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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.
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, Mid-June 2004
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FEDERAL CAREER CORNER™, Volume 2, No. 9, Early July 2004
The latest Federal Job Search news from The Resume Place, Inc. and Kathryn Troutman, Publisher
Featuring: "DHS Gets Special Hire Authority," Federal Job News, Q & A, Federal Resume and KSA Writing Tips, and much more!
Read the entire online newsletter here:
www.resume-place.com/newsletter/vol_2_issue_9.html
Sign up here for our free bi-monthly newsletter: lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs.aspx?customerid=18651
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WHAT'S IN THIS NEWSLETTER?
FEATURE ARTICLE -- "DHS Gets Special Hire Authority"
FEDERAL JOB NEWS
Q & A WITH KATHRYN TROUTMAN
FEDERAL RESUME AND KSA WRITING TIPS
THE WORLD OF ACRONYMS AND AGENCIES
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, & EVENTS
A RESUME PLACE SUCCESS STORY
SPECIAL OFFER FROM THE RESUME PLACE!
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FEATURE ARTICLE
DHS Gets Special Hire Authority
-- The Washington Times
Washington, DC, Jul. 7 (UPI) -- The White House has given the Department for Homeland Security (DHS) authority to hire badly needed intelligence analysts and other security specialists.
The special authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) covers 490 posts in the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection division and in its Office of Security.
"By granting DHS the direct hire authority in specific areas, (Office of Personnel Management) has paved the way for us to quickly bring on board the additional intelligence and security staff we need to carry out our mission of securing the Homeland," said Ron James, the department's personnel chief.
In the past, the department has faced complaints that bureaucratic backlogs and long security clearance procedures have stopped them (from) getting the people they need on board quickly enough.
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FEDERAL JOB NEWS
"True or false? The federal workforce is more diverse than that of the private sector."
Read Monster.Com’s Ellen Alcorn’s article, "Latinos: Your Government Needs You, to find out: http://publicservice.monster.com/articles/latinos/
Ask Kathryn -- FEDERAL JOB SEARCH FORUM
The Resume Place has a New Federal Job Search Forum! This is a free service to facilitate communication about federal job search challenges by jobseekers, federal career professionals, and human resources managers. Kathryn Troutman, Federal Job Search Expert, will respond to your questions and other federal jobseekers might write back with insight they have discovered as well. There will be a lof of interesting, helpful information shared. Please join our forums at: http://www.federalresumeplace.com/forum/index.php?a=forum&f=5&PHPSESSID=5e8157f330a86c5eb6ccc73fb01351bc
The Resume Place Has a New Book --
"Student's Federal Career Guidebook & CD-ROM,
Ten Steps to Top Jobs and Internships in Government"
Authors: Kathryn Troutman and daughter Emily Troutman
Accepting Pre-Publication Orders –$21.95 – Available in September!
Call (888) 480-8265 to Order Now!
COPIES WILL BE AUTOGRAPHED FOR FIRST 300 BOOKS SOLD
NEW MONSTER JOB MESSAGE BOARD:
http://network.monster.com/Community.aspx
Monster.com has changed its message board system. "Monster Networking" connects members who share similar skills and interests through "Teams," state-of-the-art message boards. Currently, they are offering a 90-day free membership -- you will need to sign in with a user name/password. The service may eventually cost something, but there are good questions and answers. Kathryn Troutman is still available for questions and comments on the Government/Public Service Team. Check it out.
http://209.147.75.100/jobfairs.htm - Corporate Gray Online provides free career transition services to the military community, including Corporate Gray Job Fairs.Back to Top __________________________________________________________________________
QUOTEWORTHY
"Every time you are not practicing, someone else it." – Boris Becker
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Q & A WITH KATHRYN TROUTMAN
- QuickHire
Q: Do Monster and QuickHire collaborate?
A: Yes, Monster owns QuickHire. Quickhire.com is located in Alexandria, VA and they now work with Monster on recruitment for federal jobs.
- So Many Questions on the Occupational Questionnaire!
Q: How can I be considered for a position despite my occupational questionnaire score? I have applied for several jobs that require you to complete the occupational questionnaire. Do you know how that works? Lots of the questions have nothing to do with the vacant position (have you ever fixed a leaking faucet, do you know how to do stained glass, etc.) The vacancy announcements say that they will take the highest score on the questionnaire. When I called the contact for one of the jobs I applied for, she told me that my score was 88. I know that I am qualified for these jobs, but I don't know how to get a higher score - I can't lie. How can I get around this?
A: That Form C questionnaire with 151 questions is a pain. Yes, the questions seem really weird and way off base. That's because they use this same questionnaire for many jobs. OPM designed it and it's really unbelievable. The questions that you can't answer, that are not relevant to your job, will probably not be graded at all. No, you can't lie on the questionnaire. But I you do need to analyze the questions closely and see if there are some you may not have answered correctly. And try other job announcements as well.
- Education, But No Experience – Will the Government Hire Me?
Q: Hi, I'm graduating with a BA in political science and history this fall. I want to get a Masters in International Relations in a few years, but until then I want to get a job with the federal government. I would prefer a job that deals with international relations but I don't have any experience except for the BA. My GPA is a 3.9 but I have not done an internship or study abroad. Is it feasible for me to get a gov. job when I graduate? Thanks a lot.
A: Yes, it is totally feasible that you can get a government job. You have 3.9 GPA which is great, that gives you Outstanding Scholar level. That means you could qualify for a GS 7 position, rather than a GS 5 position. You should look for jobs on www.usajobs.opm.gov. Why don't you search for keyword "student." I did that recently and some good jobs came up. Also, if you can get a book on federal resume writing it could help you A TON! And you should start looking right now! And ... lastly --- go to your career center and see if they have any relationships with any federal agencies. They might know of internships that you could apply for right away. (By the way, internships in government are paid!) Good luck.
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FEDERAL RESUME AND KSA WRITING TIPS
Helpful Hints to Assist You With Your Resume and KSA Writing:
Summary of Skills Section
Many people go straight from "Objective" to "Professional Experience" on their resumes and miss a key opportunity to highlight their skills relevant to the positions they are applying for. Fact: employers spend very little time reviewing resumes, so any attempt to get important information to jump off the page at them is beneficial.
An effective way to do this is by summarizing or highlighting your key skills and qualifications into a Summary of Skills, Summary of Qualifications, Skills Summary, or Professional Profile section after the Objective at the top of your resume. This paragraph will showcase what you have to bring to the position, and can set you apart from your competition. In this section, you can list your years of experience in your field and include key words that were listed in the announcement or position description. Specialized training, advanced degrees, or certifications that could help you stand out can also be included. In addition, bullets can be used to make specific skills/experience stand out. Here is an example:
- SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Management Analyst with over 12 years of experience in problem resolution, administration, and financial management. Expertise includes operations and support, logistics, human resources, and quality control. Proven success in determining and meeting customers’ needs, streamlining workflow, and reducing costs. Have demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills at the executive level. Received MS in Project Management.
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THE WORLD OF ACRONYMS AND AGENCIES
- IBB - International Broadcasting Bureau, http://www.ibb.gov/
The IBB provides the administrative and engineering support for US government-funded and non-military broadcast services, including the Voice of America (VOA).
Job Opportunities: http://www.voa.gov/vacancies/personnel.html
Numerous Facilities Maintenance Management Specialists, Worldwide
2 International Broadcaster positions
- IRS - Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/
The Internal Revenue Service is the nation's tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
42 jobs available! Go to http://www.jobs.irs.gov/
- USCIS - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for administering benefits and services activities including adjudication of applications for benefits such as petitions for the immigration of relatives and workers, work authorizations, adjustments of status, requests for asylum, and naturalization. In other words, these immigration officers are responsible for adjudicating and processing the host of applications and forms necessary to ensure the immigration of people and their families to the United States, from initial stages through their transition, to permanent residence, and finally to citizenship. Job listings are available at USAJOBS, where you can search by state and program area. Seven jobs are currently listed in the US.
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, & EVENTS
- Announcing the first Federal Senior Executive Service (SES) Application Writing Workshops Via Web Seminar!
Learn how to write the best possible ECQs and Executive Federal Resumes for SES positions. Designed especially for any executive or GS-14/15 candidate who is considering SES positions now or in the future. Also career professionals who advise senior executives in the SES application process.
12:00pm to 1:30pm Eastern Time, Mondays – Web Conference and Teleclass – at your desk!
July 12: Introduction to the SES Hiring Process
July 19: Executive Federal Resume Writing
July 26: Writing Outstanding Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
***Don't worry if you will not be available for one of the classes -- each course will be recorded for the busy executive to listen to for up to 30 days.***
Sign up today!
- 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, July 15th at 12 noon, EST. Ask your questions here. Sign up now.
- Take Control of Your Federal Career – Four-Part Workshop Series
August Programs:
Course 1: Vacancy Announcement Search & Key Word Analysis (Monday, August 2)
Course 2: Federal Resumes That Compete – The Newest Techniques in Federal Resume Writing (Monday, August 9)
Course 3: Writing your KSAs with the CCAR - Your Best Stories! (Monday, August 23)
Course 4: Electronic Resume Writing Strategies – Keywords, Accomplishments & Standing Out! (Monday, August 30)
Each course will be held from 12:00pm – 1:30pm EST. Cost = $75/course or all four for $300. For additional information, go to: http://www.resume-place.com/workshops/webconfprograms.html
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__________________________________________________________________________ A RESUME PLACE SUCCESS STORY
Third Time a Charm!
"Finally some good news to share, I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your assistance with my packet. I am sure my success is in large part due to your expertise in writing. You are the best! Thanks-a-million. I would wholeheartedly, without a doubt or hesitation, refer your services to others. I plan to stay in this job to make my GS-11, maintain it for a year, then I will be looking to move on. I hope you are around at that time. Thanks again."
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__________________________________________________________________________ THE RESUME PLACE PRODUCTS & SERVICES @ http://www.resume-place.com/shop/
- SPECIAL OFFER!!! -- Receive a FREE copy of the Jobseeker Guide when you purchase the Assessment Guide
The Federal Resume Assessment Report will now include a copy of the Jobseeker guide (an $18.95 value). You will receive BOTH for the low prioce of $45. An invaluable review of your announcement and resume with our ideas to write the best package plus a Ten Step book! See below for additional information describing the Assessment Guide, or get started at https://www.resume-place.com/assessment/.
- Resume Place Assessment Guide
Our Certified Federal Resume Writers, Consultants and Federal HR staff can review your existing resume, target announcements and give you an assessment of what is needed to help you get BEST QUALIFIED. Please submit your draft federal resume (or any resume) and announcement through our exclusive Federal Resume Assessment Guide™. Cost = $45. Go to: https://www.resume-place.com/assessment/
- Federal Resume Edit and Design
Have you written your Federal resume, but would like a professional editor and designer to improve your draft? Send us your draft and for just $250, we'll edit and design your federal or private industry resume. http://www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=49b4819720199bb90ab4820dab6b7eec
- 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
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__________________________________________________________________________ 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.
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__________________________________________________________________________ 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.
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