words and phrasesFederal Resumes

38. Developed the methodology, research questions, and research design for the research article and coded journal articles

39. Wrote methodology section of paper outlining data collection methods

40. Followed rigorous fact-checking and information citing procedures

41. Received an A on the assignment. Federal Resume Tips

42. Application Questionnaires Between 25-125 questions May include yes/no questions as well as experience-based questions Tip: Preview questions using a link found in the job vacancy announcement Participates in basic health care teaching to patients and their families. 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. Assessments

43. Some full-time positions will require applicants to go through the security clearance process, all require a general background check Begin gathering relevant information now Check out the SF-85 and SF-86 form Tip: Be honest! Security Clearances

45. Eliminate KSAs from the initial application process

46. Allow individuals to apply with a résumé and cover letter

47. Improve the quality and speed of hiring

48. Notify applicants about their status during the process

49. Visit opm.gov/hiringreform for additional informationHiring Reform

51. Agency profiles

52. Application and federal resume tips

53. Security clearances information

54. Student loan repayment information

55. Profiles of young fedsAdditional Resources

56. Additional Resources

57. Additional Resources

59. Barbara Richardson, Career Center Liaison Warner College of Natural Resources 107 C Natural Resources Barbara.Richardson@ColoState.edu (970) 491-2668