How to Apply for Federal Jobs The Career Center Colorado State University

GS/Pay Band GradeQualifying education GS-54 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree OR a bachelor’s degree GS-7Bachelor’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-9Master’s degree (or equivalent) GS-11Doctorate degree or J.D. GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry level” Source: opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp

Student Programs… PAST PROGRAMS CURRENT PROGRAMS

 Internship Program: Paid opportunities while still in school Agencies may convert eligible participants to full-time employment  Recent Graduates 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

Steps to Apply To find and apply for a federal job, follow these steps online: 1.Search for specific positions 2.Create your federal resume 3.Complete application questionnaires 4.Submit the complete application by deadline 5.Follow up with the agency contact

Usajobs.gov

Usajobs.gov Hints Create a profile and resume before you begin to apply for jobs Don’t hesitate to contact the agency – use the contact information listed on the announcement Print the job announcement, once the deadline passes, it won’t be accessible Save your favorite searches and set it to you

Usajobs.gov Hints

Federal Resumes  Federal resumes require more detail than standard resumes and many recruiters recommend using USAJOBS resume builder.  Hrs worked/week, supervisor’s name & phone number, salary  Usually 3-5 pages in length  Carefully review the job vacancy announcement or position description  Focus on the “duties” or “responsibilities” section, and customize your resume accordingly by identifying and including key words and phrases

Target your resume for every job you apply for! Duty 1: Research design: developing an evaluation's scope, research questions, and data collection methods Contributed to a collaborative article evaluating communication journals’ external validity Developed the methodology, research questions, and research design for the research article and coded journal articles Wrote methodology section of paper outlining data collection methods Followed rigorous fact-checking and information citing procedures Received an A on the assignment. Federal Resume Tips

 Application Questionnaires Between 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

 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

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