Government Jobs Outlook:

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Government Jobs Outlook How to Access the
Nations Largest Employer
The University of Iowa Pomerantz Career
Center C310 Pomerantz Center 319-335-1023
www.careers.uiowa.edu
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MYTHS

• MYTH 1
• There is one-stop shopping to search for and
  apply for Federal Jobs and Internships on the
  web.
• MYTH 2
• There is an entry-level job for every student
  from every major and experience level with the US
  Government.
• MYTH 3
• All Federal Government jobs are in Washington DC.
• MYTH 4
• The same resume that a student uses for a private
  sector job application is sufficient for applying
  for a Federal job.
• MYTH 5
• It is just not worth it to even try to apply for
  government jobs.

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The Good News

• 84 of government jobs are outside of DC
• 37 of current federal employees will be eligible
  to retire over the next 5 years openings!
• In 2001, 74,310 new hires
• Great benefits
• Excellent salary scalesaverage 51,565
• Superior retirement plans
• Family friendly and flexible work place

• Jobs of every shape and size1.8 million
  employees makes the govt. the largest employer
• Public service makes a difference!
• Promotion from within is very possible.
• Is there a job for every interest or major?
  http//www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI23.htm
• Some agencies offer loan repayment assistance.

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What is the bad news?

• Complex system to search and apply for jobs
  through multiple sources
• System in fluxsee Recruitment One-Stop
  initiative at The Recruitment One-Stop Initiative
• Time consuming to read job descriptions, write
  specific knowledge, skills, and abilities
  statements
• Long wait to hear results of applications
• Max Stier, President of Partnership for Public
  Service refers to a broken hiring process
  which is more complicated and takes longer than
  students are used to for other employers.
• Students without specialized experience,
  outstanding GPAs, or advanced degrees may find it
  difficult to land an entry level position.
• Although all majors are considered, there are
  fewer openings for unique job titles and/or
  careers

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The Application Process

• Search for openings using USAJobs and individual
  agency web pages USAJOBS Template.
• Carefully read the full Vacancy Announcement.
• Complete Optional form 612 OR a resume which
  includes the same detail.
• Resume builder tools are available on-line and
  electronic submission is often required
• If education is used as a substitute for
  experience, send a transcript.
• Additional questionnaires or testing, as
  requested.
• FOLLOW DIRECTIONS EXACTLY.
• Deadlines are not negotiable.
• KSAs are IMPERATIVE as you will see

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
WHATdetailed description of past experiences
that document requested qualifications for a
position and which are used for ranking, rating,
or evaluated candidates WHEREfound in the
Recruitment Notice or full position description,
sometimes called Selective Placement
Factors WHYKSAs are the MOST important piece
of the application process because they give
specifics about an individuals fit for the
position HOWbe detailed, specific, precise, use
examples numbers, use plain language. Use the
KSAs to MAKE THE CONNECTION between what you have
done and what makes you the best candidate for
the job. Be truthful, but be thorough by
including information about awards, hobbies,
self-development activities, levels of
coursework, length of time, and results of your
effort
.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
TIPS Use this web-based guide What it takes? to
identify general knowledge, skills, and abilities
for a variety of job titles. Students can
benefit from reviewing these guidelines and
reflecting on examples drawn from academic, work,
and extracurricular activities http//www.acinet.
org/acinet/select_occupation.asp?stfipsnextksas
1 See examples of KSAs http//cms.hhs.gov/ca
reers/apply/ksa.asp http//iapreview.ars.usda.go
v/careers/docs.htm?docid1361 http//www.govexe
c.com/dailyfed/0799/072099cc.htm
http//www.archives.gov/careers/career_developme
nt_in_govt.html
.
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INTERNSHIPS and Student Employment

• THE GOOD NEWS
• The best way to move into a Federal job or
  career is through an internship.
• A good way to score a Federal job or internship
  is to start with summer or temporary employment.
• There are internship programs designed for all
  education levels.
• There are a variety of special interest and
  population-specific internship opportunities.
• THE BAD NEWS
• Federal agencies aren't required to post their
  student opportunities in one central place, so
  finding specific internships can get a little
  tricky.
• Each intern program may have a specific (and
  different) application method.

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How to find a Federal Internship or Student
Opportunity

• Search at www.studentjobs.gov
• Go to the individual agency pages or other job
  opportunities links at http//www.studentjobs.gov/
  agency.htm
• http//www.studentjobs.gov/other.htm
• Go to the e-scholar site at Student Jobs.Gov.
• Go to www.students.gov and look for links under
  Career Development.
• See the Partnership for Public Service
  Internships site
• Follow directions carefullymake use of on-line
  resume builders if appropriate.
• Examples StudentInfo2 (USDA) or DOL Job
  Opportunities or EPA Jobs

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SUMMARY

• See the Partnership for Public Service - Work For
  USA downloadable library of tips.
• Approach the search from the bottom up. See
  Partnership for Public Service - Agency Profiles
• When applying for any position, follow directions
  carefullymake use of on-line resume builders if
  appropriate.
• Remember that any job or internship search can be
  in itself a full-time job.
• Trust that there is a pledge to applicants to fix
  the process

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Fixing the Hiring Process The Pledge to
Applicants

• A user-friendly application process
• Clear, understandable job announcements
• Timely and informed responses
• Prompt acknowledgement of applications
• Regular updates on the status of their
  applications
• A timely decision-making process

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Questions?Comments?
Please call or visit the University of Iowa
Career Center for help. C310 Pomerantz Center
319-335-1023