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Five Reasons You Should Not Wait for a Buyout

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With all of the concern about potential restructuring and downsizing, many people I talk to are thinking about leaving the government—but, to a person, they are waiting for a buy-out. While I certainly understand how a buyout might be attractive, there are 5 reasons you may not want to wait:

Reason 1: You may not actually get a buy-out. Buyouts, officially known as Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP), allow agencies that are downsizing or restructuring to offer employees lump-sum payments up to $25,000 as an incentive to voluntarily separate. When authorized by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an agency may offer VSIP to employees who are in surplus positions or have skills that are no longer needed in the workforce who volunteer to separate by resignation, optional retirement, or by voluntary early retirement, if approved. Agencies are not required to offer VSIPs (although obviously many do). And, even if a VSIP is offered in your agency, you may not be eligible as each agency must develop a VSIP which defines what positions and grades will be covered. If your position / grade /occupational series / location is not covered by the VSIP, you are out of luck.

Reason 2: If you are offered and accept a VSIP, you are restricted from returning to the federal government for 5 years—unless you want to repay the VSIP amount. According to OPM, an employee who receives a VSIP and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it – before the individual’s first day of reemployment. Waivers are available but they must be requested from OPM.

Reason 3: $25,000 is not as much money as you think. With the exception of the Department of Defense (DoD), VSIPs are $25,000 ($40,000 for DoD employees). Taxes are taken out of your VSIP. What you are left with may not last you that long.

Reason 4: If you are waiting for a VSIP, you can be assured that many other federal employees are too. If you plan to get a job in the private sector, you will likely be competing against your colleagues for the same jobs—and at the same time. This could make your post-VSIP job hunting process more competitive than you had anticipated.

Reason 5: Getting a job takes time. Especially a job in the private sector where you may have few connections. While it is certainly possible that you will get the first job you apply for, it is more likely that you will have to apply for multiple jobs over multiple months. Why not get started now, while you are still employed? That way, if you get a job, you can make a positive decision about whether it is the right one for you or not. That is a much better position to be in, rather than waiting for that buyout (that may or may not come) and then getting started on your job search.

Just thinking about leaving period?

10 Common Private Sector Resume Myths

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Many people who haven’t looked for a job in a long time are still carrying around a number of myths about what a private sector resume should look like. Here are the 10 most common myths:

Myth #1: Private Sector Resumes Should Be Kept to a Single Page

Wrong! Depending on the number of years’ experience you have, a 2-page format is quite acceptable. Generally, anyone with 5 or more years’ experience should use a 2-page format.

Myth #2: Education Should be Listed First

Wrong! At this age and stage, you are most likely “selling” your experience, not your education. Most employers value your experience most of all. The exception to this “rule” is for people who are new to the workplace and academics.

Myth #3: Unique/Unusual Resumes Attract Attention and Are Better Read

Wrong! Please, do yourself and your readers a favor; stay away from “gimmick” resumes. You do not want to be seen as nonconformist, oddball, loner, etc. Exception: Creative jobs requiring these traits

Myth #4: Exaggerate Accomplishments — Nobody Will Check

Wrong! Skillful interviewers generally ask probing questions and will not accept surface answers to interview questions. Exaggeration (and out-right lies) will likely be uncovered (if not during the interview, then during the reference check) and you will lose the job.

Myth #5: References Should Be Listed on the Resume

Wrong! Listing references is on your resume is considered old fashioned. If a potential employer wants references, they will ask for them. All job seekers should have a separate reference page available.

Myth #6: Resume Content is More Important Than Layout

Wrong! The layout of your resume needs to be attractive and visually appealing. White space is important. And you want your resume to stand out from the pile. Regardless of content, a poorly organized or sloppy resume will likely go unread.

Myth #7: Personal Photos Enhance Resume Appearance/ Effectiveness

Wrong! Regardless of how attractive you may be, use of personal photos are a major no-no (unless you’re looking for an acting or similar job). Many employers may discard a resume with a photo automatically so they cannot be accused of discrimination.

Myth #8 The Cover Letter is Often More Important Than the Resume

Wrong! The advent of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and online applications has changed thinking about cover letters. Many veteran employment professionals will only read the cover letter after they have read the resume—if at all. And, they know that cover letters often repeat the same information that is in the resume. Of course, if a job posting specifically requires a cover letter, be sure to include one. You want to demonstrate that you know how to follow directions!

Myth #9: Functional Resumes Have Greater Marketing Impact Than Chronological Resumes

Wrong! Generally, a chronological resume is more common, easier to follow, and typically more effective, especially when you have had a positive work history and career progression. Some reviewers of functional resumes may think you are trying to hide something—that’s never good. Stick with a chronological resume.

Myth #10: Objectives are Important

Wrong! Objectives are only about what YOU want (and besides, who doesn’t want a job that will allow them to grow, use their skills, etc.) Instead of an objective, you should use a Summary or Profile to show what you bring to the table.

What to Do After a Job Interview

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Congratulations, your interview went well and you’re excited. It is not the time to rest on your laurels—you’ve got work to do! Here are the steps you should take following your interview to keep the momentum going:

  • Send a thank you note. Send a separate note to each person who interviewed you. Your thank you notes should be sent no more than 2 days after your interview; the next day is even better. For government interviews, you should use an email note.
  • Keep applying for positions, even while you wait to hear back on this one. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. For one thing, there’s no guarantee that the jobs will actually get filled. The budget for the new position might not be approved. Or the responsibilities of the job opening may be distributed to one or more existing employees. Or an internal candidate may have suddenly become available, and the position is offered to him or her.
  • Develop any specific skills that were mentioned in the job interview but that you’re weak in — for example, specific software platforms. Not only will this give you something to do while you wait, but it’s also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your serious interest in the position, because you can mention what you’re doing to strengthen your skills in your follow up with the interviewer.
  • Reach out to your network. If someone you knew at the organization had passed your resume along to the hiring manager or endorsed your application, be sure to check in with him or her after the interview. Your contact may be able to provide you with insight about the number of candidates interviewed, how your candidacy was perceived, and other valuable information about the hiring process and the organization culture.
  • Tap your references. Let them know that you’ve interviewed for the position (give them the job title and organization) and that they may be contacted. Make sure they have an updated copy of your resume. Ask them to let you know if they hear from the organization.
  • If this was a first interview, start preparing for a second one. The second interview requires even more preparation than the first one—get busy!
  • Follow up. If the interviewer didn’t mention a timeframe for making a hiring decision — or you didn’t ask — you have a couple of options. The first is to wait a week and then reach out to inquire. How should you follow-up? Unless the interviewer has stated otherwise, a phone call is usually the best method for follow-up. Try to reach the person directly; only leave a voice mail if you can’t reach them after a couple of tries. Don’t forget to check USAJOBS as well to see if the status of the job has changed.

Remember, even if you aren’t selected for the position you were interviewing for, many organizations do keep your application and resume on file, and you might be contacted later about another opening.

Questions to Ask Your Interviewers

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Interviews are for both the employer and you, as an applicant. A great way to ensure “fit” is to ask questions during an interview.

Never walk into an interview without specific questions for the interviewers. Even if you work in the unit where you’re interviewing, it is important to demonstrate that you have thought about the position and are interested in the interviewers’ needs and wants, not just your own. Typically, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions toward the end of the interview; you want to be prepared!

You should not ask questions about how you will be trained, when you will get promoted, or whether you can work at home; instead, focus on demonstrating that you are interested in the employer’s needs.

You may want to prepare 5-6 questions; you may not get to ask them all (3 is probably plenty) and it is possible that your interviewers will have answered at least a couple during the process. Here are some questions you could ask; you should prioritize what is most important to you.

• What are the next steps in the process?
• What are your goals for the person who fills this job in their first 90 days? First year?
• What did the person who held this job before do well that you would like to see continued?
• Are there major organizational changes in the works that might change how this position functions? (Or if you know of those changes, you can ask how those changes might affect the position)
• What do expect to be the biggest learning curve for the person who fills this job?
• Since this position has been vacant, what topic or issue of this position has taken up the most time?
• What is a typical day like?
• Describe the organization culture.
• What do you most like about working here?
• Is there anything else I can provide that would be helpful to you in making your decision?

USAJOBS Updated, Saved Searches Archived

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Recent changes to USAJOBS intended to make it easier to search for jobs have made it necessary take certain steps if you want to continue receiving automated notifications on your saved searches, or continue running your saved searches.

First, following are key changes:

* You can now search for jobs by different hiring paths/eligibilities. You can now search by individuals with disabilities, military spouses, students and recent grads, veterans, and Peace Corps and VISTA Alumni, and more. There is a list of all our unique hiring paths and eligibilities on the USAJOBS landing page (USAJOBS.gov). The update adds new filters based on applicant eligibility.

* You can now use one or more filters to search by pay, department, work schedule, and more. As an additional benefit, searches results automatically update as you click on a new filter.

* Basic and advanced search options have been combined into one search view, which should yield better and more relevant results. While the advanced search option will no longer be visible, you will still have the same search capabilities using the new filter options.

* There is new search technology to deliver faster and more relevant job search results.

All searches that you established prior to April 8, 2017, have been archived. If you want to receive your existing search, you must create a new saved search, or unarchive an old saved search. To unarchive a saved search follow these steps:

1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. Go to your profile and the Saved Search tab
3. Click Archived — any saved search made before April 8 will appear under the Archived link.
4. Click the name of the saved search you want to unarchive.
5. Click the Unarchive Search button – this will move your saved search back to the Active Saved Search tab. into your USAJOBS account.
6. Go to your profile and the Saved Search tab
7. Click Archived — any saved search made before April 8 will appear under the Archived link.
8. Click the name of the saved search you want to unarchive.
9. Click the Unarchive Search button – this will move your saved search back to the Active Saved Search tab.

USAJOBS has created a short video describing how to unarchive a saved search:

Until you unarchive your saved searches or create new ones, you will not receive any saved search email notifications, nor will you be able to run them from USAJOBS.gov.

8 Tips to Ace Your Phone Interview

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Phone interviews are more and more common; either as the first step, or the only step in the interview process. If you do not make a good impression on a phone interview, the chances are that you will never get an in-person interview. Here are 8 tips for handling your phone interview with finesse.

1. Prepare. You should prepare as much for a phone interview as an in-person one. This includes scheduling the interview (find out the time of call and clarify time zones; who is calling whom and on what number; how long the call should last; whether there are any specific requirements for the call; and who will be on it—get the name, title, and phone number). You should also analyze the job posting, identify key words, and match your achievements and experience to those key words, with specific achievements. You should also prepare for the questions you will ask the interviewers.

2. Practice. Practice answering questions out loud. Tape yourself if you can so you can see how you sound.

3. Use a landline, if available. Landlines are more reliable than cell phones; call quality is better too.

4. Remove distractions. Turn off your other phones, keep your fingers off your keyboard, put pets (and children) outside. Call from a private place—not from Starbucks or outdoors.

5. Dress for success. Even though others cannot see you, you’ll sound better if you’re dressed as you would be for an in-person interview.

6. Slow down and smile. When you are nervous it is easy to talk faster, which makes you more difficult to understand. So talk a bit slower than you normally would. And when you smile, your enthusiasm will come through.

7. Consider placing empty chair near you when you are interviewing. “Talk” to the empty chair as if there was a real person sitting there. You may also want to consider standing up while interviewing on the phone. Your voice will sound stronger when your erect, rather than slumping in a chair.

8. Don’t allow “hi” or a mumbled “hello” to be the first words out of your mouth. Expect the call, and be sure to give your name when you answer.