Expert Advice on How to Get a Government Job

Expert Advice on How to Get a Government JobExpert Advice on How to Get a Government JobJobs with local, state and federal agencies are some of the most stable out there. These positions carry a very low risk of termination compared to private-sector jobs, and they often come with generous benefits packages and pension plans. The process of finding and applying for behauptung jobs is different from that of private-sector job-seeking. Another approach is required. Weve asked experts in public-sector careers to outline the basics of that approach and give you some ideas for landing a job with a government agency.Get SpecificWhile the application process for many federal jobs starts with the mega-jobs website USAJobs.gov, applying for positions in state and local government often is facilitated by a personal relationship with the person (or people) responsible for filling them. Still, you should search for these jobs online so you know who to talk to about them and what they are.You can start with a simple online search for name of your city or state + careers. Its also a good idea to supplement your search on your city or state general careers website with more specific searches in the departments where you think your skills will be useful.In addition, you can also search for government jobs with the jobs search engine Simply Hired.If youve got experience in conservation, for example, you could search for name of your city or state + parks department careers. If youre trained in engineering, you could try name of your city or state + public works department careers. Even if these department-specific sites dont list a lot of jobs- and in smaller towns, they may not- theyll still give you contact info for people in the department who can let you know whats available.Knowing someone on the inside probably wont land you the position on its own, said Phil Windley, chief technology officer of Kynetx, a social-media company that works closely with government agencies. B ut you might still glean vital information about what the hiring manager is looking for and what to emphasize on your application.Read up on TrendsLike any job sector, the public sector offers opportunities that change over time. Youll save yourself a lot of wasted effort if you check out the areas where job growth is happening versus those where very few new employees are getting hired.There are few government entry-level positions being advertised today, said Gerald Pecinovsky of Falcon Associates, the company that manages the online government job board GovtJobs.com. Seasoned government employees are choosing to delay retirement, and the fiscal condition of government budgets does not allow for many entry-level positions.Experts say that local governments located in areas that werent hit as hard by the recession tend to offer more low-level positions than state and federal agencies do.Certain areas of government work seem to be holding steady. Among these are information technolo gy (IT) and public safety jobs such as law enforcement.Public safety continues to be a core service citizens want at all cost, Pecinovsky said. You may hear cases where the public safety workforce is significantly reduced, but its usually because of extreme circumstances like bankruptcy. On the whole that field is very stable.Spend time on the jobs websites of your local and state governments to get a feel for which types of positions theyre working to keep filled.Follow Your ExperienceWhether youre pursuing a job at the local, state or federal level, youll stand a much better chance of getting a foot in the door if youve already got the appropriate certifications and experience in jobs where youve used relevant skills. This is because, unlike in the private sector, the entire application process is extremely bureaucratic.That means theres probably not much wiggle room on posted requirements, end dates and so on, Windley said.Depending on the specifics of the job, research experienc e may be necessary. Other jobs may require you to have passed a specific certification test or complete a training course.So follow all the steps in the application process, Windley said, and dont take shortcuts.Landing a government job takes a willingness to play by the rules. Simply knowing the right person might not land you the position unless youre qualified. If you devote some time to browsing government job websites and investigate where the jobs are in your state, local and federal government and selectively apply for positions youre trained to hold, youll save yourself a lot of time and frustration.Ben Thomas, a member of the Riley Guide writing team, is an expert on many topics related to the job hunt. You can follow Ben on Google+.

3 Keys To Getting a Higher Level Position

3 Keys To Getting a Higher Level Position3 Keys To Getting a Higher Level Position3 Keys To Getting a Higher Level PositionIdentifying Keywords in Specialized Experience Its essential to tailor your application to each SPECIFIC ANNOUNCEMENT. Although certain Civil Service language is generic, every agency has its own catchwords and phrases. Remember that jobs within the same series may have different skill sets or required experience from one agency to the next.WRITE YOUR versetzung FEDERAL RESUME WITH THE RIGHT KEYWORDS Study the Specialized Experience requirement carefully. Your resume should be written with language targeting the next grade level using the specialized language and KSA duties and responsibilities. Here are 2 examples in the Program Analyst 0343 series- one at the GS-13 level, the other at the GS-14 levelProgram Analyst (Keywords are in the above graphic thanks to Wordle.net)PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICESeries Grade GS-0343-13To qualify, you must demonstrate one year o f specialized experience at the GS-12 or equivalent in the Federal service.Specialized experience is experience analyzing and measuring the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of administrative or technical programs conducting studies, analyzing findings and making recommendations on substantive programs identifying or developing metrics to measure success of initiatives and using quantitative and qualitative data to determine if success has been met. KEYWORDS TO FEATURE IN YOUR OUTLINE FORMAT FEDERAL RESUME (See Sample Outline Format Federal Resume)ANALYZE AND MEASURE EFFECTIVENESSCONDUCT STUDIESANALYZE FINDINGS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROGRAMSIDENTIFY AND DEVELOP METRICS TO MESURE SUCCESS OF INITIATIVESManagement and Program AnalystVETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICESSeries Grade GS-0343-14/14QualificationsApplicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-13, in the Federal Service.Specialized experience is defined as experience overseeing a performance management system, utilizing methods of data analysis, interpreting data to senior executives and external stakeholders, and familiarity or experience with employment programs.KEYWORDS TO FEATURE IN THE OUTLINE FORMAT FEDERAL RESUME (See Sample)OVERSEE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMDETERMINE METHODS OF DATA ANALYSISINTERPRET DATA FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES AND STAKEHOLDERS3. Review the OPM Position Classification Standards and OPM Grade Evaluation Guides for the series you are applying for. These tools are a great source of additional keywords to add to your Federal Resume in addition to those stated in the Announcement. They can also provide you with a better understanding of the knowledge and skills required in the specific series.The OPM Classification Standard for the 0343 series states that positions in that series requires knowledge of the substantive nature of agency programs and activities agency missions, policies, and objectives management principles and processes and the analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing program development or execution and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Some positions also require an understanding of basic budgetary and financial management principles and techniques as they relate to long range planning of programs and objectives. The work requires skill in application of fact-finding and investigative techniques oral and written communications and development of presentations and reports. It also includes specific examples of the work typically performed by a program analyst (e.g., analyzing and evaluating, on a quantitative or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of line program operations in meeting established goals and objectives).OPM Grade Evaluation Guides provide criteria for evaluating positions and are also helpful in giving candidates a better appreciation of the differences between various GS levels associated with a particu lar series. Common factors that distinguish among series will include the level of knowledge and skills the level of independence the employee is given without reference to the supervisor the extent to which the employee analyzes the subject and current guidelines and the complexity of the work the scope and effect of the work. As expected, a GS-14 Program Analyst will have more complex work and perform at a more independent level than a GS-13. The GS-14 is recognized as an authority in analyzing and evaluating programs and issues, and receives only administrative and policy direction. Their work involves planning, organizing, and completing substantive analytical studies involving key agency programs, perhaps as a gruppe leader or coordinator consolidating findings into a completed product. The nature and scope of the issues may be undefined and require the employee to develop new ways to measure program accomplishments, results and effectiveness. The programs will be of significan t interest to the public and Congress and often cut across or strongly influence of number of agencies. When evaluating major programs or other significant or controversial issues, the GS-14 will have contact with high-ranking officials such as agency heads, top congressional staff, or other leaders. The Grade Evaluation Guide provides particularly helpful illustrations of nature of work performed by employees (e.g., analyzes and formulates agency requirements for resource management information systems).THE RESUME PLACE, INC., writes and publishes the best books on federal resume writing today See the highly-popular Standardized format the OUTLINE FORMAT with ALL CAP Keywords

Glassdoor Turns 9!!

Glassdoor Turns 9Glassdoor Turns 9 It has been nearly a decade of company reviews, jobs and unparalleled transparency. Blow out the candles Glassdoor , the fastest growing job and recruiting site 1 , launched nine years ago with a mission of helping people everywhere find a job and company they love and is making significant strides changing up how people think about making their next job move. As Glassdoor heads into its first full decade in business, the job site widely recognized for providing greater workplace transparency announced today that it now holds approximately 32 million reviews 2 and insights for more than 700,000 employers worldwide. 45 million people 3 come to Glassdoor every month and wed like everyone to celebrate And its not just an American anlass - its a global bash.Glassdoor has crossed oceans and transcended borders as people from more than 190 countries have contributed to the Glassdoor platform. Glassdoor now has domains for 12 countries a nd nearly one third of traffic comes from outside the U.S. In September 2016, Glassdoor acquired Love Mondays , Brazils leading employer review and job site. Glassdoor subsequently launched domains for Mexico and Argentina under the Love Mondays brand.Thanks to Glassdoor, I found an exciting new job in less than 3 weeks of moving to Tampa, exclaimed one user. Another was empowered to get paid fairly. Because I researched salaries with Glassdoor, I was better prepared and was able to negotiate a higher salary than what was originally offered. Im very excited to say that I have accepted the position and will be starting at the beginning of next monthIn 2007, Robert Hohman founded Glassdoor in an old guitar manufacturing warehouse, along with two former colleagues, Tim Besse and Rich Barton.They were on a mission to do away with the shroud of secrecy around workplaces and salary information, which they believed would catalyze healthy movement between companies and promote employee satisfaction within organizations. Today, Glassdoor has revolutionized every part of the job search and employer branding processes.Where you work is a critically important facet of ones life. Glassdoor has steadily been recalibrating the job search process so that people can not only find a job, but find a job that fits their life, said Robert Hohman, Glassdoor co-founder and CEO. Through the combination of all the latest jobs with first-hand insights into what its like to work at a specific company, we are not only helping to correct an imbalance of information between job binnenseeker and employer, but we are helping employers better recruit.Congratulations, Glassdoor Heres to another 9 years and even more transparency as we help people everywhere find a job that fits their lives_______________________ 1 Based on unique users, custom job and employment list sites % Change Media Trend Report, Comscore May 2017 Media Metrix Compared to LinkedIn.com, Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com, and Monster.com 2 Glassdoor Internal Data, May 2017 3 Google Analytics, FYQ1 18 averageAre you an employer? Check out our Talent Solutions Blog .Thanks for finding us We cover everything from career advice to the latest company headlines.Were always looking for experts, executives and trends to feature on the Glassdoor blog. Interested? Contact us. And if youre looking for the latest in employer solutions and advice, we recommend our Talent Solutions Blog . It only takes a second see whos viewing your profile and monitor your reputation.