Federal Job Search

Do You Know There’s More Than One Way To Get A Federal Job?

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While most federal jobseekers are focused on USAJOBS, there are dozens (and dozens) of approaches to get a federal job. You’ve already figured out that getting a federal job is complicated. And you may well know that veterans’ preference can be challenging—if you are not a veteran and trying to get your first federal position.

‍What do you need to know?

A) Not all positions require the use of veterans’ preference.

B) Some veterans may be eligible for as many as 4 different hiring eligibilities while others may be eligible for none.

C) There are many agency-specific hiring authorities; if you are a veterinarian, for example, or looking to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an emergency specialist, or a healthcare provider looking to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—just to name a few—the “standard” hiring process may not apply.

D) The Intelligence Community (IC), which includes 17 different agencies, has its own hiring process. And the IC hires a wide range of expertise, everything from security to STEM to intelligence analysis, contracting, computer science, and foreign language, to name a few. Here is a great place to start: https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/career-fields.

E) Lots of agencies have student internships (paid, too); the government also offers its Pathways Program for students still in school, recently graduated, and the prestigious Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) program. Start here for additional information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/.

F) Other possible approaches (not inclusive) include being a military spouse, an individual with disabilities, a Native American (either American Indian or Alaska Native), a returning Peace Corps Volunteer, a former AmeriCorps volunteer, a current or former Department of State or Foreign Service Officer, to name a few. This can be complicated (as you can tell) and specific paperwork is required to establish your eligibility, but if you fall into one of these job categories, you should take advantage.

As you can see from the above, getting a federal job is about more than just applying through USAJOBS.gov. In some cases, you may not even need to use USAJOBS at all!! This is not easy to navigate and getting a federal job takes time (and likely multiple applications) but it IS doable. Good luck!

‍This post was written by Nancy Segal in collaboration with Federal Career Connection, Inc., an independently organized educational nonprofit organization who are grounded in community service and commitment to helping individuals in career transition. Learn more about the partnership by clicking here!

Looking for Your First REAL Job?

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Are you a recent college graduate looking for your first post-college position? What should your resume look like?

Young woman looking at paperwork and thinking in a library setting. 3 additional graphical assets show a document, networking, and social media as she thinks about how to look for her first real job.
  1. Make sure your resume is ready to go! If you’re targeting the federal government, you need a highly detailed resume—most entry level federal resumes run 3-4 pages—even if you don’t have an extensive work history. Recent grad private sector resumes should be 1 page (unless you have lots work experience—then 2 pages might be appropriate).
  • Network. You’ve heard this before, but it remains true; networking can help.
  • Leverage the services of your college / university career center, even if you have already graduated, your career center will help. Career centers often offer resume services, opportunities for interviewing on campus, and a built in network.
  • Be open to the reality that your “perfect” job may not be available; you may need to gain some experience (and contacts) through jobs that may not be at with your targeted organization but may help you get closer.
  • Check your social media; make sure it represents a professional image. This goes for your email too.
  • Have a plan; don’t just wing it. Research organizations and positions. Set up “search agents” with various organizations that interest you. Develop and follow a strategy. Looking for a job is a job; spend the necessary time and effort.
  • Don’t forget about informational interviews. Informational interviews (also called information sessions, informational meetings, or research interviews) are interviews that are conducted to gather information to help prepare for a job interview and/or learn more about a specific job, industry, or company. Informational interview is not a job interview, and should not be confused with one. With an informational interview, you’re not seeking a job — you are seeking information to help you get a job.
  • Create and practice your elevator speech. Know what to say when you’re asked what kind of job you’re looking for.
  • Don’t ignore temporary opportunities; while not ideal, of course, temporary positions can provide needed work experience, references, and networking opportunities.

While this article is primarily focused on new and recent graduates, many of the tips are applicable to more experienced job seekers as well.

If you’re looking for resume writing services, check out our approach to Entry Level & First-Time Federal Government Jobs by clicking here!

Thinking About Technical Qualifications (TQ)

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A woman in front of a laptop with a thought bubble filled with icons representing different qualifications like a phone, tools, envelope, and phone to represent skills.

Most postings for the Senior Executive Service (SES) include Technical Qualifications (TQ). But if you search for what they are and how to write them, there isn’t much to find. While the SES is focused on leadership, most agencies want to ensure that their selectee has some level of technical knowledge as well. The TQs are your opportunity to demonstrate your relevant technical knowledge.

Unlike your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) which may be used for virtually all SES positions, TQs are job specific. You will not be able to prepare them in advance or without a specific posting.

Here are some things to assist you in understanding and preparing your TQ:

  • Review the TQ before deciding to apply. If you do not have specific experience with one or more of the TQ, it may not be worth applying.
  • There is no real difference between TQ, Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ), and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ).
  • Read the posting carefully; some agencies require 2 pages per TQ, others want only a page, while still other postings want to see evidence of the TQ in your resume. Be sure to follow instructions!
  • There is no required format for TQ. That being said, I recommend that you use the CCAR (challenge-context-actions-result) framework to provide specific examples of when you demonstrated the technical skill being assessed. Ideally, you’ll be able to provide 2 stories for each TQ.
  • When writing a TQ, focus on recency of experience. If the last time you did whatever the TQ is asking about is 20 years ago, it may not be the best posting for you.
  • Use the language of the TQ when writing your response. For example, if the TQ is, “Describe your experience that demonstrates a broad knowledge of animal diseases and epidemiology and incorporation into regulatory or industry control, eradication or safeguarding programs,” your response should include something along the lines of, “I have broad knowledge of animal diseases and epidemiology… One example which highlights my ability to incorporate my knowledge into regulatory and industry control is…”
  • You may use ECQ examples in your TQ. However, be sure to reframe your ECQ stories so that they address and use the language of the specific TQ.

Are You Part of the 92%?

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Hand with pen filling out a blank job application form.

Appcast, a leading provider of recruitment data, reports that 92% of people who click “apply” on a corporate website do not complete their job application. I haven’t been able to find the abandon rate for USAJOBS but I’m sure it’s high since I constantly hear how complicated USAJOBS can be. From an organization perspective, high abandonment of applications started but not completed means fewer candidates than anticipated. From an applicant’s perspective, it could be good news.

How can you position yourself to be one of the 8%?

  • Don’t wait for the last minute. If you know you have an interest in a particular organization or company, see if you can sign up for an account ahead of time. Create your user name and password, and if possible, fill out any generic information and upload any documents such as transcripts, etc., that might be needed.
  • Have your resume ready. Some organization’s Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) requires that you use their builder; others allow you to upload your resume. Either way, you should have your basic resume ready in advance. That resume should be in Word (not a PDF or drive) so that you can copy and paste relevant parts of your resume into their builder if required, or do a simple upload. Of course, you should tweak your resume for the specific posting but your baseline resume should be ready to go.
  • Give yourself time. Although applying for corporate jobs through an in-house ATS takes an average of 5 minutes, according to InFlight, a user experience provider; applying through USAJOBS can take an hour—and if there is additional testing required, even longer. Many more organizations are using 2-factor identification to log into their systems so be prepared with all necessary information before you sign in.
  • Get the phone number of the help desk. Sometimes these application systems are not as intuitive as their creators had hoped. If you can identify the specific ATS being used (sometimes the name is available on the login page; common ATS include Oracle Taleo, IBM Kenexa, Jobvite, SmartRecruiters, iCIMS—this is not an inclusive list), go onto their website and see if you can find a phone number or other assistance. USAJOBS has its own Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ with a lot of information for jobseekers.
  • Find an insider if you can. Use your network to see if you know someone who works where you are applying—or know someone who knows someone. Make contact; let them know you’re applying.
  • Remain patient and positive. The hiring process takes time; the higher your target job, the longer your search is likely to take. Don’t put all of your hopes on one job; keep searching and applying—and you’ll be able to take that next step in your career!

Are YOU Up-to-Date on Federal Hiring Flexibilities?

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We have all heard that getting a federal job can be a laborious process. While that can certainly be true, federal agencies have more hiring flexibilities than ever before. If you are looking for a federal position, it behooves you to know that agencies can hire in multiple ways.

The flag of the United State of America in front a federal building.

While it is likely that not all the hiring flexibilities apply to your personal situation, nor are federal agencies not required to use these flexibilities—they may be available, depending upon your and the agency’s situation.

Here are some of the hiring flexibilities that exist. The appropriate use of these flexibilities is nuanced and varies for each authority/flexibility—this list is a good place to start.

  • Veterans’ authorities: Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA), 30+% compensable
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) and Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act
  • Military Spouse
  • Returning Peace Corps  and AmeriCorps Volunteers
  • Schedule A for People with Disabilities
  • Direct Hire (available for Contract Specialists, Cybersecurity Specialists, Veterinarians, among others)
  • STEM Hires (Economists, Biological Sciences, Fishery Biologists, General and Civil Engineers, Physical Scientists, Actuaries, Mathematics positions, Mathematical and regular Statisticians)
  • Reinstatement eligibles
  • 30-day appointments to positions for which a critical hiring need exists
  • 1-year, 1040-work hours per year appointments in remote/isolated locations
  • Temporary Appointments, not-to-exceed 120 days
  • Reemployed annuitants (when the retiree’s salary is offset by the annuity amount)
  • Contracting with private sector temporary firms
  • Student hires
  • Postal Career Service Employees*
  • Government Accountability Office*
  • Administrative Office of the US Courts*

* these positions are in the excepted service are not regulated by the Office of Personnel Management.

Again, the above list is not all-inclusive but meant to give you an idea of the myriad of ways that federal agencies can hire people. If you believe that any of these flexibilities might apply to your situation, reach out to an agency Human Resources Specialist for more details.

Getting a federal job does take time and effort but by understanding the process, you can make that process easier on everyone.

How to Say It: Job Search Scripts

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Many of us know that it’s a good idea to reach out to hiring managers but aren’t sure how. Here are the basics, including a script you can use to follow up after sending a resume or completing an interview.

  • To prepare for a call to follow up after sending a resume, know the name of the person you’re calling (and how to pronounce their name). Or, if you only know the title of the person responsible for hiring, call the company’s general number and get the name (and pronunciation). PRO TIP: LinkedIn has a feature for individuals to record their names and include it on their profiles. Check to see if the individual has done that.
  • Research LinkedIn and other sites to determine if you have a connection with the person you’re contacting. If you were referred to the organization by a mutual contact, mention the person you were referred by.
  • Follow up after an interview if you haven’t heard back from the interviewer. Consider an email as your first follow-up unless the hiring manager gave you permission at the end of the interview to call OR if it’s been more than a week for private sectors jobs and two weeks for federal jobs, and you haven’t heard back.
  • If you do get in contact with the hiring manager but a decision still has not been made, ask when would be a good time to check back. PRO TIP: mark the follow up date on your calendar so you don’t forget!
  • Ask for an informational interview with someone who can help give you information about a target employer or help you network to a job.

Here is a sample script you can adapt to your circumstances:

Make the Call:

Hi! My name is (your name).

[If you have a mutual connection or were referred to the position by someone specific, mention it. For example: “Jane Jones suggested that I speak with you.” People are more likely to take the time to talk to you if you mention a mutual friend or acquaintance, so always mention the common connection.]

Do you have a minute?

[If no: “When would be a good time for me to call back?”]

I submitted (my resume/an application) for the position of (name of job) on (date).

(Provide a one- or two-sentence summary of your qualifications and what you can offer to the company in this role.)

I wanted to make sure you had everything you need from me to consider me as a candidate for this position. And I wanted to ask if you have a date when you expect to start interviewing for this role.

[If yes: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you today.]

[If no: Is it okay if I check back with you in a (timeframe – for example, a week)?”