USAJobs.gov
Applying for federal jobs:
If you are interested in working for a federal agency after your time with ACE, you will need to become familiar with USAJobs.gov. This is the platform on which all federal jobs are listed. To apply to work with a federal agency you have to submit your application through this site.
Make sure that you meet the minimum requirements:
When searching for federal jobs, always make sure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. No matter how strong your experience and passion for the position is, your resume will not be passed on if you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position that you are applying to. This site lists the general schedule qualifications and standards. Browse the site to get a better understanding of the types of positions that you should be looking for. You will find that while some federal series are quite flexible in terms of the requirements (Park Ranger, Biological Technician, etc), others have much more specific requirements.
What is a federal resume?
A federal resume is a much more detailed account of your work history and experience than a conventional 1-2 page resume. A typical entry level federal resume is 4-7 pages long.
What to include in your federal resume:
Federal jobs often require that you have experience in a particular type of work for a certain period of time. You must show how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Best practice is to describe experience using the same or as similar as possible vocabulary as the position description. For example, if the announcement specifies "provide orientation to visitors" and your resume currently says "gave visitors directions", adjust your language to line up with the description.
Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience--If these details are not included your application may be disqualified.
Failure to include requested information can result in applications not being reviewed. It is best to use the USAjobs resume builder until you are comfortable and familiar with specific details that are typically requested. For each work experience you list, make sure you include:
What to include in your federal resume:
Federal jobs often require that you have experience in a particular type of work for a certain period of time. You must show how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Best practice is to describe experience using the same or as similar as possible vocabulary as the position description. For example, if the announcement specifies "provide orientation to visitors" and your resume currently says "gave visitors directions", adjust your language to line up with the description.
Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience--If these details are not included your application may be disqualified.
Failure to include requested information can result in applications not being reviewed. It is best to use the USAjobs resume builder until you are comfortable and familiar with specific details that are typically requested. For each work experience you list, make sure you include:
- Start and end dates. Include the full date (1/1/15 to 12/31/15- not January, 2015 through December, 2015)
- The number of hours you worked per week.
- The level and amount of experience–for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience.
- Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification. Do not just copy and paste your job description.
- Your work experience should go up to ten years back if you are 25 or older.
- Include volunteer experience.
- Include education, including any trainings that you have participated in. Have you taken a bunch of those online courses during your internship? Audited a class that’s not on your transcripts? Include these so supervisors know you are motivated AND that you have already completed this training.
- Make sure your reference contact information is current. Try to avoid listing reference as "Contact Me First" as much as possible. If the reference is someone that you would like to alert that they have been listed as a reference, list them as "Okay to contact" regardless.
fed_or_no_fed.pptx | |
File Size: | 326 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Questionaire
- This is the portion of the application where you will be asked to answer specific questions about your skills and qualifications for the position and typically rate yourself from expert to no knowledge or skill.
- Do not inflate yourself but also do not under-rate yourself. If you have significant experience, do not be afraid to call yourself an expert.
- Your score will be based on your questionnaire answers and the quality of your resume.
- Anything rated above "I have not had education or training in..." must be accounted for in your resume with at least one direct example.
- Some positions may include a USAHire job questionnaire; These measure general competencies (not technical skills gained through learning on a job), are only available for some series and grades, require completion 48 hours from the closing date and the scores remain with you for one year for the same series and grade. If applying to a position that uses the same assessment questions, your responses to the original assessment will be used but your score will be re-calculated based on the grade and series you’re applying to. Take your time on these assessments. If you are taking a USAHires assessment and feel that you qualify, request Reasonable Accommodation.
Tips and tricks for navigating USAJobs.gov
Applying for jobs on www.usajobs.gov can be a little tricky. It is highly recommended that you read up on some tips before creating a profile. The USA Jobs help center has some helpful tips. There are also plenty of great tutorials on YouTube. Here is a recorded Federal Hiring Workshop.
Agency Career Tips:
NPS: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm
https://www.anpr.org/index.php
USFS: https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/jobs/how-to-apply or
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3829782.pdf or
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd475208.pdf
USFWS: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/lawEnforcement/career-information.php
BLM: https://www.blm.gov/careers
https://www.anpr.org/index.php
USFS: https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/jobs/how-to-apply or
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3829782.pdf or
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd475208.pdf
USFWS: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/lawEnforcement/career-information.php
BLM: https://www.blm.gov/careers
career_packet.pdf | |
File Size: | 2581 kb |
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