Tips for career changers: Federal Jobs

Are you a career changer?

If you are an experienced worker looking for a Federal job, you are in good company. More than 40 percent of the people hired by the Federal Government last year were experienced workers over the age of 35. These tips will help you to get credit for your expertise.

• Estimate your GS level. As mentioned in this article, the Federal Government classifies positions according to the complexity of their job duties and their level of responsibility. People qualify for a given level based on education, experience, or a combination of both. The most common classification system is the General Schedule (GS). To find your GS level, use the table on page 6 to estimate the level you qualify for based on education alone. If you also have relevant experience, your GS level will be higher than that. If you have had relevant managerial responsibilities or do complex work independently, you might qualify for a GS-12 or above. To be certain, read the job descriptions in vacancy announcements.

• Understand job requirements. Vacancy announcements often say that a worker needs experience equivalent to a particular GS level. A vacancy announcement at the GS-12 level, for example, might say that you need 1 year of experience at the GS-11 level. Some announcements give examples of what that experience could be. Others don't. The simplest way to know if you qualify for a job is to read the job duties. If the work described there is only slightly more complex or responsible than work you have done in the past, you might be eligible for the position.

If some of the required experience for a job seems unique to the Federal Government, explore further by calling the agency or the contact person for the position. You might learn that your private-sector experience meets the requirement.

• Be flexible about titles. If you want to be a manager or supervisor, do not limit yourself to openings with those words in the job title. Jobs with widely varying levels of responsibility are often listed under the same title.

• Be specific about past experience. Human resources managers will study the details of your application to decide if you qualify for a job. They will compare your past work to the kinds of tasks performed at different GS levels. Managers will pay close attention to the amount of time you spent in each job. They usually will estimate exactly how many months or years you have done each major job task.

When creating a resume or writing statements about your skills, show your level of expertise by explaining who you reported to or worked with and how your work was used.

• Explain past job titles. Use job titles that clearly describe what you did. You may want to put the equivalent Federal title in parentheses next to your actual job titles.

• Consider Senior Executive Service. Finally, if you have substantial experience in high-level leadership positions, you might qualify for the Senior Executive Service (SES). SES positions require you to answer a set of standard questions about your leadership ability. A review board established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management will certify your qualifications based on your answers and your experience. For more information, see www.opm.gov/ses or call (202) 606-1800

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/employ/govtjob/fedjob.htm#tips

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Listing Other Interests on a Resume: Yes or No?

Good Morning!

Recently, I had a question sent to me about including "other interests" on a resume. Should that section of the resume be included or excluded? The information was as follows:

Other Interests: Family, coaching youth sports, golf, fishing and hiking.

This is what I suggested he do:

The "Other Interests" portion of a resume is not necessary. In fact, it is the only aspect of your resume that I think someone might find something to nit-pick about. Why? Some people might worry that since you listed "Family" that you might be more focused on your family than your job. I admire that and I agree that you have your priorities straight if that's the case, however, some employers expect you to put the job first. You can put your family first without having to "warn" the employer that you are doing so. If a need arises that you have to make a choice between your family and your job, then you should get to make that choice, but don't let the prospective employer make it for you before you ever get a chance to interview for the job.

Does that make sense?

The other items don't need to be there either simply because they are possible reasons to exclude you more than they are possible reasons to include you. How can that be? What if the person screening your resume tried to play youth sports and failed miserably - or their father wasn't around for them? What if the resume screener went on a fishing trip once and fell out of the boat into deep water and it scared him/her so bad that fishing is now considered a hated hobby?

Don't give the prospective employer any reason to eliminate you. These things DO happen. It's crazy, but it's true.

So, now you know the answers, too. Don't give the employer a reason to exclude you. If you have this section on your resume, consider removing it. There is no sense in getting yourself taken out of contention for a job simply because someone else has a bias.

For more information about the Resume Outline (which tells you the basic necessities of a resume: Resume Outline

Have a great day!

Resume Content

Resume Content

Name Block
Use your full first name. Avoid using nicknames that are "cutesy" or "pet names." If you have a preference to be called by a shortened version of your full name, then it is acceptable to put this name in parentheses or quotes (e.g., Elizabeth and prefer to be called "Betty"). Your address should not contain abbreviations. Make sure your phone number includes the area code. Also, provide a phone number where you can be reached at all times, either by an answering machine, or an alternate message number. Do not put your name and address on one line for a scannable resume as the computer may be confused by this format. Typing your name in bold, and/or all capitals will make it stand out.

ELIZABETH "BETTY" APPLICANT
1443 Hire Me Lane
Employability, Minnesota 55555
555-555-5555

Employment or Career Objective
Include an objective when you are pursuing a specific job goal, or when you know the exact title of the position for which you are applying. The objective targets your resume, but also limits its use to those jobs that match your goal. Therefore, the objective may be considered an optional part of your resume. If you do not include an objective, be sure to state it in your cover letter. Summary of Qualifications and Accomplishments A summary of your qualifications and accomplishments highlights skills that support your job goals. It can include key skills, employment related accomplishments, and personal attributes.

Employment History
List your most recent employment first. A general standard is, "List the last three jobs, or the last 10 years, whichever comes first." Focus on recent jobs and those that are most appropriate to your goals. If you have large gaps in employment, or have changed jobs frequently, consider using a functional resume. How you use your resume and the makeup of your experience, will determine the amount of information to include. Many job seekers, and employers, use the resume as a substitute application (this is very useful if the application works against your qualifications). As a substitute application the resume should include employer contact information. Many resumes list only employer name, city and state. Contact information is provided through an employment application or reference sheet. One advantage in limiting this information is to keep the resume focused on your qualifications. Also, some people may not want a prospective employer to be able to easily reach a previous employer. Ultimately the choice is yours. There is no one standard that fits all situations.

Organizations
List organizational memberships related to your job goal and show professional standing. Avoid using non-employment related or controversial organizations. Generally, it is best NOT to mention specific religious or political affiliations, or other potentially controversial groups, unless they directly relate to the job you want.

Awards or Recognition
Let the employer know of any awards or recognition you have received, (e.g., employee of the month, etc.), if it is timely and appropriate.

Education
If your skill and experience come from employment, then list employment first and education last. List education first, if the emphasis is on education, i.e., a recent graduate. If you are a college graduate, state the name of the institution, location (city and state), degree earned, and field of study.

Additional Points to Consider Regarding Education
• Carefully consider listing the dates you graduated from school. List the dates of recent education because it increases its value. Older educational experiences may not be valued by the reader and can be used in age discrimination.
• Do not list High School graduation if you have completed a college degree. If you have taken post high school classes, but did not achieve a degree, then list your high school.
• When listing recent education, target specific skills and academic accomplishments.
• A GED can be listed as a High School graduate. If the GED was achieved through a local school, then list the name of that school. Otherwise, leave off the name of the school. Or you may choose to list the last school attended or the school district name.
• Do not include an education section if you dropped out of high school and had no formal training either in school or from an employer.
• Include relevant employer sponsored training. Be sure that the training is targeted to your job goal and is attention getting to a new employer. Summarize extensive employer training by type and only include training that is relevant to a new job.
• If you have conducted a thorough independent study into a job-related topic, then you may summarize it as part of your education.
• If you are currently taking classes or pursuing a degree related to your job goal, then include them in the resume. List the skills acquired, academic accomplishments, and the projected date of completion.

Military
Include military experience that fills gaps in employment or supports your job goal as part of your work history. "Civilianize" your military language, (e.g., NCOIC to Supervisor).

Hobbies/Personal Interests
Include hobbies/personal interests if they are employment related, they are not controversial, and they show skill and experience.

References
Do not include references on the resume. Do not use the statement, "References available upon request." It is assumed by most employers that you will provide them with this information. Once an employer requests references, be prepared to give them 3 to 5 references who can speak about your work habits and professional qualifications. Always seek permission before using someone as a reference.

To review the Resume Outline in more depth, follow this link: Resume Outline

Using a Resume Outline

The Resume Outline identifies the major headings of the resume and what information is contained within each one. Make sure you are comfortable with each of the following sections since you will be creating your own personal professional history with them in mind.

Heading/Contact Information
Objective
Education
Work Experience
Honors/Activities/Achievements/Publications
Other

Do you know what kind of information is contained in each section?

Click here for a description of each section: Resume Outline

This resume outline should provide you with a basic understanding of the sections of a resume. While different formats use these sections in a variety of ways, the information is used in each resume.

If you need more information than this resume outline offers, peruse the site listed above. The formats tab and the examples tab both provide a great deal of information.

Best of Luck

Professional-Resume-Example.com