The federal government lists thousands of job vacancies every day, but the complexities of the application process can discourage jobseekers. This interactive program with classroom writing exercises will provide jobseekers with the tools they need to correctly prepare federal job applications. A Ten-Step Certified Trainer will take the class through a fast-paced introduction to the principles set forth in Kathryn Troutman's award-winning text, Ten Steps to a Federal Job. The workshop will cover writing paper and electronic resumes for key application systems and using the new Office of Personal Management (OPM) model to write memorable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities statements (KSAs). The trainer will also demonstrate using websites (including the official OPM website) and other resources for locating job announcements. Participants will leave the class well-prepared to begin any of the key federal application processes. Instructional methods include Power Point™ presentations, computer, online demonstrations and in-class writing exercises.
Who Should Attend this Workshop?
The focus of this course is for the jobseeker-applicants who want to seek a promotion or new job. Career professionals can also attend, or may prefer the course, "Navigating the Federal Application System: Boosting Your Marketability with the Proven Ten Steps to a Federal Job© Formula - A one-day course for career professionals." [add link] Arrangements can also be made for these two courses to be blended.
- Federal Employees who need to update their resumes - and have not looked for a new federal job in a long time - will appreciate the complete review of all the new automated systems, resume formats, "how to apply" application systems.
- Anyone considering federal employment, including veterans, people with disabilities, first-time federal applicants, recent graduates, career changers, mid-career professionals considering federal jobs.
- Human resource and other career professionals who need to advise others on the federal job search.
Participants Will Learn How To:
- Locate federal job listings.
- Understand federal job titles and grade levels.
- Analyze and understand vacancy announcements.
- Target federal resumes toward selected jobs.
- Find an agency that fits your experience and interests.
- Compose focused, accomplishment-based paper and electronic resumes.
- Correctly write a federal and electronic resume.
- Use the new CCAR model to write interesting, impressive KSAs.
- Apply correctly to various automated and other application systems.
- Choose keywords that get resumes selected in an automated candidate search.
- Prepare application packages that will set you apart from the pack.
- Identify and use the best available tools and resources for understanding and correctly preparing resumes, KSAs, cover letters and applications for various federal systems.
Syllabus:
Courses are off-the-shelf, but customized to fit the agency's application system, Internship and Career Development Program goals. Final content will depend on the types of positions, grade levels and specific needs of the contracting agency. This syllabus is an example of content typically presented in this course.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job Agenda (includes classroom training with computers)
Working from current resume, participants will learn to target federal resumes toward their selected jobs!
- How important is your Network of contacts?
- Review the Federal Job Processes
- How to determine your federal job title
- Select your grade
- Target federal agencies
- Research Vacancy Announcements: demonstrations of www.usajobs.opm.gov, www.donhr.navy.mil, www.cpol.army.mil, www.federaljobsearch.com, www.avuecentral.com and others.
- What are your best federal Core Competencies?
- Finding your Keywords in Vacancy Announcements
- Write your Federal or Electronic Resume - get started in class with templates and samples
- Introduction to KSAs and Cover Letters
- Learn how to Apply for Jobs
- Interviewing
- Yes, you can Track Your Applications!
Introduction to the CCAR Model for Writing Outstanding KSAs
In-Class KSAs Writing
What makes the Best KSA?
Federal Resume Writing: How to Target the Announcement
Your Profile Statement
Personal & Job Information
Education & Training
Work Experience & Other Qualifications
Text/Handout:
Proven, valuable handouts are designed for each agency, based on types of positions and grade levels. The cost of the text or handouts may or may not be included in the contract, depending on the preference of the contracting agency. Group discounts are available for textbooks. Text and handouts typically available for this course include:
Ten Steps to a Federal Job - Jobseeker Guide
Ten Steps to a Federal Job + CD-ROM with Templates & Samples
Prices, Locations and Dates:
Workshop prices, locations and dates depend on the needs of the contracting organization.
