Three Tips for Finding Federal Job Opportunities That are Right for You (guest blogger – Dr. Daphne Houston)

Many federal job seekers think their federal job search starts when they get on the main federal job board, USAJOBS. But if you don’t have a federal background, your job search should start before you get to the job board, so you know what to look for – whether you find a job that fits on USAJOBS or not.

This is especially important if you are coming from traditional corporate/ private sector backgrounds like sales and marketing, customer service, finance and accounting, professional services or law.

Tip 1- FOLLOW THE MONEY

When you watch, listen and read the news; REALLY watch and listen to the news.  Don’t just listen to them say, “Obama did this, Congress did that.” They passed this bill or that bill. Ask yourself, “What does that mean? What happens next?” Ask yourself, “What does that mean in terms of funding?” Even if you don’t agree with the actions being taken to resolve the situation, consider the funding and budgeting. Check out www.recovery.gov to see where the Recovery Act money is being allocated and how that affects hiring.

Tip 2- FOLLOW THE DRAMA AND TRAGEDY

When someone tries to blow up a plane with a bomb in his underwear, you can bet there are a whole host of actions that are going to take place around that… more monitoring and intelligence as in analysis, research, technology, security, foreign language skills. The Department of Homeland Security was developed in response to the 911 tragedy and is doing lots of hiring.

Want to learn more about the Federal Job Market? Join Dr. Houston for a free webinar on Thursday.

Tip 3 – FOLLOW THE FUTURE

When a large percentage of the President’s State of the Union address is focused on energy, and energy alternatives, that means you should be looking at the potential in energy related agencies and endeavors. Some agencies to research are: Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, HUD, and www.recovery.gov to find out about funding and contracts for energy initiatives.

Finding the right opportunities is one of the steps to land the right federal job for you. Dr. Daphne Houston will provide more tips in her free webinar, “How to Find the Right Job for You: Making the Transition from Corporate to Federal” this Thursday.

Not sure you can make it? No worries because Daphne will send you a recording. But you must be registered to get one.

How to Find the Right Federal Job for You: Making the Transition from Corporate to Federal – FREE Webinar – Thursday, March 25 – 2:00pmCST

Did you know that the Federal Government is one of the most active groups out there hiring – with over 60,000 current openings?

But you may be asking yourself – is it right for me?

On Thursday, March 25th, my friend Dr. Daphne Houston will tackle this very question. Plus, she will show you how her clients get ranked best qualified, get referred to hiring officials, get interviewed and get hired!

Reserve your spot and get all the info here

Not sure you can make it? Don’t worry. By registering you will be sent a recording. But you must be registered for the call.

On this f.r.e.e. webinar with Dr. Daphne you’ll learn:

- Real life SUCCESS STORIES from other federal job seekers and professionals just like you who are attracting more referrals, more interviews and offers for federal jobs
- Real life EXAMPLES of WINNING FEDERAL RESUMES and KSAs that you can model (no matter what type position you’re seeking)
- How to Read Vacancy Announcements carefully to crack the code and STOP WASTING TIME for the wrong jobs
- The one thing she STARTED doing with clients that helped me TRIPLE their success rate in getting higher rankings and hired ( I promise this one is going to surprise you!)
- How the hiring process really works and what you can do to SHORTCUT the line!)
- The ONE difference between YOU and 99% of the other applicants – and what YOU need to do to make QUANTUM LEAPS in your federal job search

Learn more and register for this complimentary call on Thursday, March 25th, 2pm CST

If you’re ready to LEAP AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION – understanding the process and knowing what actions to take is the KEY to launching your Federal Career, with a competitive and steady income, great benefits, and doing work that makes a difference!

Dispelling Myths about the Federal Job Market: guest blogger Dr. Daphne Houston

Myth #1: All the government jobs are in Washington, DC.  

Fact:  Only 15% of federal jobs are actually in DC.  That means almost 85% of the federal jobs are outside of DC throughout the US and the rest of the world.

Myth #2:  Federal Government Salaries are Low

Fact: Actually government salaries have risen faster and higher than private sector salaries.  In most cases you will find that they are very competitive.  In fact, it’s been reported that from 2000 to 2008, the pay for federal civilian employees skyrocketed 57%, while the pay for workers in the private sector grew by only 31%.  And the White House recently proposed a 1.4% pay increase.

Myth #3: To get into the federal government you have to be connected –  all the jobs are wired. 

Fact: If that was the case, then the government wouldn’t currently have over 60,000 job openings worldwide.  Don’t you think the people that know the current government workforce would have networked their way if that was the case?

Myth #4: All government workers do is push papers, they don’t have jobs for what I do. 

Fact:  The government has over classifications of positions and over 300 departments and agencies.  There are all kinds of jobs. There are so many ways to make a difference to America doing this work. Here is a very short list of federal job titles: Accountants, Business Operations, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Administrative Assistants, Secretaries, Assistants, Civil Engineers, Airline Pilots, Computer Systems Analysts, Program Managers, Construction Managers and Social Workers

Myth #5: The Government is one huge bureaucracy. 

Fact: The Government is made up of several entities. Each of the over 300 departments and agencies operates as their own stand alone “corporation” within a network of companies designed to serve the best interest of America. Some do operate more efficiently than others and are more progressive than others.

Based on your agency research, consider 3-5 agencies you would like to further explore.

Myth #6: All Federal jobs are posted on USAjobs.com

Fact: Only about 70% are on USA jobs. Many jobs (perm, temp, special) are on each fed agency website.  And some are not posted on the sites at all.

If you would like to learn more about the Federal Job Search Market, join Dr. Daphne Houston for a free webinar: “The 5 Critical Keys to Landing a Federal Job.”  Dr. Houston is a certified federal job search trainer whose clients get hired!

2008 – 2010(c) Kevin Kermes Inc.