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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Government & Non-Profit |
Does anyone have any good tips for getting hired with the Federal Government? |
I have applied online through USAJobs.gov, but I feel like my application will never actually be reviewed other then by an automated computer. The job I am seeking is under the Federal Career Internship Program, QA Specialist with the DCMA. Thanks! First off, to get preference for federal jobs, join the Air/army national guard, navy reserve, or just nut up and enlist for 3 or 4 years. When lists are pulled, management is required to exhaust the prior military before going to non-military applicants. Also if you get wounded and get points 5 or 10, then those help by again, 5 or 10 points. While filling out the application, look at what they are asking EXACTLY and answer using their same phrases right back at them, however change them around, add stuff in between (still make it logical to read of course). But if a security guard is being sought with duties to stand guard at exits of facility, conduct vehicle inspections and must be willing to carry a weapon. Then you might answer in your previous job experience (of course dont lie, but you can stretch the truth because trust me, most of the others are doing it also). you might answer, Previous experience as a security guard, my duties included carrying weapons such as 9mm pistol and tazer. Was rated as marksman with last job. Investigated suspicious persons around building. Stood guard duty and entrance and exits of building and did random searches for contraband in both vehicles and personal belongings... It used to be with the old 171, you had to bulk fill in to get key words, now they automated programs are a little smarter, but still, if office job, dont forget, filing, reports, schedules, on time, consistantly meeting deadlines. etc.. remember once you do get past the automated system, someone that is knowledgable (hopefully) will be reading your resumix and if they think they see smoke (like trying to be blown up their ****) then they will just roundfile the app. If you have long term experience at any of the tasks such as "office support" or filing clerk, mention years and months.. if it is just generalized or short term, mention the skill but dont worry too much about saying you carried a weapon as a security guard for only 90 days , while unarmed was for 5 years. let them assume the 5 years and 90 days was armed. UNLESS it specificly asks. Also, there are KSA in some applications.. Knowledge Skills and Abilities statments.. Application must (know how to perform various QA tasks without supervison as an example) .. here again, I have worked as QA for 5 years without supervison and on occasion assisted supervisors in training new applicants or acting as shift supervisor on occasion to cover for off duty employees. etc. etc so forth. If you have gotten awards, promotions, list them in the appropriate areas.. it showed that your work was deserved. Of course dont worry about the mix team bowling first place trophy.. make it work related. Ohh yeah, almost forgot, stretching the truth.. There are probably several items that you have done without realizing until you sit down and think about it. Security.. when working at closing time at McDonalds, you might have checked the lot prior to all employees leaving, escorted groups of employeess to their vehicles (even if you went as a group and were escorting each other), constantly surveying the property to assure of no mischevious activites. Hazardous Materials.. again at mcDonalds, work with elevated temperature products, and various industrial cleaning products and chemicals in a safe and managment approved manner. again etc so forth. Someone else said that you should know someone.. while it can help, it can also hurt some. depending on how you come across to the person you are introduced to. But regardless you are correct about the automated computer bit.. you can lay golden eggs and sing like a goddess, and just touch the work and make it magicly be finished.. if you dont get to the human factor, it dont matter. Hope this helps.. You're probably not going to like my answer, but here goes. Your chances of getting hired increase GREATLY if you "know someone" inside. Do your best to make some acquaintances in/around the office involved. I know - easier said than done. I don't know the exact %, but I'm sure the hire rate for folks with "inside connections" has got to be over 80%. HTH |
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