federal careers 101

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