Federal Application WorkshopFederal Application Workshopfor Veteransfor Veterans

““How to Apply for Federal Employment”How to Apply for Federal Employment”

Presented by Don FromanJorge McCall

Section 1 - INTRODUCTIONSection 1 - INTRODUCTION

1). Federal Facts

2). Where are these Jobs?

3). Why Apply for Federal Jobs?

4). Mobility

5). Veterans Preference

6) Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans

FEDERAL FACTSFEDERAL FACTS

Federal Government is the largest employer in the U.S.

7,500 to 20,000 jobs open at one time. In the next 5 -7 years, 60% of the Federal

workforce will retire. In most agencies, age is not an issue. Veterans receive special consideration.

Where ARE These Jobs?Where ARE These Jobs?

Federal Agencies located in the Federal Agencies located in the Coachella ValleyCoachella Valley

Dept. of Agriculture Dept. of Commerce FBI IRS Dept. of the Interior Dept. of Labor Small Business Admin.

Social Security Admin. Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Homeland

Security US Postal Service Veterans Administration

Why Apply for Federal Why Apply for Federal Employment?Employment?

BenefitsBenefits

Healthcare Sick Leave Vacation Paid Holidays Pay Increases

Retirement

Buy Military Time

Savings Plan

Rate of Pay

HealthcareHealthcare Choose from a multitude of plans to fit your needs

Sick LeaveSick Leave

4 hours per pay period, 2.5 weeks per year

Vacation / Annual LeaveVacation / Annual Leave

With 3 years of service, you earn 6 hours per pay period. This is 4 hours shy of 4 weeks per year!!!!!

Paid HolidaysPaid Holidays

10 Paid Holidays per year, which is 2 more weeks off per year!

Do the math, you only work 10 ½ months per year.

Scheduled Pay IncreasesScheduled Pay Increases

Annual increases Based on your anniversary date (date of hire)

RetirementRetirement

You can purchase your military time to add to your retirement.

Retirement is based on your 3 highest grades.

Thrift Savings PlanThrift Savings Plan

Allows you to invest up to 15% of your salary which is taken off the top of your paycheck.

This reduces your taxable income. Catch-up contributions available to TSP

participants age 50 or older.

Rate of PayRate of Pay

Generally speaking, rate of pay is higher than the local economy.

Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA), additional money that is based on the local economy.

Example: Palm Springs’ COLA is 21.5%

MOBILITYMOBILITY Location preference Making grade and pay

VETERANS PREFERANCEVETERANS PREFERANCE

Veterans have preference over the general public. 5-point preference 10-point preference

less than 30% Service-Connected Disabled (SCD)30% SCD or more

SPECIAL HIRING SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIESAUTHORITIES

Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) 30% SCD or more Veterans Employment Opportunity Act

(VEOA) of 1998

Veterans Recruitment Veterans Recruitment Appointments (VRA)Appointments (VRA)

Eligibility Criteriadischarged under other than dishonorable

conditions recognized periods or campaigns

Time LimitNONE

Grade limitUp to GS-11

30% or More Disabled 30% or More Disabled

Eligibility• self-explanatory

Time Limit• NONE

NO Grade limit

Veterans Employment Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998Opportunity Act of 1998

Allows eligible veterans to apply for positions announced under merit promotion (which closes it to the general public) when the agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. (Agency means the parent agency, i.e. Treasury, not the IRS)

Introduction (End)Introduction (End)

Questions, Concerns ?Questions, Concerns ?

Ten-Minute Break

SECTION 2 - STARTING YOUR SECTION 2 - STARTING YOUR FEDERAL JOB SEARCHFEDERAL JOB SEARCH

1). 10 Steps for Tackling Applications

2). Federal Vacancy Announcements

3). Searching through USAJobs

4). Searching an Agency’s Official Website for

Vacancy Announcements

10 Tips for 10 Tips for Federal ApplicationsFederal Applications

1. Identify and apply for appropriate Federal positions

2. Read and follow all directions

3. Choose application format

4. Keep it simple, but detailed

5. Be honest

10 Tips for 10 Tips for Federal Applications (cont.)Federal Applications (cont.)

6). Type your application

7). Avoid using shortcuts in the application

8). Keep it easy to read

9). Review your application before sending

10). Modify application for each position you apply for

1). Identify and apply for Federal positions

Identify jobs you’re interested in and qualified for

Every job has a full vacancy announcement

USA Jobs is the official Federal website

All announcements have contact information if you are unsure or have questions

2). Read and Follow All Directions

Qualifications, Requirements Address all requested information Include all supplemental forms and

documents Include all other qualifications Questions? Call the POC for the

announcement

3). Choose an Application Format

Most agencies offer you choice of applications in the form of a resume, Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or online application

It is YOUR responsibility to include all requested information

Supplement the resume with additional info as outlined in job announcement

3). Choose an Application Format (cont.)

Keep in mind, your application paves the road for your KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

For accurate dates, request employment history from Social Security

Requirements differ between agencies; read & follow instructions in each Job announcement

4). Keep it simple, but detailed

Application should be thorough, detailed, and clearly depict experience, education, and qualifications.

Use percentages to account for experience Use past-tense action verbs; accomplishments stand

out. Do NOT just state duties Use key words from vacancy announcements Do NOT use civilian industry jargon, acronyms, or

company specific terminology; govt. jargon OK

5). Answer Truthfully

Do NOT over-inflate your experience, knowledge, education, or qualifications

You will certify the accuracy of information provided

False or fraudulent info may be grounds for not hiring or firing after hired, and

May be punishable by fine or imprisonment

6). Type Your Application

Your application is your first impression It should NOT be handwritten All forms can be downloaded and typed out

on www.opm.gov Use Quick ‘n’ Easy Application software;

next section will cover Quick ‘n’ Easy

7). Avoid Using Shortcuts on Application

Do NOT attach position descriptions to document your experience.

Do NOT assume HR knows your job because they don’t.

Put your experience in your own words, highlighting what you did not what was expected. Use %’s.

Need extra space? Attach response on plain paper.

8). Keep It Easy To Read

Two individuals will review your app. & determine if you meet the qualifications

Do NOT submit messy, wordy, or too much information on your application

Be Clear, Concise, and to the Point Leave white space. Highlight key points using bold or underlining,

(NOT in Resumix; Army & Navy)

9). Review Before Sending

Review, review, review Proofread for typos, grammar, punctuation, etc. Ensure all requested forms are attached;

DD-214, college transcripts, SF-15 for veterans preference, etc.

Failure to submit all requested documents will mean disqualification

10). Modify Applications

Using the same application over and over will hurt you

Modify application for each position you apply for highlighting outlined requirements

KSAs or qualifications must be linked back to employment & education

Quick ‘n’ Easy Application software will help tremendously

USAJobs USAJobs &&

Federal Vacancy Federal Vacancy Announcements Announcements

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Federal Vacancy AnnouncementsFederal Vacancy Announcements

Name of agency and office Title of job and grade level Opening and closing dates Location of the job Who can apply Qualifications required for the job How to Apply Point of Contact

Section 2 - ENDSection 2 - END

Questions, Concerns ?

Ten-Minute Break

Section 3 - Federal Applications,Section 3 - Federal Applications, Resumes, & Other Forms Resumes, & Other Forms

1). Federal Resume vs. Private Industry Resume 2). 4 Common Application Methods 3). OPM website 4). Create your Own Federal-style Resume 5). Quick & Easy software 6). Application Resume 7). SF - 15, Award Letters

Differences between Differences between the the

Federal Resume Federal Resume and and

Private Industry Private Industry ResumesResumes

Private Industry ResumesPrivate Industry Resumes

Goal is to get an interview 1 page, never more than 2 pages Hit the highlights, forget the detail Hiring decision comes after interview No compliance details, i.e.. SSN, Supervisor’s

name, Supervisor’s phone, Veterans Preference Does not require KSAs

Federal ResumeFederal ResumeHiring decision based almost completely on

resume (interviews are optional most times)No limit (3-4 pages at least)Use government jargonMust include compliance details, i.e.. SSN,

Supervisor’s name, Supervisor’s phone, Veterans Preference

Lays the foundation for your KSAs

3 Common 3 Common Application MethodsApplication Methods

1). Optional Form 612 (OF – 612)

2). USAJobs Resume Builder

3). Agency’s Resume Builder

1). Optional Form 612 (OF – 612)1). Optional Form 612 (OF – 612)

Most commonly used application method Recommended for new employees Is a great method because it contains all

requirements for most agencies Can be downloaded off of www.opm.gov Save form on computer

2). USAJobs Resume Builder2). USAJobs Resume Builder

A preset format offered by USAJobs

Very easy to use

Must create a username and password

Must include a catchy Profile Statement

3). Agency’s Resume Builder3). Agency’s Resume Builder

Some agencies offer their own Resume Builder: DON and DOA

Artificial Intelligence that reads your skills from your resume

Formatted or create your own resume

Create Your Own Create Your Own Federal-style ResumeFederal-style Resume

Alternative to the 3 Common Application Methods.

Follow the guidelines on the OF – 510, page 32.

Follow all procedures from Vacancy Announcement – it may require additional info not included on the OF – 510, i.e. transcripts.

Basic FundamentalsBasic Fundamentals Regardless of which Application Method

you use remember: Must be typed Proofread for errors Read instruction, submit ALL required

information Do NOT staple

““QUICK ‘ N ‘ EASY” QUICK ‘ N ‘ EASY”

The Quick & Easy software will help you through

the federal application maze with these templates: OF-612

Resumix Resume

Federal Style Resume

SF-15

SF-181

OF-306

OPM 1170/17

and much more...

““QUICK ‘ N ‘ EASY”QUICK ‘ N ‘ EASY”

Other features include: Built in word processor Spell-checker and Thesaurus Built-in email and fax capabilities Automatic conversions from one template to

another with the click of a button

Standard Form 15 (SF – 15)Standard Form 15 (SF – 15)

This is the Application for 10-points Veterans Preference

Verifies that you have a Service-Connected Disability (SCD)

Ensure you submit official VA Award Letter dated 1991 or later

VA Award LettersVA Award Letters

If you have an SCD, ensure it is dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veteran Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces.

If outdated, call VA at 1-800-827-1000. They can expedite the award letter.

““Adjudicating” Adjudicating” your Applicationyour Application

Step 1 – HR checks your application for completeness (many people don’t make it past this point)

Step 2 – HR or computer screens your application. Hiring Official sorts into either Best Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified

Step 3 – KSA Rating and Ranking, Veterans preference comes in at this point

Section 3 - End

Questions, Concerns ?

Ten-Minute Break

Section 4 - KSAs, Background, Section 4 - KSAs, Background,

1). Writing Effective KSAs 2). Background / Credit Check

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KSAs #1KSAs #1

KSAs are AS important as the application itself!

You should always check the KSAs first before applying for the position. If you cannot demonstrate having performed the KSAs in the past, you will not qualify.

KSAs #2KSAs #2

The experience/job you cite in KSA MUST be listed on the application as well, regardless of how long ago or whether it was volunteer experience

Read the job announcement carefully! You must understand the needs of the job in order to weave your own experience into the KSA.

KSA #3KSA #3

Position - Identify the position you held, where, and with who

Task - (KSA such as being able to write effectively) Identify what your particular responsibility was, i.e. detailed monthly reports, evaluations, etc.

Action - What you did, how often. Be specific! Results - Did anything noteworthy come of it ?

KSA#4KSA#4

At the end of each KSA, enter the percentage of time (5%) that you performed that particular task

As a separate bullet or paragraph, enter pertinent training, awards, recognition, etc.

Do not be afraid to toot your own horn. This is your chance…no one else will do it for you.

KSA #5KSA #5

REMEMBER…..keep copies of your KSAs. After you spend so much time creating them, you don’t want to have to recreate them for another position

These KSAs are used over and over again in federal job announcements.

You Got The Job! Now they want You Got The Job! Now they want a BACKGROUND CHECKa BACKGROUND CHECK

In every federal position, a background investigation is conducted.

Criminal record….depending on the conviction, how long ago, and surrounding circumstances. It does not automatically rule you out, BUT it will be scrutinized!

If the position is sensitive, the background check may be up to 14 pages long.

Background Check Background Check

Your credit will also be looked at. The government wants to know that they are hiring someone who takes responsibility for the debts they incur.

Bankruptcy will not rule you out, BUT a current bad rating may.

Background Check #2Background Check #2

The background is intense and may take up to two or more years to complete!

When you fill out the background survey, you MUST be able to verify all information with an individual, their address, and phone number

You CANNOT repeat an individual’s name on the survey. THIS is very, very hard.

Background Check #3Background Check #3

Under any circumstance… DO NOT LIE!

If your background reveals that you lied, you may be terminated and will be escorted off the federal premises immediately.

Section 4 - EndSection 4 - End

Questions, Concerns ?

Federal Application WorkshopFederal Application WorkshopConclusionConclusion

It is pretty clear to see that the Federal Application process can be an overwhelming affair!

The REWARD for your great effort, is a promising career with:– Higher average pay– greater benefits– and better job security.