Discover a Career at NIH The Federal Employment Process ...€¦ · The Federal Employment Process Resume Writing Workshop . National Institutes of Health . Office of Human Resources
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Discover a Career at NIH The Federal Employment Process Resume Writing Workshop National Institutes of Health Office of Human Resources Corporate Recruitment Johns Hopkins University February 6, 2013
Discover a Career at NIH The Federal Employment Process
Resume Writing Workshop
National Institutes of Health
Office of Human Resources Corporate Recruitment
Johns Hopkins University February 6, 2013
• Discover a Career • Pathways • Internships in
Biomedical Sciences • Federal Employment
Process • Navigating USA Jobs • Writing a Federal
Resume
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Presentation Notes
Your Expectations Recent Changes in the Government Hiring The Hiring Process Understanding the Terminology How Impactful Is My Resume? Debunk SOME preconceived notions of the Process
Discover a Career at NIH: It’s About Life
NIH Mission Seek and apply
fundamental knowledge
of the behavior and
nature of living systems
in order to help prevent,
detect, diagnose, and
treat disease and
disability
Carrying out the Mission
• Fund and support peer-reviewed scientific research
• Train research investigators and conduct in-house scientific research at NIH laboratories
• Develop and disseminate credible heath information based on scientific discovery to the public
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NIH carries out it’s mission in several different ways, three of which are listed above.
Results Oriented Research
• Over 60% drop in mortality for heart disease and stroke since 2004
• Chronic disability among older Americans dropped by 30% in past 2 decades
• Significant drop in death due to heart disease in women
• Life expectancy increased from 47 in 1900 to 78 in 2009
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The prevalence of chronic disability among people 65 and older fell from 26.5 percent in 1982 to 19 percent in 2004-2005 The decline in disability averaged 1.52 percent annually over the 22-year time span, but the rate of change shifted gradually from 0.6 percent in 1984 to 2.2 percent in 2004-2005.
The Red Dress Campaign
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February is the Red Dress Campaign. This marks the observance of American Heart Month, a public Awareness campaign developed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This campaign brings awareness to the pubic that: -heart disease is the #1 killer of women -having risk factors can lead to heart disease, disability, or death -Encourage women to talk to their doctors about heart disease risk factors and To take action to prevent or control these risk factors
Life at NIH
Life at the National Institutes of Heath
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Headquarters for the Office of the Director and the Institutes and Centers are located in Bethesda, MD, USA. NIH has more than 75 buildings in a campus-like environment over 300 acres and over 19,000 employees.
NIH Consists of 27 Institutes and Centers
NEI
NCI NHLBI
NLM
NINDS
NIMH
NINR NCCAM
CIT
CC
NHGRI
NIA
NIAAA
NIAID
NICHD NIDCD
NIDCR
NIDDK
NIDA
NIEHS
OD
NIGMS
NIBIB NIMHD
FIC
CSR
NIAMS
NCATS
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NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH leadership plays an active role in shaping the agency's research planning, activities, and outlook. #1 Ideal Employer - Undergraduate Natural Sciences students Best Place to Work @ DHHS – 2009 Partnership for Public Service Top 50 Employers – AARP Recreation and Welfare Work/Life Programs Employee Assistance Award winning scientists
• Utilize and enhance your skills by supporting the
nation’s premier medical agency • Contribute to the health of the nation by
working to support some of the world’s top scientists
• Internships at NIH offers a unique opportunity for growth, development and gain valuable work experience
Career Impact
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Whether you are graduating with a bachelor's degree, entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or working on your doctoral degree, NIH offers a place for you to start, and plenty of room to grow.
Pathways
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Executive Order 13562: Recruiting and Hiring Students and Recent Graduates Established to offer a clear and accessible pathway to public service Programs tailored to recruit, hire, develop, and retain students and recent graduates Employment opportunities posted on USAJobs.gov
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Internship
Recent Graduates
Presidential Management Fellows
Pathways Program Components
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Language is from the draft communications plan. On August 4, 2011, OPM issued proposed regulations (based on E.O. 13562 – “Recruiting and Hiring Students and Recent Graduates”) that will offer students and recent graduates more uniform and transparent pathways to public service and provide for meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service. The proposed rule includes the following three programs: the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and a reinvigorated Presidential Management Fellows Program. This Program is in the new Schedule D of the excepted service. OPM provides excepted service hiring authorities to fill special jobs or to fill any job in unusual or special circumstances. These excepted service authorities enable agencies to hire when it is not feasible or not practical to use traditional competitive hiring procedures, and can streamline hiring. The program benefits agencies by overcoming barriers to recruiting and hiring students and recent graduates, including the predominant training- and experienced-based approach to qualifications and assessments.
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• Enrolled in high school, college, professional, technical,
vocational, and trade school; or certificate program lasting at least one year REQUIRES 3.0 GPA
• Position doesn’t have to be related to the academic career goals or field of study
• Appoint at any grade level, depending on qualifications
Eligibility
• Temporary (1 year or less) or indefinite (more than 1 year) excepted service appointments
• Pathways Agreement required
Program Administration
• Non-competitive conversion within 120 days of successful completion of program requirements
• Option to waive 320 of the required 640 hours for Interns who demonstrate high potential
Program Completion
Highlights: Internship Program
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Eligibility The proposed Internship Program is targeted toward current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. The Internship Program combines the existing Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) into one consolidated Program. The program provides paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and the position does not have to be related to the students’ field of study. Program Administration You will be able to appoint Interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, similar to the current STEP appointments, or for an indefinite period, in order to complete the educational requirement. Interns may work either part- or full-time. You will sign a Pathways Agreement with the Intern setting forth expectations for the internship. OHR will provide OPM with information regarding their internship opportunities and post information publicly about how to apply for specific positions. After Program Completion Interns may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position (or to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the program. To be eligible to convert, Interns must complete a minimum of 640 hours of work, finish their degree or certificate requirements, and have performed their job successfully. Agencies may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance. Time spent under previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours.
Internships in Biomedical Science
NIH Programs for Interns in Biomedical Sciences
• Summer Internship Program (SIP) • Other Summer Internship Programs at the NIH • The Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGP) • Post Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) • Technical IRTA Program • Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) • Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) • Postdoctoral Training in the NIH Intramural Research
Program
Develop a Thick Skin and a Hopeful Attitude
• Typically 2-5 times as many qualified applicants as there are openings
• Don’t give up if you get a few rejection notices • Start looking early (Thanksgiving for Summer, 1 yr for grad
sch/postdoc, 2 yrs. for real job). • Make direct contact with selecting officials or contacts listed
in ad • A customized letter of introduction, expressing an interest in
the PI’s area of expertise is better than a generic request for a position.
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March 1 deadline
Specific Tips
• Follow instructions carefully - preferred format (e.g. electronic vs. paper), length of application, materials, & elements required for a complete application, as well as where materials are to be sent. Grammar and spelling count.
• Pick reference letter writers who are impressed with your scientific skills and believe strongly in your potential as a scientific leader. Confirm with them that the letters were sent.
• Highlight any skills you have, that were specifically mentioned in the ad, in your cover letter (use the exact words whenever possible).
Edit : Accuracy, Spelling, Grammar and Readability
• Be sure to define any field-specific abbreviations, the first time they are used. For example, DNA would not have to be defined, but APCs (anaphase promoting complexes? antigen presenting cells? astrocyte precursor cells?) would have to be defined.
• Double-check your CV and other documents for accuracy,
spelling, grammar and readability. Have someone inside your field (preferably your supervisor) and someone outside your field look over your package.
Follow Up: Build Your Network
The Federal Employment Process
Hiring Reform Seeks to Cut Red Tape
• Hiring Reform • Executive Order – 80 days • No KSA’s (knowledge, skills, abilities) • Multiple Choice Questions
– Ratings – Scoring System
• 5 day announcement • Title 5/Title 42
Navigating USA JOBS
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The Hiring Reform is mandated by OPM and OMB, and was prompted due to the expectancy that the Federal Government will lose up to 24% of its valued workforce due to retirement over the next 5 years. Therefore, our ability to replace the loss of the skills and experience with new talent will depend on our capability to efficiently and effectively recruit, hire and retain high performing employees. The main goal of the Hiring Reform is to therefore improve the overall experience for applicants and hiring officials by attracting qualified candidates, keeping applicants well-informed of the hiring process, and establishing Government-wide measures for the effectiveness for Federal hiring.
How to Apply to USAJobs
Create an Account at USAJOBS
Create Your Federal Resume
Upload Your Documents
Submit Supporting
Documentation
Create Job Search Agents
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This presentation will walk you through establishing a USAJOBS account, creating a Federal resume, uploading your supporting documents into the USAJOBS system, submitting supporting documentation, creating Job Search Agents to inform you of jobs of interest, and an overview of NIH vacancy announcements.
What Does USAJobs Do?
• USAJobs is the Federal Government’s database of available Civil Service Jobs
• Has a resume builder for applicants • Up to 10 different resumes per email address • Applicants can search the database for relevant positions • Applicants apply directly from USAJobs
Create a New Account: my.usajobs.gov
1 account per email address 10 resumes per account
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From the My USAJOBS page, you will be able to create your account. Only one account may be created for each email address. If you currently share your email address with others, you may want to create a new email address for use with USAJOBS. Also, if you have previously created an account with USAJOBS, and do not remember your password, you should use the USAJOBS tool to reset it.
• Write in first person singular • Use action words, identify tasks,
and explain results to explain your job experience
• Provide details for relevant work experience with dates
• Include academic and volunteer experience
Create a New Resume: my.usajobs.gov
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USAJOBS walks you through creating your personalized Federal resume. Just fill out the required fields and watch as the builder guides you through creating your resume. USAJOBS allows you to store up to 5 resumes within the system. This may come in helpful if you’re applying to different types of jobs because you may want to have resumes targeting specific positions.
The saved search will automatically search for jobs based on your search
criteria, and then e-mail you!
Save Your Data
* Keep in mind the eligibility requirements chosen for your saved searches!
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Schedule A is a hiring authority and appointment for persons with disabilities REMEMBER: In navigating the USA Jobs site you may be referred to another site (e.g., USA Staffing) and asked to create a new login and password on that site. Individual Federal agencies may be different, have patience. Something to keep in mind as you save your searches, is the eligibility requirements for each position that you may want to apply to. Merit Promotion (MP) postings are for individuals that are currently in the government, Vets, and/or those individuals that are no longer in the government, but have completed 3 years of service (status). To the contrary, Delegated Examining (DE) opportunities are open to ALL US citizens. Choosing to apply for a position for which you do not meet the eligibility requirements, will result in immediate disqualification for the position, with no consideration for your qualifications.
Writing a Federal Resume
Job Announcements Adapting your Resume Keywords
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Elimination of KSAs Previously essays were used to allow applicants to elaborate on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that they have attained from previous experiences. The elimination however will save applicants millions of personal hours and money too. Although KSAs were not favored by applicants, they were more helpful to applicants than realized. Now however, with the elimination of KSA’s HR professionals are solely reliant on applicant’s resumes The best predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. When completing your resume, you are being asked to identify your major accomplishments as they relate to the core competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required for the position for which you are applying.
Understand the Job Announcement
• Read the entire announcement, understand the core competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities required
• Use examples drawn from your past experiences to demonstrate your competency for the position
• Present your information concisely, clearly, and in a way that makes your experience relevant to the position in consideration
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Step 1) Read the entire announcement, but specifically the general description of the duties and responsibilities, along with the list of KSAs (if included). Step 2) Look for clues to help you draw from your past experiences, and use examples that matches what is required for the position. For example, if one of the KSAs listed is "Ability to communicate in writing," look at the duties and responsibilities and determine what the job requires you to write. Step 3) In updating your resume and for the job interview, if you can show specific past experience in writing the kinds of things required for the job, you would have a better chance of receiving credit for this experience and/ or getting your foot in the door.
Let’s Take a Closer Look…
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Outlines Position Name, Area of Consideration, Agency and Vacancy ID #
Let’s Take a Closer Look…
Specifies Position, Area of Consideration, Agency, & Vacancy #
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Overview of the KSA’s needed to qualify. If you honestly don’t see your experiences fitting the description, than this may not be the job for you.
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Overview of the KSA’s needed to qualify. If you honestly don’t see your experiences fitting the description, than this may not be the job for you.
Example: Health Scientist Administrator/Program Officer
• Perform scientific reviews from a programmatic viewpoint • Consult with and advise grantees/contractors on preparation
of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues
• Develop, coordinate, and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts
• Organize and conduct workshops, conferences, symposia, or similar activities
project status, identify potential areas of concern
• Analyze and evaluate project progress, and recommend efficient and effective solutions to re-organize the project’s structure and timelines
Keywords
• Think carefully about the keywords contained in your resume
• A single keyword can communicate multiple skills and qualifications
• Study Job Announcements for keywords which would be useful
• E.g., Analyst: might mean you have experience in collecting data, evaluating effectiveness, and researching and developing new processes.
• Just one keyword can have tremendous power and deliver a huge message.
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The best way to determine important keywords is to review several job announcements and their questions for your ideal position. The jobs don't have to be in your geographic target area. The idea is to find skills, experience, education and other credentials important in your field. You will probably find keywords frequently mentioned by different agencies. Focus on the "requirements," "skills" or "qualifications" sections of job ads, and look for “buzzwords” and desirable credentials for your ideal job.
Your Expectations Recent Changes in the Government Hiring The Hiring Process Understanding the Terminology How Impactful Is My Resume? Debunk SOME preconceived notions of the Process
