Applying for Jobs in the Federal Government Opportunities are Open at the U.S. Department of Labor, Where Workers are Our Business! Wednesday, August 1, 2012

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Secretary of Labor: Hilda L. Solis Mission: To foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees in the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work- related benefits and rights. DOL is the second largest Federal law enforcement agency, with 28 agencies in WDC and regional offices. DOL has 16,451 employees nationwide, with about ¼ of us in the WDC office. DOL hires approximately 1,000 new employees a year. About DOL

All government jobs are in Washington, DC. The pay for government jobs is below private industry. The government is not hiring for what I do. To get into the Federal government you have to be connected; all the jobs are wired. It takes many months to get hired into government. 5 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Federal Employment

Myth 1: All government jobs are in Washington, DC. Reality: Only approximately 15 % of Federal jobs are in D.C. As the Nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government accounts with over 3 million employees across the country and over 50,000 people work for the U.S. Government in foreign countries!

Myth 2: Federal salaries are below private industry. Reality: Federal salaries are competitive across industries.  General Schedule (GS) is the pay scale for a majority of Federal jobs  The GS scale is based on academic background and work experience  Self-qualification to establish your GS pay level. Account for both academic and work experience Tool available at  Four-year college/university graduates usually qualify starting at a GS-7 while candidates with graduate and professional degrees, like law graduates, usually qualify starting at a GS-9.  The pay scale varies by geographic location based on cost of living (COLA)  Based on performance, Federal employees receive within grade increases (WIGI or steps) every year. Employees with built-in promotion potential may advance pay grades annually.  If you consider Federal benefits on top of already competitive salaries, the Federal government package is highly desirable.

Myth 3: The government is not hiring for what I do. Reality: There are thousands of job titles requiring diverse majors, work experience, and types of expertise. As Nation’s largest employer, the Federal government is always hiring for a wide range of professional and support staff in almost every career field. While government services vary considerably, all government jobs are designed to improve the lives of the United States population, as well as people around the world. Available positions include everything from careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Accounting; Operations; Law Enforcement; Attorneys; Administrative Assistants; Airline Pilots; Computer and Information Technology Systems Analysts; Program Managers; Construction Managers; Social Workers; and the list goes on and on.

Myth 4: All Federal jobs are “wired.” Reality: Federal hiring is based on merit system principles. 5 USC § 2301 includes principles such as:  “[A] workforce from all segments of society”  “[S]election and advancement should be determined solely on the basis of relative ability, knowledge and skills, after fair and open competition which assures that all receive equal opportunity…”  “[F]air and equitable treatment in all aspects of personnel management without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or handicapping condition, and with proper regard for their privacy and constitutional rights…” Internships are a good way to gain practical experience and begin your Federal career. Consider the Pathways Programs. Networking, identifying and cultivating a relationship with a mentor, and informal interviews always help.

9  In December 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order to modernize our internship, recent graduate and Presidential Management Fellowships (PMF) programs (collectively known as Pathways Programs). Regulations went into effect on July 10, 2012* for internships and PMFs. Internship opportunities will start to be posted on studentjobswww.USAJobs.gov/ studentjobs  Must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and meet other requirements for the two types of internships: (1) temporary (not to exceed one year with conversion potential); and (2) Non-temporary (more than a year with conversion potential).  For more information, visit the OPM website at *Each agency must file a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before implementing the recent graduates program by no later than January Pathways Programs: Internships

10 Recent graduates, any graduate with an associates (AA) degree or higher, within the previous two years, except:  Veterans precluded from applying due to military service receive up to six years;  For individuals who graduated on or after December 27, 2010 and before July 10, 2012, the two-year eligibility period begins on July 10,  Agreement, Career Development, and Individual Development Plan (IDP)  One-year duration with conversion potential. Recent Graduates opportunities will start to be posted on studentjobswww.USAJobs.gov/ studentjobs Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) requires a graduate or professional degree within the previous two years. Self-nomination process; no school sponsor required.  Agreement, Rotational Assignments, and Individual Development Plan (IDP)  Two-year duration with conversion potential  Application opens and closes quickly, usually in early September. For more information, Pathways Programs: Recent Graduates and PMF

Myth 5: It takes many months to get hired. Reality: Federal employees are usually hired within 80 days of applying. Under President Obama’s Hiring Reform Initiative, employees are usually hired within 80 days, we’ve shaved at least 26 days off of the average time to hire. After the closing date for applications, the agency evaluates candidate qualifications From this assessment, the agency produces a list of qualified candidates, known as a certificate or “cert” From the list of qualified applicants, agencies select candidates for interviews At this point, agencies, like other organizations/employers,  Conduct interviews and select the best candidate(s) for the job  Undergo security clearance, medical exams, drug testing, etc.

 Applying for a Federal job requires time and special attention to detail -- but the rewards are worth it! Take your time.  Procedures vary across Federal agencies. Do your research.  Federal agencies hire the best and the brightest, and getting a Federal job is often very competitive.  Last year alone, 21.6 million people applied for Federal jobs, or about 75 applications for each opening.  Increase YOUR chances of being hired by following a few clear steps: The Application Process Self-qualify to establish your GS pay level; Research potential opportunities based on your academic and work experience; Consider various Federal agencies; View tutorials and other resources on and Follow application directions carefully.

1. Visit USAJOBS® and OPM to view tutorials and other helpful information on applying for Federal jobs. 2.Create an Account on USAJOBS® 3.Be sure to build your comprehensive resume on USAJOBS®. Select “searchable.” You can store up to 5 different resumes and customize your resume for each job. 4.Create Search Agents to get “new” jobs ed to you. 5.APPLY EARLY AND CAST A WIDE NET! 5 Steps Before Applying for a Federal Job

 Federal resumes can be longer and require more information than private sector/non-profit resumes, including  Searchable: Include all work experience, skills, and knowledge, including paid and unpaid jobs (internships). Similar to a curriculum vitae (CV).  Tailored: Once you identify a job vacancy, tailor your resume to include only the job relevant work and academic experience.  Include U.S. Citizenship, Veteran’s Status, Schedule A eligibility and Federal Employment Status.  Use action words to describe work experience such as  “Managed, assisted, responded, planned, coordinated, met with, implemented, communicated with, tested, developed, spearheaded…”  Include special skills like computer proficiency and language ability Resume Tips

More Resume Tips  Study job announcements to determine important keywords in your field.  Focus on the "requirements," "skills" or "qualifications" sections of job ads, and look for “buzzwords” and desirable credentials for your ideal job. If you have those skills, mirror these buzzwords/language on your resume.  Self-certification must match experience on resume.  Example: Job description requires experience writing press releases. If you have that experience, your resume should provide specific examples.  Use quantitative measures to highlight accomplishments. Provide sense of scope and complexity. Resume should be results driven.  Wrote news releases vs. Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period.  Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,000 and 100 members.  Suggested procedures that decreased processing from 10 to five minutes.

Create Search Agents and Search by Interests For example: A native of Chicago, IL with an interest in Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare job

Anatomy of a Job Announcement

Overview Duties Qualifications and Evaluation Benefits and Other Information How to Apply

Additional Tips for Applying Does the position require you to have “Status,” meaning past Federal service? If yes and you are applying for the first time, move on to the next job announcement. Read the job announcement carefully and follow the directions dutifully. Attach all accompanying documents and required materials. Plan ahead- Allow plenty of time to thoroughly proof read and complete your application (no grammatical errors). Apply by the deadline. Select carefully- always consider using a tailored application and resume for each application. A generic resume, even if you are qualified, will not be sufficient. Follow-up with an agency contact to find out more about a job before applying or the status of a vacancy after you apply.

20 DOL and Federal Legal Careers DOL: DOL: Attorney Advisor Employee Benefits Law Specialist Equal Opportunity Specialist Benefits Advisor Investigator Workers Compensation Claims Examiner Human Resources Specialist Immigration Program Analyst Program Specialist Federal: Federal: Attorney Administrative Law Judge Management Analyst Hearing and Appeals Specialist Legal Instruments Examiner Paralegal Specialist Patent Attorney

 Schedule A  People with Disabilities require a certification of condition and job readiness at 5 CFR § (u)  Excepted service for attorneys pursuant to 5 CFR § (d); (e) law clerks before bar passage.  Veteran Readjustment Act (VRA)  Preference for eligible veterans such as 30 percent of more disabled veterans. Only be hired to GS-11.  Returning Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers pursuant to 5 CFR § 315 (F) Special Appointing Authorities

22  When: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm  Where: U.S Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Building  Who Should Attend: Individuals interested in a career opportunity with benefits and the potential for career progression.  Individuals who want to work in an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion and the talent you can offer.  Veterans eligible for a Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30% or more or Schedule A Hiring Authority  Persons with Disabilities eligible for Schedule A Hiring Authority DOL Career Fair for People with Disabilities and Veterans

23  The Solicitor of Labor (SOL) Honors attorneys handle a broad range of labor and employment substantive legal matters in the second largest Federal law enforcement agency.  Two-year, rotational program that exposes attorneys to a wide array of skills in litigation, administrative law, appellate advocacy, rulemaking, policy, in national and regional offices.  Application entails a cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript, and DD-214 if claiming Veterans preference. Conversion potential after successful completion of two-year rotation.  Deadline is early Fall Up to 10 Honors attorneys in class starting on fall DOL Honors Program

DOL has regional recruitment coordinators across the country to work with you. Esteban Morales and M. Lucero Ortiz Washington, DC Dolores Garcia New York, NY Rafael Abreu Philadelphia, PA Marisela Rosales Atlanta, GA Siggy Letheby Chicago, IL Blas Rueda-Caraballo Dallas, TX Rosa Mengesha San Francisco, CA Send us your questions!

Thank You! We encourage you to apply to Federal employment.