Reviews

Review from a Federal Job Seeker

Although this book provided a tremendous amount of valuable information, I am most thankful for the hope that it has given me. I had almost given up on the idea of working for the federal government, but I feel much more confident and enthusiastic about renewing my federal job search after reading "Ten Steps to a Federal Job," as well as "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" (also by Kathryn Troutman.) I read "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" first, and was very impressed with it. Wanting to learn more, I then purchased "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" is so full of valuable information about the federal job search process that I found myself reading it very slowly and taking a lot of notes. Reading the book in this way provided such a good foundation for me that I found myself re-reading "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" again, the second time with greatly increased understanding.

I had been told that you must start out "at the bottom" if you wanted to work for the federal government - that the only way "in" was through entry level positions. What I learned from reading this book (Ten Steps) is that it is possible to move into a position comparable in grade and salary to the non-federal job that you hold. Also, I had become discouraged by vacancy announcements that required knowledge of a particular agency's policies, procedures and/or programs. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" describes how to perform research and to familiarize yourself with an agency and its programs, and how to then incorporate the knowledge you've gained in an open and honest manner into your job-search materials.

"Ten Steps to a Federal Job" also goes into great detail to describe the process for writing successful essays about your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's). This was completely unfamiliar territory to me, as it is not part of a non-federal job search process. I now feel confident in my ability to write KSA essays, as well as a good resume directed at federal vacancies. Regarding resumes, I learned that I needed to forget everything that I had ever learned about them! The advice that I had always been given was to limit your resume to one page - two if absolutely necessary, but never more. Your federal resume may need to be three to even five pages in length, in addition to the three to six required KSA essays of approximately one page that may be required.

This book will tell you how to read federal vacancy announcements to determine their exact requirements - length of resume, KSA requirements (if any), how to submit your resume, etc. It also provides valuable information about the electronic resume process. But, if you are serious about securing a job with the federal government, I would strongly recommend Kathryn's "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" as well, as it goes into even greater detail explaining the requirements of the electronic process. Buy them both, and read them very slowly! My efforts in carefully studying these two books were rewarded with greatly increased knowledge, and the confidence to actively pursue a job with the federal government.
-Susan Lauritzen, IL

Writers Digest Review
April 5, 2004

Having worked several years for a government organization, I say Hats Off to the author, for writing and putting together a helpful guide book for anyone wanting to get into the federal system. The U.S. Government is a whole different animal from Corporate America, and pretty much a frustrating maze and entity unto itself. Just to be able to speak “Governmentese” is a real coup - it has its own language, mostly of acronyms. But to understand the structure of this very frustratingly mammoth national organization, and to be able to explain it and guide someone to find a job therein - well, this book could be a gold mine to anyone so interested in finding a federal job. And yes, there are great opportunities within the federal system. Comprehensive and well thought out, this book would help shortcut the frustrations getting there, open up new possibilities to new hires and returnees for new careers - step by step.

If someone is serious about working in the Government, he/she would only need this book. From resume writing to cover letters, finding job announcements to interviewing tips, etc. - it's all right here. A CD ROM is attached, offering basic templates (of the above) to go by. The book is very attractive, with an appropriate, catchy cover and graphically appealing layout and type style inside. Well done!

From a commercial point of view, the only deterrent would be that the book is geared to a highly specialized audience. But colleges, trade schools, libraries, recruiting centers (and many other outlets) nationwide, and especially those in the Washington DC area, would all be very interested.

There's help for finding federal jobs
By Joyce Lain Kennedy
August 4, 2002

Question: The dismal corporate culture making the news is discouraging. Although I still have a job, my company is narrowly escaping bankruptcy in a business climate that has inflated expectations, enriched executives and cost employees dearly. I never thought I would consider federal government employment, but the prospect of service to the many looks better with each revelation of a private-sector fiasco. But I don't know where to start. What is your recommendation?
T.S.

Answer: I understand your point, and other readers have weighed in with similar comments. In addition to the desire to find meaning in your work, economic considerations come into play. Workers across the land are sick of working for companies that flash and fold, offering zip job security. Instead, they're on the lookout for secure jobs with good pay, reliable benefits and an opportunity for real career growth.

For instance, this year, when discouraging numbers of private employers are planning across-the-board cuts, federal workers will receive, on average, a 4.6 percent pay raise.

The federal government requires all its jobs to be posted on a Web site, www.usajobs.opm.gov. Also see www.studentjobs.gov.

A book to read. I give you a few online clues here, but I advise you to first learn how to play the federal job game. And there is no better book to teach people moving from the entrepreneurial world into government agencies than one due out next month by federal job expert Kathryn Kraemer Troutman.

At about $40, Ten Steps to a Federal Job: Navigating the Federal Job System is pricey. But it's a bargain because it serves as an experienced consultant-in-print taking you by the hand and, with a warm, friendly style, leading you painlessly through a complex process. A CD-ROM (PC or Mac) is included with the book that contains samples, templates and helpful appendixes for your federal job hunt. Ms. Troutman covers aspects of the federal job search in her 10-step format that I haven't seen pulled together elsewhere, one of the reasons I like it so well.

• The right approach. The author makes a valid point immediately. Instead of beginning with a mentality of "I want to work for the government and will take anything," choose your preferred federal agency by its mission, geographic location and your own interests or passion.
• Local jobs. Take geography. Do you want to relocate or stay rooted? Ms. Troutman says you can search for agencies by state and town easily at the Web site www.federaljobsearch.com. You can see how many jobs are open in a specific town any day of the week. In Oregon, Portland may have 90 jobs, compared with five in Roseberg. The same applies elsewhere. Once you've determined where and for what agency you'd like to make a contribution, you need to determine the right job title, which may differ from those in private industry. If you are a university researcher and writer, you may qualify for a management or program analyst position in government, the author says. Here's a Web site to learn more about how the government operates: www.opm.gov/fedclass.
• Vacancy announcements. Ms. Troutman covers how to study and take seriously the vacancy announcements, a heartburn chore for most people. She discusses the feds' "how to apply" instructions and the new topic of "competencies" for each agency.
• Samples. Ms. Troutman operates a well-known résumé service in Baltimore, The Résumé Place (www.resumeplace.com). The book will be available at the usual places, but for quick information, see the Résumé Place Web site.

Another good book is the eighth edition of Dennis V. Damp's The Book of U.S. Government Jobs. The $21.95 book is a well-researched title to add to your prep material. More traditional in its approach than Ms. Troutman's lively work, the eighth edition features a new chapter on law enforcement careers.

• Mr. Damp, who was a federal employee in a previous life, posts updates on his Web site, FederalJobs (www.federaljobs.net), where you can also order the book.

The Troutman and Damp books are the latest and greatest, and together they make a powerful reference tool if you want a workplace wrapped in the American flag.

Submit questions to Joyce Lain Kennedy by e-mail or by writing to Careers, Joyce Lain Kennedy, Box 368, Cardiff, CA 92007.