Question: Regarding federal employment, I filled out an application online. Now what happens? Will someone look at it and match it with employment that fits the applicant?
K.R., Snohomish
Answer: The official federal job site (www.usajobs.gov) is like a one-stop shopping experience for people seeking government employment. Based on your question, it seems like you either responded to a vacancy announcement posted on USAjobs or uploaded your resume to their online job board.
These actions are very different from each other and need to be discussed separately. Following is a breakdown of what to expect in both scenarios:
Responding to vacancy announcement
The USAjobs Web site catalogs more than 110,000 positions at any one time, and you can easily search by title, location or keywords to find jobs that match your experience and goals. If you perform a broad-based search, you’ll come across vacancies with many federal agencies, from the Small Business Administration to the Department of Defense.
But don’t be fooled by the size and scope of this site. It may be a large, user-friendly place to visit, but it won’t do the job-hunting for you. Your federal job search is a self-directed process. When you submit your application or resume to a specific organization, your materials will not be sent to other offices. You must contact each agency that interests you, one by one.
Here’s how the hiring process typically works: After the closing date (listed on the vacancy announcement), the employer screens your materials electronically, using keywords to locate the right candidates. Resumes are then matched against minimum qualifications and passed on to a human resources specialist for further review.
If your background fits the agency’s needs, you’ll be called in for an interview. Expect to be called back for a second or third meeting before the agency makes its decision. Agencies try to present a job offer within 45 days, but be patient, because delays often occur.
By the way, most agencies will get in touch with you even if you aren’t in the running for a certain position. If you don’t hear from anyone, phone or e-mail the person on the job announcement.
Posting resume online
The USAjobs site allows you to post your resume to the online job board and wait for employers (or recruiters) to contact you. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Employers from various agencies explore the database for stand-out resumes for current or future job openings. They search electronically at first, looking for certain keywords that align with a particular task or position. Once your document passes the keyword test, it will be reviewed by an HR professional, which can result in an interview.
Remember that posting your resume online is not the same thing as applying for a job. There are no timelines and no basic requirements. In fact, there aren’t any guarantees that your resume will be seen by an employer at all. You’ll make a more powerful impact, and receive better results, if you reach out to organizations directly.
Take charge of your career. Get on the computer and sift through the USAjobs site for a while. Overflow your resume with keywords, and use it to apply for a handful of those 110,000 government jobs.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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