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Tips for getting a Fed job?

* Posting under an AE because I'm paranoid *

After a long time of stalking USAJobs, an appropriate job at a government agency that I've always admired and wanted to work at has finally come open. I'm working on prepping my resume and materials to submit, and was wondering if there are any specific tips or things that I should be sure to include? I think it's probably a different animal than the private sector process I've gone through in the past.

I know lots of D.C. nesties work for the Feds - I'd love any tips or thoughts you can share.

Thanks!

Re: Tips for getting a Fed job?


  • Make sure that you include as many of the key words in the job announcement as you possibly can.  From my experience, you honestly cannot put too much information in your resume/CV.  We apply for our own promotions and for federal conversion (from fellowships) through USAjobs (which are open to the public to apply) and many people don't get their own job because they fail to match the announcement.

     GL!! 

    Yorkie Jenga
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  • My only advice is to read the job announcement carefully and make sure that your resume highlights your experience that lines up with/corresponds to things in the announcement (use some of the same words if you can). I found that was what helped quite a bit get offered 2 jobs via USAjobs.
  • Great advice above.  I would only add keep your expectations very low for timing.  I got my job in a few months, but the Fed process can take many many months. 

    If we knew which agency we could maybe give more specific advice, but you may not want to post that detail...

    Good luck to you!

    Wife, Musician, Fed, WW-er, and Mom of three little kids - not necessarily in that order.
  • Page Kari on MM - she has lots of great tips.  And if you know someone at the agency, call them! 
  • Yep, call someone at the agency. They can't sway the interview BUT if you make it past the screener, and someone is looking at a pile of resume's, having  your name dropped is always a bonus :)

    And ditto on the LONG time it takes. Don't get discouraged if it takes them 6 months to offer you a job, or even interview. It's ridiculous...

    carrie ~ me-at-carrie.cc ~ 4/21/2007
    * blog * first baby blog * baby 2.0 blog * twitter *

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  • A friend of mine who is very good at getting the Fed jobs she applies for ALWAYS does a cover letter.  Couldn't hurt!

    Now that KSAs were eliminated (for the first screen), it seems to fall heavily on the screening questions.  They ask how experienced you are doing a certain thing.  Don't be too modest on them-- you don't want that to exclude you, so don't be too literal. 

    I haven't tweaked my resume to reflect key words for the last two jobs I got, so in my experience that isn't so key.  BUT, it doesn't hurt (unless you are over tweaking your resume.)

    If you tell us what agency, someone may know if they have delegating authority, or if OPM is doing their hiring. 

  • Thanks all - this is really helpful! The agency is Dept of Commerce/NOAA. Appreciate all the insight.
  • Having gotten knocked out of a few DoC jobs based on the online interview questions alone, be prepared to justify the highest answer for each question. 
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