Volume Number 2   -   Issue Number 15   -   October

Please Remember to Vote on Tuesday! This issue's FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION TOPIC: Following Your True Colors The FEDERAL CAREER CORNER(TM) is a free bi-monthly e-newsletter sponsored by The Resume Place, Inc., Kathryn K. Troutman, President; Jessica Coffey, Managing Editor, editor@resume-place.com. __________________________________________________________________________ WHAT'S IN THIS NEWSLETTER? FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION TOPIC: Following Your True Colors FEDERAL JOB NEWS INTERVIEW SAVVY with Jessica Coffey SES TIPS from Susan Custard CAREER PRO INFO UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, & EVENTS RESUME PLACE SUCCESS STORY RESUME PLACE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SHARE THE NEWSLETTER WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS __________________________________________________________________________ FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION Federal Career Coach Question: How do I figure out what my strongest points are, and how do I best describe my strengths to others? Response: In September, we discussed how to know if you're a good fit for a federal job by using Myers Briggs (MBTI). Another way to discover more about your strengths, weaknesses, interests and abilities is to: "Follow Your True Colors To The Work You Love" Kathryn recently traveled to Long Beach, CA for a Facilitator Training with author Carolyn Kalil, MA, to find out what "Work Personality Color" she is and to learn how to teach jobseekers and training participants how to analyze their true strengths and core competencies! Carolyn's book, "Follow Your True Colors to the Work You Love," was used as a text for the course and 30 career counselors shared their own personality traits to understand the work they love! Personality, temperament and values assessments are important for jobseekers for resume writing, KSA writing and interview preparation. Carolyn's quiz, colorful cards and insight into personalities are very easy to read and understand. Gold -- Loyal, Dependable, Prepared, Thorough, Sensible, Punctual, Organized, Concerned Blue -- Enthusiastic, Sympathetic, Personal, Warm, Communicative, Compassionate, Idealistic, Spiritual, Imaginative, Peaceful, Flexible Orange -- Witty, Charming, Spontaneous, Impulsive, Generous, Eager, Courageous, Immediate, Trouble-shooter Green -- Analytical, Global, Conceptual, Calm, Logical, Inventive, Investigative, Collected What Personality "Color" Are You? Review/order the book and take the free Personality Quiz to find your "True Colors to the Work you Love": www.truecolorscareer.com Kathryn taught an Interview Training Course at Defense Logistics Agency at Ft. Belvoir, VA last week and introduced the "Colors" personality quiz to the participants. Within a short time each jobseeker knew their majors strengths and weaknesses and were prepared to answer the question: "What are the three most significant skills that you can offer our organization?" P.S. Kathryn's primary color is Bright ORANGE and her secondary color is Blue. __________________________________________________________________________ FEDERAL JOB NEWS Private Sector Steps In To Help Agencies With Hiring "Three federal agencies are undergoing extreme hiring makeovers, thanks to the Partnership for Public Service, a Washington nonprofit that has convinced private and public sector hiring experts to donate their services to help agencies attract top applicants and bring them on board quickly." Read Shawn Zeller's full GovExec.com article at http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0904/091404sz1.htm Did You Know? White collar occupations are covered by the General Schedule (GS), and Blue collar occupations are covered by the Federal Wage System (FWS). For more information on Federal Job Classifications, go to: http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/index.asp From The Office of Personnel Management (OPM): http://www.opm.gov/viewDocument.aspx?q=582 On USAJOBS: "Americans stand ready to serve their country, and this site helps illustrate that. USAJOBS remains one of the most popular sites on (the) internet..." James said. "We take seriously our responsibility to offer an effective and efficient point of access into the world of federal opportunities. To do this, we are continually seeking feedback from the users to improve the USAJOBS website." Since its launch on August 4, 2003, USAJOBS has logged more than 87,902,000 visits and job seekers have created in excess of 780,891 new resumes. http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ Union Says SSA Needs More Employees (from FederalDaily, September 27, 2004) The National Social Security Council, a division of the American Federation of Government Employees, asserts that the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to hire thousands of new employees to handle the increased workload triggered by a new prescription drug program. Could mean more federal jobs will become available! Corporate Gray Online - provides free career transition services to the military community, including Corporate Gray Job Fairs, http://209.147.75.100/jobfairs.htm. __________________________________________________________________________ INTERVIEW SAVVY with Jessica Coffey What to say and how to say it... In-Actions Can Speak a Thousand Words What you don't say can be just as important as what you do say. Your first impressions really set the tone for the interview, as we covered in last month's newsletter, but your non-verbals can have a significant impact during the interview as well. Keep these points in mind: As we've already discussed, your entrance should exude confidence. Make your handshake firm (not too hard, not too limp). Avoid staring off into the distance or looking all around. Try your best to maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with. Dress professionally. Conservative business attire is recommended unless you are aware of a specific dress code for the position you are applying for. Show enthusiasm through your body language. Try not to slouch or slump, which can signify disinterest, but do not try to overcompensate by sitting up in the interviewer’s face. Be aware of any habits you may have such as fidgeting with a pen or paper, excessive talking with your hands, shaking a leg, playing with your glasses, repeating um or uh while you are speaking, etc, and try to avoid these habits -- they can distract the interviewer. Smile. So, in addition to practicing what you are going to say during the interview to sell yourself and respond to questions, you should also be practicing what you are going to DO. What sort of body language do you have? How is your posture? How alert and interested do you seem as the interviewer asks you questions and you respond? By practicing your non-verbals, you can make a favorable impression, first, during, and last. __________________________________________________________________________ SES TIPS from Susan Custard Questions? - We Get Questions! This month, we continue to address many of the questions Resume Place writers get in working with clients applying for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions. What information should I put in my resume? The information or content of your resume or employment application differs from the content of a resume that you would typically use when applying for a position in private industry. When applying for a Federal position, a determination regarding your qualifications and whether you are referred to the selecting official for consideration is made based upon the content of your application package (resume/application and narrative statements addressing how your experience meets the technical qualifications and SES Executive Core Qualifications). It is not uncommon for an agency to receive 50 to 150 applications for a Senior Executive position. It is also not uncommon for the selecting official to interview only the top five candidates, so competition is keen for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions. The application package is your "first impression," so if it is not exceptional, you will not likely get an opportunity to make a "personal" impression. As an applicant, your objective is to provide sufficient information in your application package (i.e., resume/applications and narrative responses to technical qualification and ECQs) in a clear, concise, and visually-appealing manner to successfully compete and be referred for an interview. A "Federal" resume or employment application also differs from a typical resume since it must include the following information: Announcement number Full name and address Day and evening phone numbers Social Security Number Country of Citizenship Federal employment reinstatement eligibility, if any Highest grade held in the Federal service, if previously employed Education level Work Experience (Clear, concise, description of your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishment) Other job-related information pertinent to the position, if applicable What are some things that may "derail" your application? Out-of-date information Content of resume and ECQ statements contain insufficient information Contains spelling and/or grammatical errors Contains task statements rather than a description of responsibilities and accomplishments Employment experience does not support content of ECQ responses Resume is verbose, confusing, vague, or contains conflicting dates What is an Executive Core Qualification (ECQ)? The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) should be viewed as executive level "knowledge, skills and abilities" (KSAs). However, they are more complex in that they reflect the leadership competencies (behaviors) that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has determined as critical for successful performance in an executive level position. ECQs must be addressed in a narrative statement, as part of the application submission for SES positions. The narrative statement should address each ECQ (Leading Change, Leading People, Results Oriented, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions/Communication), using the CCAR model -- Context, Challenge, Action, Result. The CCAR model is used by OPM to assess ECQs submitted by selectees for approval. What is an SES technical qualification? A technical qualification for a Senior Executive position is typically used when knowledge of a subject or functional area is necessary for successful job performance, as well as to access the candidate's relative ability to perform the duties of the position. Technical qualifications are usually written in a manner to draw out a candidate's specific experience regarding a subject or functional area. A technical qualification is typically written in a two-part format that is related to the candidate's possession of a body of knowledge (e.g., specific industry issues, government programs, application of laws, rules, regulations, etc.), as well as ability to apply the knowledge in performing the duties of the position. An applicant should address the technical qualifications by: Providing a clear and concise description of your knowledge of the subject area asked for in the technical qualification. Do not just provide a bulleted list of task statements. Use the CCAR model (see above) to address the technical qualifications – this model works just as well in describing your technical qualifications, as in describing your leadership competencies in the ECQs. Describing, in sufficient detail, how you have applied the knowledge in performing work, including accomplishments, rather than philosophizing on how things should be. Ensure work experience described in your narrative responses for the technical qualifications are supported by current and prior employment descriptions contained in your resume/application. Other Tips for writing ECQs and TQ narrative responses: Avoid a "laundry list" of activities without context or accomplishments Show personal leadership, not "participation" Show executive level examples Show measurable results tied to the organization's mission Limit ECQ responses to two pages (10-page maximum) Use a medium size font (i.e., leave white space) Show diversity accomplishments Avoid or describe acronyms (i.e., outside reviewing officials, such as OPM, may not be familiar with Agency or industry acronyms and/or terminology) Do not make vague statements. For example, "I manage various communications processes in field offices," could be better stated as, "I produced two weekly radio shows; one monthly television program, and a bi-monthly newsletter for 10,000 employees in 12 Regions." Use "I" to show your contributions Write in active rather than passive voice How are Senior Executives Compensated? The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136, November 24, 2003) established a new performance-based pay system for members of the Senior Executive Service. The former SES pay system had six levels of pay, which were replaced by an open pay range, and locality pay is no longer extended to SES members. The SES pay range has a minimum rate of basic pay equal to 120 percent of the rate for General Schedule Grade 15 step 1, and a maximum salary equal to level III of the Executive Service. The law, however, provides for a maximum salary equal to level II of the Executive Service for agencies that have a performance appraisal system certified by the Office of Personnel Management. As of April 2004, the Department of Energy's Executive Service Performance Appraisal System has not been certified. Approval is anticipated by October 2004. An individual's salary, upon entrance into the Senior Executive Service, is set commensurate with his/her experience and qualifications. The following is the 2004 pay rates for members of the Senior Executive Service: Agencies with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System, $104,927 (Min.), $158,100 (Max.) Agencies without a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System, $104,927 (Min.), $145,600 (Max.) SES Members are also eligible for awards based upon performance as well as individual incentive awards and Presidential rank awards. Recruitment and relocation bonuses of up to 25% of basic pay may be given for hard-to-fill positions; executives must agree to serve in the Federal Government for one year or be subject to repayment of all or part of the bonus received. Retention allowances up to 25% of basic pay may be paid, if unusually high or unique qualifications of individual or a special need of the agency makes it essential to retain the individual, and the individual would likely leave the Government in the absence of an allowance. __________________________________________________________________________ CAREER PRO INFO Helpful information for federal career advisors and trainers. Client Tip #6: Clients can often get confused over the Objective on a federal resume. Instead of a fluffy statement about the type of position a candidate wants, the Objective specifically states the Position Title, Grade, and Announcement Number of the position being applied for. The Summary of Skills or Profile section is where more time is spent describing the client's skills in regards to the position in order to make a quick sell. Neither the Objective nor the Summary of Skills statement should contain vague, fluffy language that does not sell the client specifically for the position at hand. __________________________________________________________________________ UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, & EVENTS Writing a Senior Executive Service (SES) Package Sign Up For Our November Classes -- November 8: Introduction to the SES Hiring Process November 15: Executive Federal Resume Writing November 22: Writing Outstanding Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) COST: $300 per person; $250 per person for 3 or more participants from one agency. Register NOW at http://www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=69. Learn More About Federal Resume and KSA Writing Basics, Where to Find Federal Jobs, and How to Analyze Announcements The Resume Place will offer a FREE hour-long teleclass on Thursday, November 18th, at 12 noon, EST. A great time to ask your federal career questions. Sign up now. __________________________________________________________________________ RESUME PLACE SUCCESS STORY Temp Firefighter Gets Permanent Position I was a temp firefighter for a year and a half. This meant that I would have to apply as an external candidate for any permanent position. I wanted to make the top of the list for the job that opened at my place of employment. By using this company to do my KSA'S and redo my resume, I came back in the top three for the open position. Number one and two on the list were veterans!... So by not including their veterans’ points or depending on their skills, I could have been number one on the list of eligible people by going thru this company. This was the best investment I have ever made. The results were fantastic and it landed me my permanent job! __________________________________________________________________________ THE RESUME PLACE PRODUCTS & SERVICES @ http://www.resume-place.com/shop/ ********NEW******** "Student's Federal Career Guidebook & CD-ROM, Ten Steps to Top Jobs and Internships in Government" Authors: Kathryn Troutman and daughter Emily Troutman There are no other books on the market that combine: an explanation of the federal hiring system, instructions for how to apply, internships to get your foot in the door, electronic and paper examples of federal resumes and applications. Order now at http://www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=70&category_id=3dca2a3d3f09419baf8a8a35013014a5 Federal Resume or KSA Critiques Have you written your Federal resume or KSAs, and would like professional comments so you can improve your documents? Then The Resume Place's Critique service is just for you. Fees for critiques of your resume and/or KSAs range from $75 - $300. For more details go to http://www.resume-place.com/services/critiques.html . Interview Training Get ready for your next interview with general interview prep materials, position-specific questions to practice with, a telephone mock interview, plus a critique and Q+A session. Work with an expert Interview Coach to learn strategies that will help you Win the Job! www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=8ff6b75552eeed41fffc4ab8099a1f6f __________________________________________________________________________ SHARE THE NEWSLETTER WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS Please share our newsletter with friends, customers, and co-workers! Simply copy and paste the text between the stars below and send the e-mail! The entire newsletter can be read on-line! Suggested Subject Line: From your name - The Federal Career Corner Newsletter, October 2004 ************************************ FEDERAL CAREER CORNER™, Volume 2, No. 15, October 2004 The latest Federal Job Search news from The Resume Place, Inc. and Kathryn Troutman, Publisher Featuring: "Following Your True Colors", Federal Job News, Interview Tips, SES Info., and much more! Read the entire online newsletter here: www.resume-place.com/newsletter/vol_2_issue_15.html Sign up here for our free bi-monthly newsletter: lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs.aspx?customerid=18651 ************************************ __________________________________________________________________________ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FEDERAL CAREER CORNER NEWSLETTER Please write to us with websites, success stories, job search tips, article ideas, and questions that we can use in the Federal Career Corner Newsletter. Send your ideas to Jessica Coffey, Managing Editor, at editor@resume-place.com. __________________________________________________________________________ THE MAILING LIST Please refer our free bi-monthly Federal Career Corner newsletter to your colleagues and friends. Sign up now for the mailing list.