Links from the Jobseeker’s Guide, 9th Edition
This page provides the many helpful and valuable links found in the new 9th Edition of author Kathryn Troutman’s best-selling Jobseeker’s Guide: How to Land Government Jobs for Military and Spouses.
Introduction
Why Go Federal? See: OPM’s “Federal Employee Compensation Package: It’s More than Just Salary.”
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/federal-employee-compensation-package/
Step 1: Learn about Federal Jobs
Direct Hire Process (Faster Hire Process) is used for critical skills gaps or a special need to hire (e.g. COVID).
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority
Competitive Hiring Process: Typical time per OPM is 80 days from announcement closing to selection.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/human-capital-management/hiring-reform/hiring-process-analysis-tool/
Link provides a list of the GS White Collar Positions with further links to the definitions and standards.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/classifying-general-schedule-positions/
JS Guide 8th PDF – Occupational Groups and Families
A summary of the White Collar Occupational Series in PDF Form is in the Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/classifying-general-schedule-positions/occupationalhandbook.pdf
Visit this link for a listing of Trade, Craft, and Labor positions and links to definitions and standards.
https://www.opm.gov/fedclass/html/fwseries.asp
To figure out how to translate your military position into a GS position, visit the Military to Federal Jobs Crosswalk.
https://www.mil2fedjobs.com
The General Schedule (GS) is a worldwide pay system. See this link for the latest GS Pay Tables.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/
Check out this link for a Complete List of the Federal Agencies.
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies
JS Guide 8th PDF – Complete List of Federal Agencies
This link is for Department of Defense (DOD) info and related agencies.
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-department-of-defense
JS Guide 8th PDF – DOD agency list, description, no. of employees and webpages
Learn what Organizations make up the Intelligence Community (IC) and what they do.
https://www.intelligence.gov/how-the-ic-works#our-organizations
JS Guide 8th PDF – Original research of IC agencies
Explore the Career Opportunities in the 17 IC Agencies across the U.S. and Overseas.
https://www.intelligence.gov/careers#explore-careers
At this link, you’ll find a PDF for Excepted Service Agencies (which do not post their jobs on USAJOBS).
https://www.usajobs.gov/content/pdfs/excepted_service.pdf
Non-Appropriated Funds Jobs are paid for by money generated by activities on bases. Find the jobs at:
https://www.nafjobs.org/
https://www.indeed.com
Special Hiring Paths use special authorities, such as Military Spouses, so you can be hired non-competitively.
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/
Veterans’ Preference is a special authority giving Vets preference in hiring. More info on Vet hiring at:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
https://www.fedshirevets.gov/
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/veterans-employment-preference-points.html
This Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference is used by Veterans and Relatives of Veterans.
https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf
Here are Guidelines on the 180-Day Waiver Needed for Military Retirees to Begin a DOD Job.
https://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Portals/31/Documents/HR/180-day%20OCHR%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf?ver=2017-03-22-084631-190
Step 2: Network & Use Non-Competitive Hiring
This USAJOBS page shows all the Special Hiring Paths, along with their symbols.
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/
Network with Selective Placement Program Coordinators if you are a 30% or More Disabled Vet. Directory at:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/selective-placement-program-coordinator/
As a Vet, you can write directly to agency Veterans’ Representatives to learn about non-competitive openings.
https://www.fedshirevets.gov/veterans-council/agency-directory/
Step 3: Search USAJOBS
With so many openings on USAJOBS, you must carefully choose your targeted vacancy announcements.
https://www.usajobs.gov
Info on filtering your search results, saving your searches, getting email updates, and more in this chapter.
Step 4: Find Keywords
Four places to find keywords in Vacancy Announcements are highlighted in this chapter.
Step 5: Explore Your Core Competencies
This chapter has many Core Competency examples, plus a Senior Executive Service core competencies chart.
Step 6: Write Your Federal Resume
Chapter 6 discusses how to write the winning Outline Format Federal resume, with 5 sample resumes and 4 resume case studies featuring successful applicants.
Step 7: Write Your Accomplishments
Write better KSAs using the Context, Challenge, Action, Result (CCAR) Model. Free Resume Place builder:
https://rp-dev.wrkhrs.co/resources/ccar-accomplishment-builder/
Though often optional, cover letters are a place to offer compelling reasons to be hired. Free RP builder:
https://rp-dev.wrkhrs.co/resources/cover-letter-builder/
Step 8: Apply for the Job!
When applying at USAJOBS, make sure you select positions for which you have the specialized experience.
https://www.usajobs.gov
Other parts of USAJOBS
To build or upload your resume:
Documents > Resumes
To upload additional documents:
Documents > Other
Step 9: Track Your Application & Follow Up
Check your emails. You will receive the results of your applications by email from: USAStaffingOffice@opm.gov
Step 10: Interview & Negotiate
Use the Resume Place CCAR Accomplishments Builder to write 5 accomplishments for the interview.
https://rp-dev.wrkhrs.co/resources/ccar-accomplishment-builder/
Got offer? You can now negotiate your terms with a Superior Qualifications Justification Letter!
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/superior-qualifications-and-special-needs-pay-setting-authority/
Your non-federal work experience may be considered towards the calculation of Annual Leave.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/
A Recruitment Incentive may be available if the position was difficult to fill.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/recruitment-relocation-retention-incentives/fact-sheets/recruitment-incentives/
You could also ask about part-time Telework.
https://www.telework.gov/guidance-legislation/telework-guidance/recruitment-retention/
How about Tuition Reimbursement for you or your children?
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/student-loan-repayment/
A Schedule A applicant? You can ask for Reasonable Accommodations to help you perform your job.
https://www.telework.gov/guidance-legislation/telework-guidance/reasonable-accommodations/
Back Matter
Federal Job Search Trainer / Certified Federal Career Coach Program
https://rp-dev.wrkhrs.co/get-certified/ten-steps-trainer-certification/
About the Author, Kathryn Troutman