Federal Hiring

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.

Specialized Hiring Authorities

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As we have discussed in earlier articles, getting a federal job can be difficult. Most people are somewhat familiar with veteran’s preference but there are other special hiring authorities that may help you get the job you are targeting. Here are a few:

  • Digital Services Experts: In mid-2015, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) authorized excepted service appointments at the GS 11 to 15 level for individuals with expertise in “modern digital product design, software engineering, product management, creating and maintaining flexible infrastructure, and designing and implementing agile governance structures” according to the former OPM Director. If you fall into this category, you may be eligible for this specialized hiring authority. Twenty-five agencies and a number of programs may use this authority. As you network, be sure to mention your eligibility for this appointment; not all Human Resources personnel and hiring managers may know about this. As currently structured, appointments under this authority may not be extended beyond September 30, 2017.

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