Spring 2014Go Government Webinar Series
The ABC’s of Finding a Job in GovernmentFebruary 20, 2014
Housekeeping
• We will open up the phone lines for questions at the end of the call. In the meantime, we encourage you to type your questions into the Q&A box.
• Handouts are available for download
• The recording of today’s presentation will be sent to all registrants in 2-3 business days.
Presenters
Katie D’Hondt• Associate Manager, Education and
Outreach
Caleb Campbell• Program Associate, Education and
Outreach
Partnership for Public Service
The Partnership is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization that is dedicated to revitalizing the federal
government by inspiring a new generation to serve and
by transforming the way government works.
Spring 2014 Go Government Series
The ABC’s of Finding a Job in GovernmentFebruary 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Personal BrandingThursday, March 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. EST
What to Expect from the Federal Application ProcessWednesday, April 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. EST
To learn more about our programs, visit www.calltoserve.org.
Agenda• Why Federal Government?
• Finding the Right Fit
• Navigating USAJOBS.gov
• Resources
Why Federal Government?• Make an impact in a big way!
• Great benefits• Work/life balance: flexible schedules and vacation• Possible student loan repayment assistance• Complete health and retirement benefits package
• High levels of responsibility
• Valuable work experience
• Training and professional development
Real Federal Employees
Straight from the Source
Alitza Vega• Deputy Human Capital Officer• Human Capital Office of the Science and
Technology Directorate• Department of Homeland Security
Understanding the Structure of the Executive Branch
Finding Your Fit
• By Location
• By Career
• By Agency
• By Position
Finding Your Fit: By Location
Finding Your Fit: By Career
• Administrative and Program Management
• Art and Design
• Biological and Environmental Sciences
• Business and Finance
• Education
• Engineering
• Foreign Service
• Information Technology
• Legal
• Mathematics
• Medical and Public Health
• Physical Sciences
• Security and Protection
• Social Sciences
• Transportation
Finding Your Fit: By Agency
Finding Your Fit: By Position
Finding Your Fit: By Position
Presidential Management Fellows
Program
Recent Graduates Program
Internship Program
Path
ways
Pro
gram
s
Federal Pay and Benefits
General Schedule (GS) is the pay scale for most federal jobs
• Grades 1-15• 10 steps within each grade
• Locality Pay - pay varies by geographic location • Some occupations have separate scales (i.e. IT,
engineering)• Move up several grades within a few years
• For example: GS-7, Step 1: $33,979/Step 10: $44,176
Federal Pay and Benefits: The General Schedule
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9 GS-11
Los Angeles $34,881 $43,208 $52,852 $63,945
Philadelphia $33,408 $41,383 $50,620 $61,245
Seattle $33,414 $41,390 $50,628 $61,255
New York $35,309 $43,738 $53,500 $64,729
Washington, D.C. $34,075 $42,209 $51,630 $62,467
Grade Qualifying Education
GS-4 Associate’s degree
GS-5 Four 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:• Class standing (upper third of class)• 3.0 or higher GPA; 3.5 or higher GPA in major • Honor society membership
GS-9 Master’s degree (or equivalent)
GS-11 Doctorate degree
Federal Pay and Benefits: Locality Pay
City GS-5 GS-7 GS-9 GS-11
Los Angeles $34,881 $43,208 $52,852 $63,945
Philadelphia $33,408 $41,383 $50,620 $61,245
Seattle $33,414 $41,390 $50,628 $61,255
New York $35,309 $43,738 $53,500 $64,729
Washington, D.C. $34,075 $42,209 $51,630 $62,467
Searching for Positions
• USAJOBS.gov
• Agency websites
• Career development centers
• Career fairs
• Social media
• Personal networks
Navigating USAJOBS.gov
Navigating USAJOBS.gov
USAJOBS.gov Top Tips
USAJOBS.gov Top Tips
Reading a Job Announcement
Critical Components: Review these carefully!
• Qualifications
• Overview
• How to Apply
Unpacking a Job Announcement
Unpacking a Job Announcement
Preparing to Apply
USAJOBS.gov Top Tips: Summary
• Use key search terms
• Refine your search by location, position and agency
• Save your searches to save time!
• Review the job announcement carefully
Resource: GoGovernment.org
Resource: GoGovernment.org
Resource: Bestplacestowork.org
Resource: Individual Agency Websites and Social Media
Resource: USA.gov
Resource: USAJOBS.gov
Resource: USAJOBS.gov
Resource: USAJOBS.gov
Spring 2014 Upcoming EventsGo Government Webinar: Personal Branding
Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Go Government Webinar: What to Expect from the Federal Application Process
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. EST
To learn more about our programs, visit www.calltoserve.org.
Questions?
OURPUBLICSERVICE.ORG