federal careers 101
TRANSCRIPT
FEDERAL CAREERS 101Kate Templeton, NCC
Career Consultant
Certified Federal Career Coach
Kendra StricklandCareer Consultant
Presented by:
Take a minute to share with your neighbor…
Your year/major/degree
Why you came today
What you already know about careers with the federal government
So…why go Federal?ANY MAJOR can find a federal fit
Government agencies are hiring!
Federal pay and benefits are competitive
Federal Jobs Are Everywhere
Steps to a Federal Job
Take some notes!
Research Federal Student Programs
STEP 1:
Many Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates
Path
ways
Pro
gram
s
PresidentialManagement Fellows
Program
Recent GraduatesProgram
Internship Program
Internship Program• What:• Paid opportunities to intern at federal agencies and explore different career
paths• Eligible for full-time employment upon successful completion of the program
(640/320 hours of work)
• Who:• Current students in qualifying educational institutions and programs
• More Information:• Volunteer positions are available at many federal agencies
Recent Graduates Program• What:• Dynamic developmental program• Eligible for conversion to full-time employment upon successful completion of
the program
• Who:• Individuals with undergraduate or graduate degrees from qualifying
educational institutions or programs
• More Information:• Candidates must apply within 2 years of completing a degree or certificate
program, with the exception of eligible veterans
STEP 2:Network
Opportunities for NetworkingCareer Fairs
Professional ConferencesInfo Sessions and Informational Interviews
Family, friends, facultyLinkedIn
GovLoop.org
STEP 3:Find Your Fit
(Agencies, Job Titles, Pay Grades)
GoGovernment.org
Bestplacestowork.org
Individual Agency Websites
Social Media
STEP 4:Search USAJOBS
Search keyword or location (advanced searches help the process)
Save searches and have vacancies emailed to you when posted
Search by Pathways Programs
STEP 5:Analyze
Vacancy Announcements
Am I qualified?
How much time do I have?
Critical Components:Overview
QualificationsHow to Apply
Read each announcement
carefully and thoroughly!
Educational Qualifications and Pay Grades
GS-4 Two years above high school education (or AA Degree)Step 1 - $25,011 –> Step 10 - $32,517
GS-5 Four years above high school leading to a BA/BSStep 1 - $27,982 –> Step 10 - $36,379
GS-7 One full year of graduate study or BA/BS with Superior Academic Achievement*Step 1 - $34,662 –> Step 10 - $45,057
GS-9 Master’s Degree or Equivalent or two years of graduate school Step 1 - $42,399 –> Step 10 - $55,116
GS-11 Ph.D. or three years of graduate schoolFor Research Positions only: completion of a Master’s DegreeStep 1 - $51,298 –> Step 10 - $66,688
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2015/general-schedule/
*Can be accomplished in three ways:1. Class standing in top 1/3rd
2. GPA (3.0/4.0 or 3.5/4.0 in major coursework)3. Election to a membership in a National Honors Society.
STEP 6:Write Your
Federal Resume
Building a Federal Resume• What is the difference between a federal
resume and a traditional resume?• Length• Level of detail• Required information
• Create an account on USAJOBS.gov• Build and store up to 5 federal resumes• Upload non-federal resumes and other
materials
Be Familiar with AssessmentsAdditional selection tools may include:
Cover lettersApplication questionnaires
Essays
STEP 7:Submit
Your Application
Submitting to USAJOBSPay attention to detail – review THOROUGHLY
Know the deadlineBe prepared to submit documents by email or fax
Be patient
STEP 8:Track and Follow Up
Know What Happens Next• Track applications at 4 points:• When applications are received• If a candidate meets basic qualifications• When an application is referred to the selecting official• If a candidate is offered the position
• Application Follow-Up• Confirm receipt of application• Submit additional information or documentation
• Federal Interviews
Know What Happens Next1. Position closes2. Agency evaluates candidate qualifications3. Agency produces certificate(s) of qualified candidates4. Certificate(s) provided to “selecting official” and interview process
begins5. Interviews are held6. Final interviews are conducted by selecting official7. Selection is made and job offer is extended
Practice: Find a Job for Ahmaud• Graduates in December with a master’s degree in counseling• Would like to stay in Georgia, but is willing to relocate if necessary• Will take the National Counselor Exam, thereby able to be a
provisionally licensed counselor• Experience: • Counseling – conducting assessments, providing treatment and case
management• Computers – networking, troubleshooting, repair• Teaching – graduate assistant and Duke TIP
Federal Careers WeekTomorrow: Writing Your Federal Resume
The basics4:00-5:00pmMLC 248
Wednesday: Federal Government Careers Q&ADr. Jaime Stewart, Department of Health and Human Services6:00-7:30pmMLC 101
Thursday: Federal Jobs: The Insider’s GuideTed Barco, Director of the Student Veteran’s Resource Center3:00-4:30pmMlc 101