Thank You Barnes and Noble: Local Book Author Event 2016

Thank you to everyone for coming out to the Barnes & Noble Local Author Event this past Saturday, May 21. I was overjoyed and excited to be apart of the Barnes & Noble 2016 Local Author event. It was a day filled with reconnecting with fellow friends & authors, interacting with amazing people and sharing the knowledge of the books I have written. Thank you so much to Barnes & Noble for inviting me to be one of the local authors featured in this years’ WireGrass at the Shops Barnes & Noble Local author event for 2016. I look forward to next year.

All the Best,
Dr. Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead  Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016  Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead
Barnes & Noble Local Author Event 2016
Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016  Photo by: Flex Casiano

Dr. Jenice Armstead
Barnes and Noble Book Signing 2016
Photo by: Flex Casiano

How to Write Government Application KSAs (Knowledge, Skill and Ability’s)

Federal government applications evaluated by a human resources specialists. They will review your responses to the User Information, Core Questions, and Vacancy Questions. The job specific questions will relate to the knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position. Many applications are “thrown out” because of a lack of KSAs addressed by the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL federal positions are advertised on www.usajobs.gov. DON’T be fooled by “other” websites that promise to advertise federal jobs for a “small cost.” Many of these “other” websites charge applicants to view federal positions and merely re-route the job links, but rest assure that these “other” websites are “pulling” information from www.usajobs.gov to get information about advertised federal positions.

No matter what agency you are applying to, the advertised job will have KSAs or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. You need to read the entire job announcement. At times, federal agencies require applicants to submit addition information about specific job announcement KSAs. (Go to the PRINT PREVIEW button to view the entire announcement requirements)

Example job announcement KSAs:
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the realty program and the ability to use sound professional judgment to resolve conflicts with other resources.
• Skilled in understanding laws and regulation and analyzing realty programs
• Ability to evaluate and process realty applications and proposals and conduct compliance examinations on authorized actions.

This statement is ALWAYS in federal job announcements:
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR RESUME. If your answer(s) are not supported in your resume, or you fail to follow the instructions for the question(s), you will have your answer(s) adjusted to reflect what is provided, for failure to follow instructions.

This means if your resume does not “match” the required KSAs within the advertised job announcement, the agency may manually lower your application score. Federal applications are scored from 0 points to 100 points. Your goal is to receive as many points as possible. Human resources specialists review applications with the highest scores first.

Overall, KSAs are important and you will be evaluated based the information submitted to the job announcement. The key to writing government KSAs is to put the EXACT KSAs which are found in the job announcement within your resume or application WORD-FOR-WORD. Then go into detail about how your qualifications meet the KSAs.

Happy Job Hunting,
Jenice

How to Apply for Government Jobs

There are many benefits to applying and earning a government position. In this economy people are looking for job stability and benefits. The government has job security, benefits and more.

In this economy, the government sector is hiring all types of positions. Many government agencies are still receiving stimulus money to create new jobs in all career fields. Government agencies are having problems finding the people to apply for the positions. That’s right, agencies are having problems finding people, because the public isn’t applying for government jobs as they did in the past. There are positions that need to be filled such as: Grounds Keepers, Administration Assistants, Administrative Secretaries, Engineers, Forest Rangers, Information Technicians, Clerks, Legal Assistants and the list goes on and on and on and on.

There are some keys factors to completing government job applications. First of all, you need to create or update a personal profile on the main free government website: www.usajobs.gov. This is a “free” website that all government jobs are posted on, no matter what government department it is. There are a ton of scams that “say” they need a payment in order for you to gain access to federal positions. This is false! It is completely FREE to search and apply for government jobs. Although, many federal agencies fill jobs using private sector personnel, USAJOBs allows applicants looking for specific positions to “searches” tailored to the seeking candidates needs.

One of the main factors is to review “eligible and qualified” factors of a job announcement you want to apply for. This part can be a bit tricky; the key is to go to the “Who May Apply” and “Requirements” tab at the top of the job announcement. Review the information. There is where the details of “Who May Apply” for the position and what the “Requirements” are for the position. If you feel you meet the requirements move on to the next step and “Apply” for the position.

Remember, when using USAJOBS your profile information is “attached” to your application when you submit it. Make sure to complete your USAJOBS profile before applying for any positions on USAJOBS. Supplemental documents are also “attached” to any application you submit via USAJOBS. Make sure that all your documents i.e. DD214, SF 50, unofficial transcripts, cover letter or training certifications are all attached to the document section of your profile.

Happy USAJOB Hunting
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Education

We all know that education is vital in today’s job market. The fact is education comes in all arrays of quality and may be obtain in a variety of ways. You don’t have to have a degree to be considered educated, but you do have to have proof that you completed an educational program for which you are claiming you acquired the knowledge from.

During your interviews selecting officials may want to know: What courses you liked most while attending school? What courses did you like least? These questions are steered toward the selecting official finding out more about you and what types topics interests you. This could be a mode of examining your personality traits or rating your ability to be trained on the job you are interviewing for.

The next possible question: Why did you choose your course of study? This question is geared toward the selecting official gaining a deeper understanding of your professional agenda. This question is asked with the intentions of understanding the applicant’s passion for the field. Be honest and be short. Don’t give a long answer; the selecting official doesn’t want to know your entire educational background, only what pertains to the position you are applying for. Keep it short and sweet unless asked additional questions. Examples of experiences with training programs should show what you learned and how you applied the knowledge.

Selecting officials want to know if you prepared for the interview. Make sure to practice answering these questions on your own or with a friend. It is helpful to use an audio device for you to review and critique yourself. This will improve you interviewing skills.

Happy Job Hunting,
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Training Information

Training and education are core elements of the job force. Without training and education work experience will only get you so far. With training, education and experience you will practically be handed more opportunities than you will know what to do with. But, inflating education and training accomplishments on your resume will hurt you in the long run. Be honest and factual with what you have been trained on and what you need training in. Always include On the Job Training (OJT), this is as valuable as formal education.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had including grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand with education and training. With this question you need to elaborate on any certifications you many have as well as any courses online you have taken as well. Online courses from an accredited school are important to discuss. There are ways of obtain knowledge if you have not obtained formal education

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops, OJT or other training do you have? This is an open-ended question targeted toward learning more about ability to be trained. If you are human resources professional, they will want to know if you have been to any staffing or employee relations workshops. If you are information technology professional they will want to know if you have been to any fiber optic, customer service or trouble shooting workshops. If you haven’t been to any workshops or OJT, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company. The new job market wants to understand your ability to want to learn and grow as well has your past training background.

One of the last questions you WILL be asked is: Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? This is a great opportunity for you to “talk yourself up.” This means that you have an opportunity to talk as much about you and your skills and how unique you are. This is your time to shine, so don’t put every single detail on your resume. Give yourself some “room” to talk about yourself.

Happy Job Hunting
Jenice

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Work Experience

We all have had an interview at one time or another in our professional careers. Interviews are hard enough as it is with getting through the first cuts of other qualified applicants, now that you have the interview all set up there are some questions that will be asked of you during the interview. The key to an interview is not one single thing, yet many items that you will be evaluated on.

Work Experience

Your work experience will be the first items up for “conversation” after the small talk with a selecting official. They will want to know: Why are you interested in the job? This isn’t a trick question; it’s a question the selecting official really wants to know. Are you looking for a career change? Are you looking for a new position because you were laid off? The key to answering this question is to be honest, don’t give your whole life story – but be honest.
Many government agencies like to know that the applicants have done some research on the organization. So, the next question will likely be: Why are you interested in working for this organization? This is an open ended question that can be short and sweet. You should make some kind of reference to the research you have done on the organization. For example, if you are interviewing for a Fire Fighter position – you could answer with something to the reference of “I am interested in working for this organization because I agree with the mission statement of saving lives and preserving the wild life.” Yes, it is cheesy, but if it’s true you should say it. Again, you need to be as professionally honest as possible. This will also come into handy with the next question: What do you know about the company? You will be able to elaborate on the previous answer you gave about the previous question.

The next question is vitally important: What do you feel you can contribute to this organization? This is a question that you MUST answer with YOU in mind for what YOU can contribute to the company. For many selecting officials this question is a “make or break” factor. If an applicant starts with what they feel they need from a company instead of what they CAN and WILL contribute to a company, the interview will be cut short. The key is to stay focused on what YOU can BRING to the COMPANY, not what you want from the company.

There are a series of questions that are often asked in conjunction with each other: Why did you leave you last job? What would your last employer say about you? Would your last employer re-hire you? And Give me an example of a situation where you had to make a decision? What was the situation? What was the decision? And what was the result? Now, these questions are called “character questions.” These are designed to “weed out” the real applicants from those whom have not been so honest during the interview. The best advice I can give is to be honest, have professional examples in mind before the interview and take your time answering the questions. You can ask the selecting official to re-state the questions, you can write the questions down and you have all the time in the world. REMEMBER: YOU are there because they saw something in your resume, phone interview or overall application that they liked.

Happy Job Hunting,

Jenice Armstead

Interview Questions – How to Answer The Hard Ones with Ease

How do you work under pressure?

Interview questions are used to help the selecting official of a business or company to make a decision on whom would be the best pick for a job position. There are many varieties of questions that may be asked to include: General questions, yes or no questions, behavior questions, Open – ended questions, scenario questions, and general questions. The question of “How do you work under pressure?” is sure to come up during the duration of an interview.

This is a question that causes many people to feel intimidated because they are not exactly sure what to say or what not to say. Working under pressure is a skill, not everyone is able to work under pressure. It is important to state that. By stating this fact, you are showing the interview panel or manager that you have an understanding of what working under pressure consists of. You are showing them that you understand that not everyone is able to work under pressure; this is where you show off your skills and start to talk about what working under pressure means to you. You can give examples of times where you were required to work under pressure.

While you speak about your experience with working under pressure it is important to give specific time and job positions where you worked under pressure. This shows the interview panel that you took that situation seriously and that you are more than capable of working under pressure. Even if you are not asked to do so, be sure to give the situation of when you worked under pressure, the outcome of your working under pressure and what the result was of the event, which you were working under pressure.

This is a difficult interview question to answer, but if you come mentally prepared to answer this question you are sure to impress the interview panel or manager as well as give yourself a reminder of how competent you are and reaffirming your professional ability. Happy job hunting, you can do or be anything you want with persistence.

Understanding Strategic Management

Strategic management is a combination of external and internal environmental analysis, strategic direction, business and corporate strategy formulation, strategic control and strategic restructuring. Strategic management is the ability to analysis and organizations strengths and weakness. The resource an organization has is as important as the operating capital of the organization. It is important that the organization is aware of all business opportunities and conditions for which an opportunity can be taken. Just because a organization has analyzed and hypnotized over the possible threats does not necessarily mean the organization will not incur financial damages, this merely gives an “educated view point” to what could or could not happen in the organization.

Strategic management is vital and important to all organizations, without stratgtic management and organization would have no foundation to build upon. With the ability to analyze and learn from the business environment stratgtic management serves as a key element for organizations to establish goals, execute goals and satisfy key organizational stakeholders. Strategic management includes having a direction to the types of objectives the organization will peruse, long term goals are important for the overall mission of the organization. A well established strategic direction will give an organization the leverage needed to provide guidance to managers and employees who are in the positions to carry out and perform the duties for organizational growth.

There are many processes to stratgtic management starting with external and internal analysis. The external environment focuses on socio-cutural, economic, technological and political forces. With these of focus an organization is able to better understand the needs to their external environment as well as set logical goals to improve on services of their external enviornment. The external environment is broad and must be properly evaluated by the organization; competitive markets may include suppliers and existing organizations with similar mission statements.

Internal analysis consists of organizational resources and competitive advantages. Organization must have a healthy understanding of their sustainable competitive advantage as well as resource interconnectedness. The organizations human resources department is a fragment of top management involvement that must be included in all operational decisions. Employee recruitment, training and rewards are all facets of keeping an organization competitive.

Overall, the stratgic management process is all about the stratgic thinking focus of an organization. Although stratgic managment is a learned skill, most organizations figure it is a part of a creative professional business process needed to ensure an organization is successful. The focus is simple, to include long term growth, keeping external and internal points of communication flowing and keeping a competitive edge.

Reference: Harrison; St. John (2008) Foundations in Strategic Management. Publisher: South-Western Foundations in Strategic Management The External Environment

Jenice Armstead

Wisdom Wednesday: Earning Veteran’s Preference

There are many factors to “earning” veteran’s preference when applying for a federal or government job.

The Office of Personnel has created a “Veteran’s Guide” to help those agencies ensure they are giving veteran’s the right preferences, this guide is the all tell all on seeing if a veteran has status or not. Yes, you read that right, just because you are a veteran doesn’t mean that you automatically are able to apply for government jobs. In order to apply you have to be a veteran and stipulations apply.

First thing is first, you must be a veteran or have some other kind of veteran status. This is just one of many criteria one must meet to become eligible for veterans status. To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This is crucial because, if you have a dishonorable discharge you are disqualified from veteran status.

Note: Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for preference in appointment unless they are disabled veterans upon being discharged or separated from the military.

The key is know what type of Veteran’s preference you have, the following explains what Veteran’s preference actually is:

5-Point Preference (TP)
Five points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served:
During a war; or

During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or

For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or

During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992; or

For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or

In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligibles separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

When veterans with 5 point (TP) status apply for federal positions, 5 points are automatically added to their application scores. Yes, federal applications receive scores. When you complete a federal application you receive a score from 1 – 100 percent, applicant scores are tallied up once the announcement has closed. If your application did not receive a “high enough” score you should be contacted by the human resources of the position for which you applied. If you have any additional questions about your application, contact the human resources office of the agency for which you applied.

References:
Veterans Job Information: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/index.aspx
Veteran’s Guide: http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp

How to Answer Personal Interview Questions

What Important Rewards Do You Expect from Your Career?

IInterview questions are vital to the hiring process of any company, the key to answering interviewing questions is to practice answering them over and over again with professionalism and honestly.

When answering personal questions, it is important to keep a professional mindset while deciding how to answer the question. Personal questions about work ethic, work life, and over all work experience are not inappropriate. These are considered personal questions in relation to work. Remember that any personal questions dealing with sexuality, religion and political party preference or any other topics not allowed, under the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) these topics should not be asked during any interview.

This is a random personal work question that may or may not be asked by many employers. It is important to focus on the main subject of this question. The main subject is “important rewards” this is the main subject of this question because if you don’t plan on receiving any awards then that should be stated, but ensure to back it up with something positive such as “I don’t plan on receiving any awards because most of my work is behind the scenes and the work I complete for my clients is reward enough.” Your answer doesn’t have to be that cheesy, but it is important to always back a negative perceived answer with a more positive response.

If you have already received rewards from the work you have completed or done for previous employers it is important to mention this as well. Make sure to give details of what work was completed and the specific reward and time period for which the reward was received. Taking in mind that some positions on your resume are shorter than others, if there are awards you have received from related work or a retired status make sure to mention these awards for the position time frame. This helps the interviewer to realize that you take your work seriously and strive for greatness.

This is a difficult interview question to answer, but if you come mentally prepared to answer this question or a similar question, you are sure to impress the interview panel as well as give yourself a reminder of how competent you are and reaffirming your professional ability. Happy job hunting, you can do or be anything you want with persistence.

For more information go to “Pep Talks” the series

Welcome to “Smarter Not Harder LLC”

Dr. Jenice Armstead started “Smarter Not Harder HR” to provide a necessary and innovate service for growing human capital value and organizational management.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides services to both individuals and businesses.  Individual services include: mentor coaching, resume development, government job application assistance, business proposal assistance and help with how to start a business.  Business services include:  human resource management, human resource development, implementation and training courses for organizations to grow their human capital value.

Smarter Not Harder LLC portfolio includes management and technical resources, providing solutions devoted to job description development, job classification, job Stress Management, Affirmative Action Plans, Diversity & Inclusion and Government Regulation/Compliance. Our focus is to assist organizations manage human resources management, occupational safety standards and increase productivity.

Smarter Not Harder LLC delivers customer-value through addressing the challenges of a changing economy.  Showing organization strategies as the foundation for human capital value to constantly grow and develop employees.  The workplace is ever changing.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides interactive subject matter expert knowledge for business solutions that make organizations more effective and efficient.  Smarter Not Harder has all of your human resources management needs in one place.

Smarter Not Harder LLC Services Include:

Individuals:  Cover Letter & Resume Services, interview preparation, professional portfolio development (Subject Matter Expert in Federal Hiring/Interviewing)

Organizations:

Employee Handbook Review, Customized Employee Handbook, Workplace Policies, Customized New Hire Booklets, Customized Separation Booklets, Evaluation Program Development, Disciplinary Actions, Performance Management, Complete HR Library with Customized Documents

Special Projects:

Compliance Audit, Termination/ conducted on-site, New Hire Orientation, Candidate Screenings, Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment Trainings, Management Trainings, Job Description Development, Department Development and On-Site Support

 

For more information about Smarter Not Harder LLC:

contactme@jenicearmstead.com

For more information about Smarter Not Harder HR services email:
Jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Jenice Armstead

Resume Service Package

A resumé remains the most acceptable means of self-promotion, alongside having a hype man lead call-and-response chants about your GPA.  Make an first-time impression with a great resume package.

Jenice Armstead, has over a decade of experience helping job applicants pin point what hiring managers are looking for in their resume. After submitting a current resumé and filling out a questionnaire on career goals and accomplishments, applicants work one-on-one with a writer to craft a resumé that’s clear, concise, and attractive to interviewers. This business expert also boost clients’ chances of getting hired with extra-mile services, such as O*Net job descriptions, job analysis and creating possible job descriptions for the clients.

Professional writers increase your chances of employment by creating a smart new resumé targeted to specific employers.

$99 for a Professional Resumé Package with a Cover Letter and Thank You Letter ($250 Value). For more information contact jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Free Business Consultations – Smarter Not Harder LLC

Dr. Jenice Armstead started “Smarter Not Harder LLC” to provide a necessary and innovate service for growing human capital value and organizational management.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides services to both individuals and businesses.  Individual services include: mentor coaching, resume development, government job application assistance, business proposal assistance and help with how to start a business.  Business services include:  human resource management, human resource development, implementation and training courses for organizations to grow their human capital value.

Smarter Not Harder LLC portfolio includes management and technical resources, providing solutions devoted to job description development, job classification, job Stress Management, Affirmative Action Plans, Diversity & Inclusion and Government Regulation/Compliance. Our focus is to assist organizations manage human resources management, occupational safety standards and increase productivity.

Smarter Not Harder LLC delivers customer-value through addressing the challenges of a changing economy.  Showing organization strategies as the foundation for human capital value to constantly grow and develop employees.  The workplace is ever changing.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides interactive subject matter expert knowledge for business solutions that make organizations more effective and efficient.  Smarter Not Harder has all of your human resources management needs in one place.

Smarter Not Harder LLC Services Include: 

Individuals:  Cover Letter & Resume Services, interview preparation, professional portfolio development (Subject Matter Expert in Federal Hiring/Interviewing)

Organizations:  Employee Handbook Review, Customized Employee Handbook, Workplace Policies, Customized New Hire Booklets, Customized Separation Booklets, Evaluation Program Development, Disciplinary Actions, Performance Management, Complete HR Library with Customized Documents

Special Projects:  Compliance Audit, Termination/ conducted on-site, New Hire Orientation, Candidate Screenings, Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment Trainings, Management Trainings, Job Description Development, Department Development and On-Site Support

For more information about Smarter Not Harder LLC:

contactme@jenicearmstead.com

All the Best,
Dr. Jenice Armstead, United States Navy Veteran

Dr. Jenice Armstead

Key Training & Education Interview Questions

Training and education are core elements of the job force in this age. Without training and education work experience will only get you so far. With training, education and experience you will practically be handed more opportunities than you will know what to do with. But, inflating education and training accomplishments on your resume will hurt you in the long run. Be honest and factual with what you have been trained on and what you need training in.

Some questions you will be asked: What training have you had other than course in grade school or college? Many applicants are finding that they need additional education and training, but experience goes hand and hand together with education and training. With this question you need to elaborate on any certifications you many have as well as any courses online you have taken as well. Online courses are not frowned on as they once were in the past; in fact more companies realize that employees are more loyal the more education they have.

Interviewers will also ask you: What workshops have you attended? This is a open-ended question that is targeted toward what your specialty is. If you are human resources professional, they will want to know if you have been to any staffing or employee relations workshops, if you are information technology professional they will want to know if you have been to any fiber optic, customer service or trouble shooting workshops. If you haven’t been to any workshops, state that and also state your interest in developing your skills for the benefit of the company.

One of the last questions you WILL be asked is: Do you have any skills that are not listed on your resume or in your application? This is a great way for you to “talk yourself up” this means that you have an opportunity to talk as much about you and your skills and how unique you are. This is your time to shine, so do put every single detail on your resume because it won’t give you as much justice as you would do talking about your own self.

Happy Job Hunting

Jenice

October Events

  • Fri
    04
    Oct
    2013

    Travelogues Event

    7pm - 9pm

    Tampa's Cafe Hey

    Wanna hear all about Jenice Armstead’s stories from her childhood of being a military brat? On Oct 4th, Jenice Armstead will be speaking during the Travelogue event.  This is a monthly travel storytelling series, with two new speakers sharing two unique places every first friday at downtown Tampa’s Cafe Hey. More information can be found at vesselcollective.com

    travelogue-postcard-front

Professional & Career Affirmations

Professional affirmations assist with thinking and being positive in order to motivate and focus your attention on the best ideas for what you chose for your future.  Write these affirmations down and read the aloud to boost your confidence.  Here are a few affirmations I have used to assist in achieving success in my career and life goals.

I am professionally focused on progress

I am choosing to develop myself in my field

I am professionally admired in my field

I am moving in the direction best for me

I am able to work with anyone

I am skilled and talented in my profession

I am needed for my abilities and skills

I am outstanding in my field of human resources management

For more information check out my book 10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

Get Your Foot in the Door with Federal Internships

The federal government has become a “career-builder” and any federal government job opportunity can be looked at as a “leg up” on the competition.  The federal government sector, like many private sector businesses have started utilizing more internship programs as a means of “growing employees” into positions.  Simply put, government internships are all paid positions.  They may be part-time or full-time positions depending on the program.  The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a program to assist with helping current students gain work experience while still going to school.  The benefit to the internship program is the flexible and opportunity to make additional income for the student.  The agency keeps track of educational milestones of the employed student and graduation dates.  In many cases the STEP Intern will be offered a position based on their time-in-position, generally an entry position with the possibility of growth for the future.  Many executives received their “in” by utilizing internship programs such as the STEP program.

Another internship program is the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a program focused on exposing the student to the career field, which the student is focused.  Normally, an entry position this program allows for students to learn from their peers and supervisors in their educational field they are currently studying.

With both programs there are eligibly and qualification requirements for a potential candidate selection.  Not all interns are offered a permanent position with the federal government agency, yet these programs are a method for potential permanent federal government employment and getting a “foot in the door.”

Basic STEP/SCEP Eligibly Requirements:

Current Student

Field of Choice

Copies of Transcripts

Agency Student Contract

Part-Time or Full-Time Academic Program Status

To read more about applying for federal positions check out my book:

10 Tips for Applying for Government Jobs

For more information on Federal Internship Programs:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/