1. www.ourpublicservice.org I N S P I R E T R A N S F O R MR E A L I Z E Making the Difference Jobs with the Federal Government

2. 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

3. www.ourpublicservice.org 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) “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)

4. www.ourpublicservice.org Making the Difference Subhashree Madhavan National Institutes of Health (HHS) Tobin Bradley U.S. Department of State Nicole Nelson-Jean U.S. Department of Energy

5. www.ourpublicservice.org Benefits of Government Service Opportunity to make a difference Influence the future of our country Work/life balance

6. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

7. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

8. www.ourpublicservice.org Grade Qualifying Education GS-5 4 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-9Master’s degree (or equivalent) General Schedule (GS) Grade Criteria http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp Grade Qualifying Education GS-5 4 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-9Master’s degree (or equivalent) GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry level”

9. www.ourpublicservice.org CityGS-5GS-7GS-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

10. www.ourpublicservice.org CityGS-5GS-7GS-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: CityGS-5GS-7GS-9GS-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

11. www.ourpublicservice.org Where the Jobs Are: By Location In addition, over 50,000 people work for the U.S. Government abroad!

12. www.ourpublicservice.org OCCUPATION # EMPLOYEES Medical and Public Health4,108 Accounting and Budget3,875 Business and Industry1,950 Engineering and Architecture1,587 Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare741 Information Technology343 Education319 Where the Jobs Are: By Occupation In 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

13. 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

14. www.ourpublicservice.org 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.govwww.USAJobs.gov www.StudentJobs.gov

15. www.ourpublicservice.org STEP Example: State Department

16. www.ourpublicservice.org Getting Started: Student Programs 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.govwww.USAJobs.govwww.StudentJobs.gov

17. www.ourpublicservice.org SCEP Example: EPA

18. www.ourpublicservice.org Getting Started: Student Programs Federal 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.govwww.USAJobs.govwww.StudentJobs.gov

19. www.ourpublicservice.org FCIP Examples: FAS and EPA

20. www.ourpublicservice.org Getting Started: Student Programs 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.govhttps://www.pmf.opm.gov

21. www.ourpublicservice.org Professors Friends School Alumni Where to Start Your Search Family

22. www.ourpublicservice.org Tools for Looking www.makingthedifference.org Search the Partnership’s site job seeker site for resources and toolswww.makingthedifference.org www.usa.gov The U.S. Government’s official web portalwww.usa.gov Where the Jobs Are A Partnership report with government hiring projections through 2009 www.bestplacestowork.org The most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee satisfaction in the federal governmentwww.bestplacestowork.org

23. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: MakingtheDifference.org MakingtheDifference.org Resources 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

24. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: USA.gov

25. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: USA.gov

26. www.ourpublicservice.org 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.orgMakingtheDifference.org

27. www.ourpublicservice.org Where the Jobs Are

28. www.ourpublicservice.org Best Places To Work bestplacestowork.org

29. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look Your Career Development Center Popular Job/Internship Search Engines www.usajobs.gov The Government’s main job website www.studentjobs.gov Find an internship with the Government Agency websites Visit the websites of agencies whose missions interest you

30. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: USAJOBS

31. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: STUDENTJOBS

32. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: Agency Sites

33. www.ourpublicservice.org Where to Look: Agency Sites

34. www.ourpublicservice.org Now let’s search…

35. www.ourpublicservice.org Launch the Process at USAJOBS

36. www.ourpublicservice.org Search by Various topics Search by: Keyword Location Job Category Salary Range Pay Grade

37. www.ourpublicservice.org Federal Jobs by College Major

38. www.ourpublicservice.org Search by Interest An example: Chicago, IL Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare

39. www.ourpublicservice.org Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

40. www.ourpublicservice.org Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

41. www.ourpublicservice.org OverviewDuties Qualifications and Evaluation How to Apply Benefits and Other Information Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement A vacancy announcement can represent multiple hires. Don’t forget to follow up.

42. www.ourpublicservice.org Overview Summary of organization’s mission and impact, plus a brief description of the job and its key requirements Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

43. www.ourpublicservice.org Duties Lists major duties and responsibilities of the position, adding more detail to the brief overview Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

44. www.ourpublicservice.org Qualifications and Evaluation Identifies skills and experience needed for the role and explains how applications will be assessed Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

45. www.ourpublicservice.org Benefits and Other Information Describes additional elements of the compensation package or perks associated with the job Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

46. www.ourpublicservice.org How to Apply Provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply and may include information on when/how applicants can expect to hear from the agency Anatomy of a Vacancy Announcement

47. www.ourpublicservice.org How to Apply Be careful to follow the “How to Apply” directions closely, since they may differ across agencies

48. www.ourpublicservice.org How to Apply

49. www.ourpublicservice.org Overview of the Online Process After 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

50. www.ourpublicservice.org Building a Federal Resume Online

51. www.ourpublicservice.org Building a Federal Resume Online Sections: Candidate Info. Work Experience Education References Affiliations Desired Locations

52. www.ourpublicservice.org Requirements for a Federal Resume Federal 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 Qualifications Source: Get Hired!, Lily Whiteman, FPMI, 2005

53. www.ourpublicservice.org Building A Federal Resume

54. www.ourpublicservice.org Federal Application Process Applicants will be assessed for federal opportunities using one of the following methods: Application Questionnaire KSA or Essay

55. www.ourpublicservice.org Sample Questionnaire Serve 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.

56. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

57. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

58. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

59. www.ourpublicservice.org Skill in applying engineering concepts and theories to the solution of engineering problems. Sample KSA

60. www.ourpublicservice.org 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 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. KSA Response Example 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.

61. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

62. www.ourpublicservice.org 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)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 http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whyvol.profben#adv http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/alumni/opportunities.asp

63. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

64. www.ourpublicservice.org 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

65. www.ourpublicservice.org 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!