Navigating USAJOBS to Obtain a Career in the Federal Government Kim L. Scarborough, M.B.A. Human Capital Management Office of Human Resources Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Secretary
Agenda/Points of Discussion How to maneuver on USAJobs.gov- the gateway to all government opportunities Updates on hiring practices within the Federal Government for students Effective search tools & tips- what to do and what not to do
Updates No more KSA (knowledge/skills/abilities) narratives- Hooray! Accelerated Hiring Process (AHP) is helping cut average hiring times from 179 days to 80 days Recent updates to USAJobs.gov will help to secure top talent in the long run More user friendly- less unnecessary questions More relevant search results will float to the top, giving the user better ability to sort with filters Data mining will help the Office of Human Resources (OHR) and hiring managers to see more of your qualifications & credentials
The New Pathways Program Executive Order 13562: Recruiting and Hiring Students and Recent Graduates Signed by President Obama on December 27, 2010. Establishes the Pathways Programs consisting of three excepted-service components: I. Interns II. Recent Graduates III. Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program Programs are tailored to recruit, hire, develop, and retain students and recent graduates Establishes newly created Schedule D appointing authority, 5 CFR 213.3402(a),(b), and (c) of the excepted-service
I. INTERNS USAJobs.gov The New Pathways Program Combines the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) Paid opportunities If accepted into the program, eligibility for conversion* to the competitive service requires: Completion of 640 government work hours Completion of ALL educational requirements A Favorable recommendation Meeting any other minimum qualifications * Conversion is NOT mandatory or guaranteed
II. RECENT GRADUATES USAJobs.gov The New Pathways Program Designed for recent graduates (Certificate or Associates through Advanced Degree) Application Process: Non-Veterans-must apply within 2 years of completion of degree Veterans-must apply within 6 years of completion of degree One-year, career development program * Conversion is NOT mandatory or guaranteed
The New Pathways Program III. PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS (PMF) Federal government s premier Leadership Development program for advanced degree candidates (i.e. masters, law and/or doctoral students) Two-year fellowship program * Conversion is NOT mandatory or guaranteed
Effectively Navigating USAJobs
Create a New Account and/or Update Your Profile
Create your tailored resume using USAJobs Resume Builder Ensure that status is listed as SEARCHABLE Include EVERYTHING- including volunteer or community service work (e.g. Student Government, campus organizations, peer counseling, etc.)
Save Your Documents to USAJobs Upload transcripts and any other relevant documentation (i.e. recommendation letters, awards etc.) to USAJobs.gov Some faxes are not coming through! Scan all documents to yourself first, and then upload to USAJobs.gov
College Majors and Equivalent Occupational Series (sampling) USAJobs.gov Major/Area of Concentration Science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Series Interdisciplinary Scientist (1301) Consumer Safety Officer (0696) Chemist (1320) Microbiologist (0401 or 0403) Food Technologist (1382)
College Majors and Equivalent Occupational Series (sampling) USAJobs.gov Major/Area of Concentration Series Management Analyst or Program Analyst (0343) Business Management, Economics, Marketing Budget Analyst (0560) Financial Analyst (1160) Contract Specialist (1102)
College Majors and Equivalent Occupational Series (sampling) USAJobs.gov Major/Area of Concentration Public Health, Social Work, Sociology Series Health Communications Specialist (GS-1001) Public Health Advisor or Public Health Analyst (GS-0685) Health Insurance Specialist (GS-0107) Public Health Service Officer (Commission Corp)
Examples of Popular Hiring Occupational Series within the Federal Government: (Not a complete listing) NON-COMMISSION CORP Contract Specialist Health Insurance Specialist Chemist Consumer Safety Officer Management and Program Analyst Nurse Medical Officer COMMISSION CORP Physicians Dentists Engineers Environmental Health Officer
USAJobs.gov Applying for Positions with the Commission Corp http://www.usphs.gov/apply/apply.aspx
ALWAYS Cast a wide net (i.e. search by multiple occupational series, various search terms, locations if possible) Create saved searches on USAJobs.gov and check your email regularly for the search results Consistently check on USAJobs.gov Finish every application- even if you aren t sure if you are a fit Read every single word of the Minimum Qualifications Complete the application in a timely manner- don t wait until the closing date
ALWAYS Consider the Federal Employment Volunteer Service Be sure to include any and all relevant attachments at the same time you are completing the application (i.e. transcripts, letters of recommendation) Stay encouraged and be patient! The process does not happen overnight Accelerated Hiring Process was implemented in 2010, this process shortened the original hiring timeline from 179 days to approximately 80 days
DON T Search by salary only! Search by grade/gs level only! Rule out applying to a job outside of your current work/living area because you are not ready to move yet Rule out applying to Temporary or Volunteer Service positions Limit your search to one agency Be deterred by a challenging online application system (i.e. AVUE)- persevere!
Keep Back-up Save all communications you receive Call to verify receipt of application Maintain a tracking sheet of all applications submitted Print a hard copy of all application materials Always Follow-up Call the agency to get status updates Ask the HR Specialist why you did not make the certificate
Other Helpful Resources Video links: USAJobs.gov Training Sessions Navigating New Version of USAJOBS.gov http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tix5lzxvojc Reviewing Vacancy Announcements http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25sob2yf26y Search term: HHS USAJOBS
Kim L. Scarborough, M.B.A. Office of Human Resources Department of Health and Human Services Human Capital Management Program Manager Kim.Scarborough@hhs.gov Phone number: 301.443.0333