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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


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)


Making the DifferenceSubhashree Madhavan National Institutes of Health (HHS)

Tobin Bradley U.S.

Department of State

Nicole Nelson-Jean U.S. Department of Energy


Benefits of Government Service

• Opportunity to make a difference

• Influence the future of our country

• Work/life balance


• 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


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


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”


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


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


Where the Jobs Are: By Location

In addition, over 50,000 people work for the U.S. Government abroad!


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


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


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


STEP Example: State Department



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


SCEP Example: EPA


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


FCIP Examples: FAS and EPA



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


Professors

Friends

School Alumni

Where to Start Your Search

Family


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


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


Where to Look: USA.gov


Where to Look: USA.gov


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


Where the Jobs Are


Best Places To Work bestplacestowork.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


Where to Look: USAJOBS


Where to Look: STUDENTJOBS


Where to Look: Agency Sites


Where to Look: Agency Sites


Now let’s search…


Launch the Process at USAJOBS


Search by Various topics

Search by:

•Keyword

•Location

•Job Category

•Salary Range

•Pay Grade


Federal Jobs by College Major


Search by Interest

An example:

• Chicago, IL

• Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare


Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement




Overview DutiesQualifications and Evaluation

How to Apply

Benefits and Other

Information


A vacancy announcement can represent multiple

hires.

Don’t forget to follow up.


OverviewSummary of organization’s mission and impact, plus a brief description of the job and its key requirements



DutiesLists major duties and responsibilities of the position, adding more detail to the brief overview



Qualifications and EvaluationIdentifies skills and experience needed for the role and explains how applications will be assessed



Benefits and Other InformationDescribes additional elements of the compensation package or perks associated with the job



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



How to Apply

Be careful to follow the “How to Apply” directions closely, since they may differ across agencies


How to Apply


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


Building a Federal Resume Online


Building a Federal Resume Online

Sections:

• Candidate Info.

• Work Experience

• Education

• References

• Affiliations

• Desired Locations


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


Building A Federal Resume


Federal Application Process

Applicants will be assessed for federal opportunities using one of the following methods:

Application Questionnaire

KSA or Essay


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.


• 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


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


• 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


Skill in applying engineering concepts and theories to the solution of engineering problems.

Sample KSA


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



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.



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


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


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


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


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!

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