The U.S. Federal Government Jobs Megathread: Next time... be more careful!

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Ask/Tell > Business, Finance, and Careers > The U.S. Federal Government Jobs Megathread: Next time... be more careful!

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FooGoo: Oct 21, 2008

There's an engineering job fair coming up in October near me which the Army and Navy will be present. I've been trying like hell to get a job with both of them (USACE and NAVAFC) with no luck.

Will I be wasting $200 for registration attending considering there's been zero openings on usajobs for either agency? Will I be getting a significant advantage handing them my resume or will it just be "Thanks, we have no positions but I'll keep it on file"?

# ? Sep 3, 2011 17:24

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# ? May 11, 2024 13:38

grover: Jan 23, 2002; PEW PEW PEW

FooGoo posted:

There's an engineering job fair coming up in October near me which the Army and Navy will be present. I've been trying like hell to get a job with both of them (USACE and NAVAFC) with no luck.

Will I be wasting $200 for registration attending considering there's been zero openings on usajobs for either agency? Will I be getting a significant advantage handing them my resume or will it just be "Thanks, we have no positions but I'll keep it on file"?

Are you looking at a specific geographic area, or are you willing to move? NAVFAC Lant and Midlant (in Norfolk) hire shitloads of engineers and are always hiring. The shipyards are always hiring engineers, too.

# ? Sep 3, 2011 18:20

somethingcool: Aug 29, 2004

I have a phone interview with the FBI this Friday for a research analyst position. I assume it will be behavioral or STAR style, but has anyone had any specific experience with the Bureau and their interviews? The HR woman had slots open at half hour intervals, so I assume it will be fairly quick.

I was contacted less than 24 hours after sending my resume to a colleague already in the FBI. Does anyone even look at the USAjobs applications, or do they just wait for employee referrals?

# ? Sep 4, 2011 00:02

danifestmestny: Jun 11, 2003; Lincecum, Cain, and pray for rain

I'm applying for both interpretive ranger positions and administrative support positions with the National Park Service. What sort of formatting tips do any of you have for building my resume.

In terms of chronology of work (current employer, then going backwards in time) I have experience as a tutor, admin support, enumerator for the census, substitute teaching (technically still doing this), more admin support, and as a teacher. There are obvious ways of rearranging those for relevance, but would that hurt or help my chances?

Also, given that my work experience is comprised of a lot of temporary and part-time jobs I took while looking for (and failing to get) a full-time teaching position is it better to point toward my academic qualifications (which seems to be met by having my BA in history), or go with the professional experience even if it is cobbled together like a Frankenstein monster?

Why'd the NPS thread die such a quick death?

edit: ~~Would submitting an OF-612 in lieu of a resume help me or hurt me at all? Usajobs.gov and NPS say either is acceptable but if one is preferred over the other, I'd obviously want to take that route.~~

Never mind the OPM website says the OF-612 is now obsolete thanks to the resume builder on usajobs.

danifestmestny fucked around with this message at 23:09 on Sep 7, 2011

# ? Sep 7, 2011 22:54

RTB: Sep 19, 2004

I've recently started considering making the transition over from the corporate world and this thread has been a big help. Thanks everyone!

I'm seeing a lot of job listings asking for the following information on the resume -
Name of university, dates attended, GPA and Major. These are all pretty straight forward, but then it also asks for "24 semester hours of specific courses and course hours in your major." Am I supposed to write something like "I have completed at least 24 semester hours of courses in my major" or do I actually need to include a section which lists out these courses by name?

Also, can anyone share a good resource for how to properly format your resume? I'm seeing a lot of mixed advice, and none of it is the same as when I've applied for corporate gigs. I've used the resume tool on USA jobs, but I'm not sure how much detail to go into on each position I've had, if I should limit it to one page, or if I should include a list of my skills (tailored to the KSAs for the position) at the top of it.

# ? Sep 9, 2011 17:33

BrainParasite: Jan 24, 2003

RTB posted:

I'm seeing a lot of job listings asking for the following information on the resume -
Name of university, dates attended, GPA and Major. These are all pretty straight forward, but then it also asks for "24 semester hours of specific courses and course hours in your major." Am I supposed to write something like "I have completed at least 24 semester hours of courses in my major" or do I actually need to include a section which lists out these courses by name?

Make a pdf or something out of scans from your college transcripts and upload that with your application. You could also fax your transcripts in if you have the time and inclination.

# ? Sep 9, 2011 18:13

Zoo: Oct 24, 2004; I hate to break it to you, but there is no big lie, there is no system. The universe is indifferent.

Guess DHS won't be consolidating to St. Elizabeth's for a while after all.

# ? Sep 9, 2011 21:14

Admiral BJ: May 28, 2005; Kicking ass and taking names

danifestmestny posted:

I'm applying for both interpretive ranger positions and administrative support positions with the National Park Service. What sort of formatting tips do any of you have for building my resume.

In terms of chronology of work (current employer, then going backwards in time) I have experience as a tutor, admin support, enumerator for the census, substitute teaching (technically still doing this), more admin support, and as a teacher. There are obvious ways of rearranging those for relevance, but would that hurt or help my chances?

Also, given that my work experience is comprised of a lot of temporary and part-time jobs I took while looking for (and failing to get) a full-time teaching position is it better to point toward my academic qualifications (which seems to be met by having my BA in history), or go with the professional experience even if it is cobbled together like a Frankenstein monster?

Why'd the NPS thread die such a quick death?

edit: ~~Would submitting an OF-612 in lieu of a resume help me or hurt me at all? Usajobs.gov and NPS say either is acceptable but if one is preferred over the other, I'd obviously want to take that route.~~

Never mind the OPM website says the OF-612 is now obsolete thanks to the resume builder on usajobs.

If you're going for the administrative support, I would point towards your work experience. If you're going for interp, point towards education. The usajobs system if lovely, so on questionnaires you pretty much have to rate yourself the highest.

I have worked off on on for about the past 4 years with the park service at two different parks being a biological science technician, but I have interacted a lot with both types of positions.

It would be a good idea to volunteer(if you can) with a close national park service unit to get some experience and see how it all works. Interp always seems to have volunteers, but you can generally pick what area you wish to do.

# ? Sep 9, 2011 23:37

danifestmestny: Jun 11, 2003; Lincecum, Cain, and pray for rain

Admiral BJ posted:

If you're going for the administrative support, I would point towards your work experience. If you're going for interp, point towards education. The usajobs system if lovely, so on questionnaires you pretty much have to rate yourself the highest.

I have worked off on on for about the past 4 years with the park service at two different parks being a biological science technician, but I have interacted a lot with both types of positions.

It would be a good idea to volunteer(if you can) with a close national park service unit to get some experience and see how it all works. Interp always seems to have volunteers, but you can generally pick what area you wish to do.

I stumbled onto volunteers.gov and put in a general app for Yosemite and listed all of the park lands near me (Bay Area) as back ups too. Thanks for the advice.

By the way RTB, I found this PDF which might help you. Scrap a traditional resume, for any federal job, and don't be shy when listing job duties/experiences.

danifestmestny fucked around with this message at 02:55 on Sep 10, 2011

# ? Sep 10, 2011 02:50

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Zoo posted:

Guess DHS won't be consolidating to St. Elizabeth's for a while after all.

Does anyone actually get 1500 AM in the DC area? I'm not sure if its my car but I can never get a good signal on it.

# ? Sep 13, 2011 02:22

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

Can someone please recommend a federal job or department for someone with a BA in history and certification for elementary education? It's been tremendously hard for me to find a job for the last year and a half and due to student loans, I have no savings so it's not like I can just move. Ive searched on USAjobs many times before but I'm not sure what to look for and the requirements for all the jobs I've seen seem to be really tough, as far as work experience goes. I live in northern jersey and it doesn't seem like there are many options in my area. I'd also be eager to get a job in DC because I have friends in Baltimore I can stay with until I can afford an apartment.

tl;dr Any suggestions for jobs to look up for someone with a BA in history and elementary education certification?

Edit: a few months ago, I started a job working with developmentally disabled adults, so I also have some experience doing that too.

NnamkcebNairb fucked around with this message at 03:38 on Sep 13, 2011

# ? Sep 13, 2011 03:23

RTB: Sep 19, 2004

BrainParasite posted:

Make a pdf or something out of scans from your college transcripts and upload that with your application. You could also fax your transcripts in if you have the time and inclination.

That makes a lot more sense than listing out courses on my resume. Thanks.

danifestmestny posted:

By the way RTB, I found this PDF which might help you. Scrap a traditional resume, for any federal job, and don't be shy when listing job duties/experiences.

Thanks for this. It has most of what I was looking for. As far as formatting goes, right now I use a paragraph about job responsibilities followed by bullet points of significant accomplishments in the role. Will a paragraph get read or should I rely more heavily on bullets?

Thanks.

# ? Sep 13, 2011 15:26

Midge the Jet: Sep 15, 2006

I had given up hope after an interview from 2 months ago (hiring fair), but apparently someone replied elsewhere that they received a tentative offer yesterday. I really don't want to start thinking about it again, but it would be a welcome gift to get that offer as well.

I also just applied for the IRS seasonal positions in the area just because I want to get my foot in the door. I already have federal health benefits through my husband (who also works for the IRS), so that helps a ton.

# ? Sep 13, 2011 16:20

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

I found an opening for a job as a Contract Specialist and the requirements seem pretty vague. It asks for a four year degree and that's pretty much it. What's the actual job like? What kinds things should I focus on in my resume? Are they picky about who they're looking for? Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

# ? Sep 13, 2011 22:17

Zoo: Oct 24, 2004; I hate to break it to you, but there is no big lie, there is no system. The universe is indifferent.

problematique posted:

Does anyone actually get 1500 AM in the DC area? I'm not sure if its my car but I can never get a good signal on it.

I actually just check the site. For local radio, I stick to WAMU (NPR) and WTOP (traffic). :P

# ? Sep 13, 2011 22:36

grover: Jan 23, 2002; PEW PEW PEW

NnamkcebNairb posted:

I found an opening for a job as a Contract Specialist and the requirements seem pretty vague. It asks for a four year degree and that's pretty much it. What's the actual job like? What kinds things should I focus on in my resume? Are they picky about who they're looking for? Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

The contract specialists I know typically deal with contracting. Which is to say, they write and track contracts, keep the contracting officer out of jail, and keep the contracting officer's tech reps out of of jail, too. And basically provide contract expertise to the customer, and contract oversight to ensure the contractors don't gently caress over the government. A lot of what you need to know will be taught when you get dawia certified.

# ? Sep 13, 2011 23:47

nude tayne: Jul 25, 2001; THIS ISN'T ROCKET SURGERY!

grover posted:

The contract specialists I know typically deal with contracting. Which is to say, they write and track contracts, keep the contracting officer out of jail, and keep the contracting officer's tech reps out of of jail, too. And basically provide contract expertise to the customer, and contract oversight to ensure the contractors don't gently caress over the government. A lot of what you need to know will be taught when you get dawia certified.

Is there some kind of list of certifications federal employees typically get?

# ? Sep 14, 2011 00:23

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

grover posted:

The contract specialists I know typically deal with contracting. Which is to say, they write and track contracts, keep the contracting officer out of jail, and keep the contracting officer's tech reps out of of jail, too. And basically provide contract expertise to the customer, and contract oversight to ensure the contractors don't gently caress over the government. A lot of what you need to know will be taught when you get dawia certified.

So do they provide decent training? I don't really know anything about contracting, but the job requirements don't mention anything about prior knowledge about it.

# ? Sep 14, 2011 00:31

Tyro: Nov 10, 2009

NnamkcebNairb posted:

So do they provide decent training? I don't really know anything about contracting, but the job requirements don't mention anything about prior knowledge about it.

What agency is it?

# ? Sep 14, 2011 00:48

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

It's for the Agency for International Development. Here, I'll post the job posting:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.a...12+01%3a13%3a00

Edit: Okay, so it does briefly mention experience but it also days several times that education is accepted in lieu of experience, so it's a bit confusing. I have a BA in history and teacher certification, if it counts for anything.

NnamkcebNairb fucked around with this message at 01:16 on Sep 14, 2011

# ? Sep 14, 2011 01:10

Tyro: Nov 10, 2009

Looks like you need either a Master's or a Bachelor's with 1 year of relevant work experience, which would be "experience which is in or directly related to contracting work and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled."

# ? Sep 14, 2011 01:31

grover: Jan 23, 2002; PEW PEW PEW

NnamkcebNairb posted:

It's for the Agency for International Development. Here, I'll post the job posting:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.a...12+01%3a13%3a00

Edit: Okay, so it does briefly mention experience but it also days several times that education is accepted in lieu of experience, so it's a bit confusing. I have a BA in history and teacher certification, if it counts for anything.

That's a GS-9 position, it's not an entry level job. You can qualify with graduate degree, but a BS/BA will only get you a GS-5 (or GS-7 if you had good grades).

# ? Sep 14, 2011 02:37

TLG James: Jun 5, 2000; Questing ain't easy

Wow a federal IT job just opened in the SSA that doesn't require a MS degree...

I can only hope. I applied because I only have a week in the AF left and I claimed vet preference.... Though I haven't got my DD-214 yet...

# ? Sep 14, 2011 03:00

CherryCola: Apr 15, 2002; 'ahtaj alshifa

Just wanted to post another follow up about my awesome government job. I still freaking love it so much more than I could have dreamed.

One thing I don't get though, is why all these kids around my age have no idea how to act professional. I just finished a month long mandatory training course which all new hires have to take. Our group had the WORST ATTENDANCE RECORD in the ENTIRE HISTORY of this course. This one girl would walk in two hours late like it ain't no thing. and THEN this other self-entitled baby went off on a band five (basically a GS-15 on the regular scale...that's the highest, right?) about how she wasn't being "treated like a professional" and blah blah blah. Basically, all these 25 year old *children* were acting like they were pretty much owed this job.

A note to people looking for a job, DO NOT FREAKING ACT LIKE THIS. The biggest thing that can get you IMMEDIATELY fired is timecard fraud. And where I work we have a two year probationary period, so it's even worse. They actually sent emails to EVERYONE'S bosses and their boss' bosses about how terrible our class was. I'm incredibly punctual and an absolute overachiever, so I wasn't even to blame for any of the issues. Luckily, my boss knows me well enough to know that I'm not an unprofessional idiot, but he had to write to the head of our division (who I've never met) to let him know that I'm not one of the misfits.

Sorry for the rant, but I don't know why new employees would act so unprofessional, especially in this economy. I thank my lucky stars every single day that I have such a great job and would never knowingly do anything to jeopardize it.

# ? Sep 14, 2011 03:03

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

grover posted:

That's a GS-9 position, it's not an entry level job. You can qualify with graduate degree, but a BS/BA will only get you a GS-5 (or GS-7 if you had good grades).

Ohh okay. I had been told to look for GS7 jobs. That would explain why I haven't found anything I'm eligible for most things I've found. So GS05 jobs are the entry level positions.

# ? Sep 14, 2011 04:44

Evil SpongeBob: Dec 1, 2005; Not the other one, couldn't stand the other one. Nope nope nope. Here, enjoy this bird.

NnamkcebNairb posted:

Ohh okay. I had been told to look for GS7 jobs. That would explain why I haven't found anything I'm eligible for most things I've found. So GS05 jobs are the entry level positions.

An easy way to think of this for a first time hire.

5 = bachelor's degree

7 = bachelor's degree (edit: with >3.something GPA) or a year of relevant experience

9 = master's degree or two years or more of specialized, directly related experience

Evil SpongeBob fucked around with this message at 06:54 on Sep 18, 2011

# ? Sep 14, 2011 06:22

the tingler: Jul 15, 2009

CherryCola posted:

Just wanted to post another follow up about my awesome government job. I still freaking love it so much more than I could have dreamed.

One thing I don't get though, is why all these kids around my age have no idea how to act professional. I just finished a month long mandatory training course which all new hires have to take. Our group had the WORST ATTENDANCE RECORD in the ENTIRE HISTORY of this course. This one girl would walk in two hours late like it ain't no thing. and THEN this other self-entitled baby went off on a band five (basically a GS-15 on the regular scale...that's the highest, right?) about how she wasn't being "treated like a professional" and blah blah blah. Basically, all these 25 year old *children* were acting like they were pretty much owed this job.

A note to people looking for a job, DO NOT FREAKING ACT LIKE THIS. The biggest thing that can get you IMMEDIATELY fired is timecard fraud. And where I work we have a two year probationary period, so it's even worse. They actually sent emails to EVERYONE'S bosses and their boss' bosses about how terrible our class was. I'm incredibly punctual and an absolute overachiever, so I wasn't even to blame for any of the issues. Luckily, my boss knows me well enough to know that I'm not an unprofessional idiot, but he had to write to the head of our division (who I've never met) to let him know that I'm not one of the misfits.

Sorry for the rant, but I don't know why new employees would act so unprofessional, especially in this economy. I thank my lucky stars every single day that I have such a great job and would never knowingly do anything to jeopardize it.

What job is it? Where is it?

# ? Sep 14, 2011 19:01

Gin and Juche: Apr 3, 2008; The Highest Judge of Paradise
Shiki Eiki
YAMAXANADU

CherryCola posted:

Just wanted to post another follow up about my awesome government job. I still freaking love it so much more than I could have dreamed.

One thing I don't get though, is why all these kids around my age have no idea how to act professional. I just finished a month long mandatory training course which all new hires have to take. Our group had the WORST ATTENDANCE RECORD in the ENTIRE HISTORY of this course. This one girl would walk in two hours late like it ain't no thing. and THEN this other self-entitled baby went off on a band five (basically a GS-15 on the regular scale...that's the highest, right?) about how she wasn't being "treated like a professional" and blah blah blah. Basically, all these 25 year old *children* were acting like they were pretty much owed this job.

A note to people looking for a job, DO NOT FREAKING ACT LIKE THIS. The biggest thing that can get you IMMEDIATELY fired is timecard fraud. And where I work we have a two year probationary period, so it's even worse. They actually sent emails to EVERYONE'S bosses and their boss' bosses about how terrible our class was. I'm incredibly punctual and an absolute overachiever, so I wasn't even to blame for any of the issues. Luckily, my boss knows me well enough to know that I'm not an unprofessional idiot, but he had to write to the head of our division (who I've never met) to let him know that I'm not one of the misfits.

Sorry for the rant, but I don't know why new employees would act so unprofessional, especially in this economy. I thank my lucky stars every single day that I have such a great job and would never knowingly do anything to jeopardize it.

Glad to hear its working out for you so far! That is kinda suprising that they would go through all that training, stay committed enough throughout the entire hiring process and act like that.

You'll let me know if any of 'em get canned and more vacancies pop up won't ya?!

# ? Sep 15, 2011 00:43

Tortilla Maker: Dec 13, 2005; Un Desmadre A Toda Madre

Spell check is never an option.

# ? Sep 15, 2011 04:02

prussian advisor: Jan 15, 2007; The day you see a camera come into our courtroom, its going to roll over my dead body.

Tortilla Maker posted:

Spell check is never an option.

Verterans, aka veterans of the Air Force only. Who feels stupid now, huh? :smug:

# ? Sep 18, 2011 01:07

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

I just got slammed by a $700 car repair bill. I need a new job ASAP before I go bankrupt. Would someone be willing to help me out through PM/email/AIM/whatever to narrow down some federal jobs to apply to? I don't want to clutter up this thread but there is a new urgency to my financial situation right now and i could really use some help.

# ? Sep 19, 2011 20:31

Zoo: Oct 24, 2004; I hate to break it to you, but there is no big lie, there is no system. The universe is indifferent.

NnamkcebNairb posted:

I just got slammed by a $700 car repair bill. I need a new job ASAP before I go bankrupt. Would someone be willing to help me out through PM/email/AIM/whatever to narrow down some federal jobs to apply to? I don't want to clutter up this thread but there is a new urgency to my financial situation right now and i could really use some help.

A federal job is definitely not the way to "urgently" get hired, FYI, but anyhow you might want to specify a little more about your background.

# ? Sep 19, 2011 20:33

NnamkcebNairb: Apr 7, 2008; "Don't be sad that no one bought you a scallop. You're just not cool enough"
\

I'm aware that government jobs may take longer than other jobs but I can't find anything in the public sector with my experience and I feel I have a better chance here because I can stay with friends near DC, which gives me a big location/financial advantage, as far as out-of-state job searching goes. That's why im set ons federal job. I listed some of my experience a few posts above but I'd be willing to email my resume later, when I get home.

# ? Sep 19, 2011 20:40

flyingfoggy: Jun 3, 2006; My fellow Obamas...

Just coming in to say I'm an accounting major at my school and just saw the posting for the IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent position and wow - that sounds seriously awesome.

quote:

Special Agents in the Criminal Investigation Division determine whether an individual, business or corporation has committed a willful attempt to defeat or evade the tax laws of the U.S. Special agents investigate complex cases involving financial tax crimes, narcotics, organized crime, public corruption and international money laundering.

http://jobs.irs.gov/midcareer/criminal-investigation-special-agent.html#cisa-career

Even though I have pretty much zero interest in going into accounting or government work it seriously tempted me to apply. Accountant with a gun investigating gangs and terrorists and such.

# ? Sep 19, 2011 21:05

Zoo: Oct 24, 2004; I hate to break it to you, but there is no big lie, there is no system. The universe is indifferent.

NnamkcebNairb posted:

I'm aware that government jobs may take longer than other jobs but I can't find anything in the public sector with my experience and I feel I have a better chance here because I can stay with friends near DC, which gives me a big location/financial advantage, as far as out-of-state job searching goes. That's why im set ons federal job. I listed some of my experience a few posts above but I'd be willing to email my resume later, when I get home.

Someone else may be able to chime in with more details for your specific situation (after scrolling up), but the conventional best bet is to blanket apply -- although usually not to double-apply to the same vacancy or ad (or job bucket), since that can sometimes--not always-- actually hinder you. Barring that, I don't know kind of clearance you do/don't have, but contracting tends to be faster and sometimes immediate if you have a clearance. You probably answered that somewhere that I didn't see when I skimmed though, just saying.

If you repeat your background with a "30-second sell" and vague background in one spot here right now, I am thinking you'll have better odds of someone volunteering to let you e-mail them your resume BTW. The issue at the moment is just not having anywhere to send it for you, which you may still suffer from after the 30-second sell, but it's worth it anyway since you need to hone that.

# ? Sep 19, 2011 21:43

Evil SpongeBob: Dec 1, 2005; Not the other one, couldn't stand the other one. Nope nope nope. Here, enjoy this bird.

NnamkcebNairb posted:

I'm aware that government jobs may take longer than other jobs but I can't find anything in the public sector with my experience and I feel I have a better chance here because I can stay with friends near DC, which gives me a big location/financial advantage, as far as out-of-state job searching goes. That's why im set ons federal job. I listed some of my experience a few posts above but I'd be willing to email my resume later, when I get home.

Here's how to get a Federal job:

1 - Create a USAJOBS profile. Get a SF-86 ready to go.

2 - Apply to jobs that interest you. Get all excited and tell your friends.

3 - Now, forget you ever applied. Go out and get a private sector job job. (I'm a current Fed, applied in Dec 2009 for another job, passed the hiring panel April 2011 and will probably be waiting for the budget stuff to clear for several more months. My current job took me about 9-10 months from initial submission to hiring offer.)

4 - Receive a random phone call somewhere between 3-9 months after you're in your new private sector job. You are caught off guard and you ask the embarrassing question "What job is this for again?"

5 - Agonize over whether or not to do an initial interview for a job you may still not get (or the position gets cut or the vacancy gets cancelled).

6 - Start drinking. This will get you started since you need help coping if you get fired from your private sector job or just dealing with the everyday BS in your new Federal job.

Also, there's a reason why Federal HR people don't take random resumes. The hiring process has to be above board (nepotism, etc.) and people have been disciplined and/or fired for hiring buddies through the backdoor process. While it's ok to network, your best bet is USAJOBS or whatever official process the agency has for vacancies.

# ? Sep 20, 2011 15:32

Midge the Jet: Sep 15, 2006

Evil SpongeBob posted:

Also, there's a reason why Federal HR people don't take random resumes. The hiring process has to be above board (nepotism, etc.) and people have been disciplined and/or fired for hiring buddies through the backdoor process. While it's ok to network, your best bet is USAJOBS or whatever official process the agency has for vacancies.

This.

My husband started a group for the deaf federal employees in the DC area, so since I've been going to happy hour with them, I've gotten to know a bunch of people who work in HR for various agencies. If there was a back way in, I would have been in by now.

Just follow the words of wisdom above me. I just forget about everything I apply to now and only follow up on the USAJobs status when I get a referred update. Then you forget about it again.

# ? Sep 20, 2011 16:18

Drewski: Apr 15, 2005; Good thing Vader didn't touch my bike. Good thing for him.

Woot! My boss FINALLY offered me a VRA appointment. Nothing quite like circumventing the hiring process

# ? Sep 20, 2011 19:56

TLG James: Jun 5, 2000; Questing ain't easy

Should you seriously put down 5's on everything on the questionnaires? I recently applied for one and got the

"Eligible � Application Not Referred to Selecting Official"

This was with a 5 point vet preference for a simple IT LAN job with a BS degree and 6+ years of experience.

Very depressing, but I couldn't honestly say I was an expert on every single thing on it.

# ? Sep 21, 2011 22:59

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? May 11, 2024 13:38

Sirotan: Oct 17, 2006; Sirotan is a seal.

TLG James posted:

Should you seriously put down 5's on everything on the questionnaires? I recently applied for one and got the

"Eligible � Application Not Referred to Selecting Official"

This was with a 5 point vet preference for a simple IT LAN job with a BS degree and 6+ years of experience.

Very depressing, but I couldn't honestly say I was an expert on every single thing on it.

You shouldn't lie, but if you have any possible way of justifying a 5 response on an answer, you should absolutely put it as much as you can.

# ? Sep 22, 2011 01:50

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Ask/Tell > Business, Finance, and Careers > The U.S. Federal Government Jobs Megathread: Next time... be more careful!

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