12 Biggest Mistakes of Federal Job Seekers

72 Comments

If you are a first-time federal jobseeker, feeling desperate for a good, stable job, read this list of mistakes and avoid them. You will waste valuable job search time, energy and enthusiasm if you are doing it all wrong. In the current job market, it is better if you slow down, read the announcements for the qualifications, carefully review the questionnaires, and write good answers to questionnaire essays and KSA narratives. Consider the federal job search your “job”.

Your mission: To get a GOOD Job.

This article is a collection of the biggest mistakes that I am seeing when reviewing and critiquing resumes from private sector candidates seeking federal jobs or coaching people in federal job search who are out of work right now and want a federal job.

Featured Author: Kathryn Troutman

Kathryn Troutman, Author and president of The Resume Place, Inc. and the Certified Federal Resume Writers Team. Kathryn is also the author of the best-selling, award-winning, Ten Steps to a Federal Job, 2nd Edition, which will help you put your very best foot forward in your federal job search (eBook available now and Print edition available 1/20/09).

The Resume Place can assist you with every step of your federal job search:
• Creating your own Outline Format USAJOBS Federal Resume
• Finding vacancy announcements
• Identifying keywords
• Showcasing your accomplishments
• Using proper formatting technique
• Writing effective KSAs
• Applying online
• Interviewing

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Tim123

over 4 years ago

2 comments

There are many agencies out there who can't wait to sell you their resume writer services. This may be a viable option if your currently employed. On the other hand, if you've recently joined the growing number of people who are unemployed, taking on an additional expense may not be the best plan of action.
dmr741a

over 4 years ago

2 comments

Keep trying-I had wrked for a major airline in NY-but after taking a transfer to Miami, I was laid off after a year, and found it hard to get a decent paying job-I started at the bottom-after using my 20+ years in restaurant/cust.service, I applied for a Toll Collector position-pay stunk, but it got me into State facilities, working with State people, ans soon enough I became a State Toll Supervisor-then got into the office where I am + have been for 10 yrs now! I set up my resume' on the My Florida. com site-and went from there! Don't lose faith! :)
sdclarke

over 4 years ago

2 comments

In reponse to govcentral83's comment: You asked 'which are the five major sites to create a profile and build a resume"? Well here are the sites I know, perhaps someone else might be able to add to this list. Also, I threw in the UN because, although it is not fedeal employment, it could prove to be a stepping stone to a federal job...

www.avuecentral.com
www.cia.gov (they have their own application process)
www.cpol.army.mil
www.usajobs.gov
www.navy.mil
http://www.whs.pentagon.mil/
www.applicationmanager.gov (profile and account)
www.un.org
fredrickhoyt

over 4 years ago

4 comments

what about people with criminal convictions?
govcentral83

over 4 years ago

6 comments

Which sites are the "five major sites" to create a profile and build a resume?
jamesmdalton

over 4 years ago

2 comments

Employers want to hire a problem solver that can follow instructions, perform beyond the required duties, and will work their full shift. The difference between an average job applicant and the one who gets hired is presentation and persuasion. Thousands apply for any given position and they usually have the same qualifications, so you must focus on your uniqueness that will solve their problem. Also, you must help them move from a focus on your past to a focus on you working together in the future.
ChecpusWilkins

over 4 years ago

242 comments

I think that this, is good information......
stgreg11

over 4 years ago

2 comments

The government checks your credit reports. If you have overdue bills, that could be a problem. As a suggestion, please check your written comment which is full of errors. You have punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammatical errors in each sentence. Your sentences are difficult to understand. Employers care about writing proficiency.
daudin

over 4 years ago

2 comments

Ive completed 21yrs as a federal employee with the dept of the army as a dual status technician. When I reached 20yrs with the Army reserves I Retired so I had to lose my federal employment. I have a career status but when I apply for jobs in my occupation Im not getting any positive feed back. I would greatly appreciate any sound advice
amolamiafamiglia_321

over 4 years ago

206 comments

I have a problem , finding a job, maybe is in the wrong places, I'am working on finishing my master but I have several degrees, in criminal justice, i will love to get a job with the government ,How do I get to where I want to go if I don't see result in my problem,I'm bilingual,I do have experience in different field and most of all I do want to work 24/7 if I have to do,I'm tire of having bill collectors on my phone every time it ring.