Successful Application for Federal Jobs

1
Successful Application for Federal Jobs

• Ming-Shun Chen
• Plant Science and Entomology Research Unit,
  USDA-ARS
• Department of Entomology
• Kansas State University
• Manhattan, KS 66506

2
Federal Job Opportunities for Entomologists

• USDA-ARS http//www.ars.usda.gov/Careers/
• USDA-APHIS http//www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/job_op
  portunities_main.html
• USDA-FAS http//www.fas.usda.gov/admin/jobs/jobs.
  asp
• USDA-FS http//www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/openings.html
  
• US Army
• FDA http//www.fda.gov/jobs/default.htm
• NIH http//www.jobs.nih.gov/

3
Federal Opportunities for Non-US Citizens

• Temporary Assignments 1 to 3 years defined
  period.
• Indirect Employment Through University or other
  non-federal organizations

4
Key Application Processes

• Advertising
• Headquarter screening
• Grading committee to put applicants into order
  according to qualification
• Chairperson (Research leader) to invite top
  candidates for interview
• Chairperson obtains feedback from Stake holders
  and comments from references
• Chairperson makes recommendation

5
Headquarter Screening Basic Qualifications

• Diploma or certificates
• Transcripts
• Citizenship
• Other necessary materials

6
Grading CommitteeSelecting Candidates for
Interview

• Plant Geneticist
• Knowledge in plant breeding 50
• Skills in plant breeding 50
• Ability to generate publications 60
• Knowledge in molecular biology 20
• Knowledge in Statistics 20

7
InterviewSeminar and Individual Interaction

• Seminars
• The best work you have ever done.
• The experiences related to the position you are
  applying.
• What is your vision for the position and what is
  your plan.
• Individual discussion
• Make the impression that you are competent for
  the position.
• Make the impression that you will be a plus to
  his/her research, not a competitor.
• Polite, confident, and respect.

8
After Interview

• A thank you email.
• A follow up on your promises or other valuable
  information for individuals.