Tag Archives: Employment

How to Understand Government Job/Career Pay Scales

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Many people know that government jobs pay well, but most people don’t know much more than that. The truth is government jobs pay includes “Locational Pay.” With most government positions, there is a increase in pay for where you are geographically located. Government agencies have different pay scales i.e. GS (General Schedule) positions.

The key to selecting a government agency to apply to is to research and find out as much as possible. You must research the agency and the pay scales of the agencies. Find out about the locality pay, hazard pay, or any other positional pays that may be associated with the desired position.

We all know that pay is an important aspect of any career selection. There are benefits to earning a position with the government. It is not so different than any other position you may have applied for in the past. There are a few exceptions…the government has great benefits that no other civilian company may or may not be able to match.

Where people get confused is with the General Schedule Step grades, GS pay scales for the Office of Personnel has pay grades within the pay grade are called STEPs. Meaning, there are “STEPS” to earning promotion within the pay grade. When you review the GS Pay scale on OPM website you will see basic, locality and then there is also a pay scale that combines basic pay and locality depending on the location of the position. Among the pay scale are the STEPS of the pay. Steps are normally given to the pay grade employee depending on “time in grade” the normal promotional time period is 1 year per pay scale and STEP.

Here is a web site for the Office of Personnel Management that will give you more insight on how this agency categorizes its pay grades and locality pay. For more information click on: Government Pay Scales

Happy Government Job Hunting,
Jenice

Barnes and Noble Book Signing Event: May 21st at Wiregrass the Shoppes

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Location: Barnes and Noble, at Wiregrass the Shoppes
Date: May 21st
Time: 2pm – 4pm

Jenice Armstead will be having a “Book Signing” event at Barnes and Noble for their annual “Local Author Event” on May 21st, from 2pm – 4pm at the Barnes and Noble Wiregrass the Shoppes. The Complete “Pep Talks Book Series” consists of 5 practical books which display a new way of interviewing and obtaining a job in today’s competitive market. The Pep Talks Book Series is all about giving the reader an advantage over their competitors when working toward the goal of gaining more knowledge and understanding in this new job market.

This new job market is all out unconventional ways of obtaining knowledge while gaining employment. The Pep Talks Book Series explains how the new Job market knowledge and understanding how to better improve the chances of being “individually recognized” as a professional are vital.

Mark your calendars for May 21st, from 2pm – 4pm to come out and meet and ask Jenice Armstead your employment questions and get your copy of “Pep Talks” the series.

Pep Talks Vol 5

Pep Talks Vol 5

Pep Talks Vol 4

Pep Talks Vol 4

Pep Talks Vol 3

Pep Talks Vol 3

Pep Talks Vol 2

Pep Talks Vol 2

Pep Talks Vol 1

Pep Talks Vol 1

How to Get Updates on Your Application after Applying for a Government Job

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Once you have submitted your government application on www.usajob.gov there are specific ways to keep up with your application status. Many applicants don’t realize the tools they can utilize on www.usajobs.gov. There are a few ways to get the status of your government application and you should check the status at least weekly.

After you have submitted your government application wait until the job announcement closes to check the status of your application. Log into your www.usajobs.gov profile and click on the title “Application Status” on the left hand side. Then find the announcement you wish to check on. Go to the “application status” which is a blue underlined word and click this hyperlink. Some government agencies don’t link the application status to this hyperlink and some agencies do. If the agency does use this hyperlink, you will be redirected to the agency website where you submitted your original application. You will be able to view the status of your application here.

If the agency does not use this hyperlink, it will say “no application status available” this is okay. Don’t be discouraged. Click on the job announcement title and a second window will open up. Scroll down to the bottom of the job announcement and find the point of contact. You will see contact phone number or an email address. Contact this person and request the “Applicant Status.” Sometimes, you may get a HR Specialist whom doesn’t want to talk or gives you a vague answer.

If this happens, ask a more specific question like “Has the selecting official received the list of applicant’s resumes that have been referred and qualified for the position?” This will ensure you get a more detailed answer. I recommend always contacting the point of contact via email; this will ensure you have written documentation in case you have any issues with this job announcement in the future.

 

All the best to you, and if you have any questions – you know where to find me.

Dr. Jaye

Dr Jaye

How to Write Government KSAs for USA JOBS Applications

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Your government application will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and they will be reviewing your on-line or mailed in resume and your responses to the User Information, Core Questions, and Vacancy Questions. The Job Specific questions will relate to the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the work of this position. Many people don’t realize that many applications are “thrown out” because of a lack of KSAs being addressed by the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL federal positions are advertised on www.usajobs.gov. Many people don’t realize this, DON’T be fooled by “other” websites that promise to advertise federal jobs. Many of these “other” websites charge applicants to view federal positions and re-route their job links, but rest assure that these “other” websites are “pulling” information from www.usajobs.gov to get their 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 because some federal agencies require applicants to submit addition information on a separate piece of paper about how they feel they meet those exact KSAs and some agencies don’t require KSAs to be answered at all. (You can press the PRINT PREVIEW button to see the entire announcement located at the bottom of the announcement.)

Overall, KSAs are important because this is how you WILL be evaluated on the position you have applied for. If your resume or applicant doesn’t contain the listed KSAs your application will not be found “NOT qualified” and your application will be put in the NOT Qualified stack of applications. The Key to writing government KSAs in your resume is to put the EXACT KSAs which are found in the job announcement in your resume or application WORD-FOR-WORD.

So if these KSAs are in a job announcement:
Ability to evaluate and process realty applications and proposals and conduct compliance examinations on authorized actions.
Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the realty program and the ability to use sound professional judgment to resolve conflicts with other resources.
– Ability to communicate with the public, the applicant, and other agencies regarding realty related matters.
Copy and paste, or type these exact KSAs into you online resume/application or type them into your resume/application. After you do this make sure you give examples of how you meet the KSAs. Ensure your resume and applicant look exactly alike.

Keep in mind this statement is ALWAYS in ALL Federal job announcement:
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 that if your resume doesn’t match the supplemental questions or application you answered in the online application or written application, the agency can change your application score. You need to remember: SCORES are from 100 points to 70 points. The applicant résumés with the highest scores are reviewed first. Your goal is to receive as many points as possible.

You have been empowered, now go and get your federal job.

Dr. Jenice Armstead aka Dr. Jaye

Dr Jaye

Getting Government Application Updates

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After you have submitted your government application wait until the job announcement closes to check the status of your application.  Log into your www.usajobs.gov profile and click on the title “Application Status” on the left hand side.  Then find the announcement you wish to check on.  Go to the “application status” which is a blue underlined word and click this hyperlink.  Some government agencies don’t link the application status to this hyperlink and some agencies do.  If the agency does use this hyperlink, you will be redirected to the agency website where you submitted your original application.  You will be able to view the status of your application here.

If the agency does not use this hyperlink, it will say “no application status available” this is okay.  Don’t be discouraged.  Click on the job announcement title and a second window will open up.  Scroll down to the bottom of the job announcement and find the point of contact.  You will see contact phone number or an email address.  Contact this person and request the “Applicant Status.”  Sometimes, you may get a HR Specialist whom doesn’t want to talk or gives you a vague answer.

If this happens, ask a more specific question like “Has the selecting official received the list of applicant’s resumes that have been referred and qualified for the position?” This will ensure you get a more detailed answer.  I recommend always contacting the point of contact via email; this will ensure you have written documentation in case you have any issues with this job announcement in the future.

All the best to you, and if you have any questions – you know where to find me.

Jenice

Paycheck to Paycheck Documentary, by Maria Shriver

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On Sunday night, I watched the most gut retching show: “Paycheck to Paycheck” Town Hall Meeting on the OWN network. Many people in our economy are working from paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meat. They are a paycheck away from poverty, hoping not to get one flat tire, one missed car payment or one overdraft. Dollars away from losing everything they have worked so hard for. While watching, I realized that there is new face of poverty. Now, your next-door neighbor, the person that bags your groceries or the school bus driver could be considered “working poor.”

The United States use to have a strong “working class” and status classes were broken down into to Upper, Middle and Poor. Now, there are 5 additional classes to add to the economic status: Working Poor, Poor, Lower Middle, Middle, Upper Middle, Wealthy, Rich and Ultra Rich. There are ways to help one another get through tough times, start a dialogue with the people you see on a daily basis. If you see a need that you can fulfill, do so.

I am going to do my part, anyone that needs assistance with writing a resume or help with finding a job – please email me and I will work with you to help improve your job skills, no charge. You are welcome to email me at jenicearmstead@gmail or through my website. Do your part to help someone else that may be going through a harder time than yourself.

For more information on the “Paycheck to Paycheck” documentary go to: The Shriver Report

Jenice

Key Interview Questions: Availability

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Many applicants are very motivated and will mark the “availability” section as immediately. This could be a good and a bad move. Most employer are looking for applicants to start within the next week or so, in comparison to the interviewing date. But, keep in mind you don’t want to look “too” available. If applicants appear to be “too” available employers are likely to wonder why. Here are some tips for you when you are asked the classic interview question: When are you available to start?

Now that you have made it to the interviewing process, and you are near the end of an interview, you’ve answered all the required questions and the selecting official asks you the question of: “When are you available to start?” The humanistic answer is to say “today” but you need to be mindful and think about the date you can actually start. Before you go to an interview be sure to have a pre-selected date in mind when you are asked this question.

After you state the date you are available to start, make sure you add a personal statement about yourself such as “I have my affairs in order, and if you need me to start earlier, say the 10th of April, then I will be able to manage that start date as well.” Make sure you know what the current date is. When you are interviewing for a position knowing what day it is, is important. This shows the selecting official that you are aware of your current, place and time. This also shows the selecting official that you are mentally organized.

All in all, know your exact availability dates and the current date. It sounds simple, but these are interviewing techniques that are true and work. All the best to you on your job hunt and finding your dream job.

Veteran’s Preference: Applying for Government Jobs

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Veteran Preference 5 Point Preference (TP)

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

Veteran’s Appointment Authorities: http://archive.opm.gov/strategic_management_of_human_capital/fhfrc/FLX02020.asp

Two-Cent Tuesday

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In the military, military personnel have had many jobs they have obtained while on active and reserve duty. Many military personnel are being discharged from the military with little to no information on how to convert their military experience into tangible information for the civilian sector. There are key words and phrases that will make you a “stick out” in the civilian world than the typical military terms a militant person is use to using. There are easy ways to convert your military experience into a civilian resume. This article will assist you with doing just that.

At first you as a military person may feel that your experience makes perfect sense and is easy to read, but it’s not. I am a 10 year military veteran whom realized once I as honorably discharged from the United States Navy how different the military was from the civilian sector in speaking of experience. I had to learn the hard way that the civilian sector is nothing like the military. All of my (KSAs) knowledge, abilities and skills were vastly different and diverse. I had to break my experience down by what it was, instead of the time period. Many military person work in different positions during a duty station and this experience should be broadcasted by the experience instead of by time period.

I served as a Yeoman Second Class with a Seabee Combat Warfare specialty. If you’re confused in reading this, so were the civilians whom received my resume. They didn’t know what a Yeoman Second Class was equivalent to in the civilian sector and that’s where I had to start. I went to the library or online and I got the book: Job Search, Marketing Your Military Experience By David G. Henderson. This book gives excellent information on how to convert your military experience into civilian jargon that anyone will be able to understand. This book is for all military forces not only Navy.

Next, do some research on your specialty and get detailed in explaining your exact experience. If you Google “Job Descriptions” you will find a ton of examples of free pre-written job descriptions. Copy and paste the job description and use it to help you make a resume template for yourself. It works and it’s easy.

Then, combine all of the experience together and make three resumes. Make a 1 page resume that is an overview of all of your experience to date. Make a 3 a page resume with a little more detail. Then make a resume with all of the experience you have starting from your very first job ever. If you need more information, or have a question you may contact me anytime. Happy job hunting.

Writing Your Government Resume

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Many applicants don’t know how to write a government resume for www.usajobs.gov. There are a few methods for writing and creating a government resume, the first key is to review the major duties of the job announcement. You MUST “mirror” your resume on the major duties and the announcement job description to ensure you have all the information required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are applying for.

It is recommended that applicants create a word document and type your “basic” resume up in the desired format. Once you have your basic resume, make a folder for other more specific resumes you may need to create for positions you may apply for. Once you have your basic resume completed you will be able to edited the basic resume and tailor it toward other positions you wish to apply for.

Second, in order to tailor your resume, it is suggested that applicants use the “major duties” section of the job announcement as a outline for what information to include when completing the application. Basic resume information pre-written will allow for easy transfer of information and it is important to explain in detail how you meet the “major duties” of that particular job announcement. You can do this in bullet format, or in a standard resume format. Either way, you need to custom tailor your resume in order to receive full qualification consideration from the agency advertising the job announcement.

If your basic resume doesn’t state those exact “major duties” you may not be found qualified for the job announcement. Don’t be afraid to contact the point of contact on the job announcement. If there is a number or an email address, you may contact that point of contact to ask about the major duties, job description or to ensure your application was received or not.

The bottom line is to custom your resume toward the job announcement in order to ensure your application receives the attention it deserves. Keep in mind, if you over state your qualifications your application can be discarded or your applicant score could be lowered. Ensure to be honest in answering the applicant questions. The details are key, but exact verbiage is important as well.

Happy Government Job Hunting,
Jenice

Knowing What to Look For: Government Positions

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The federal job search is not an easy task; to many it can be down right intimidating and most never complete their first application. Federal applications have unfamiliar language and regulations related to them. There are two main elements to look for when applying for federal employment opportunities, and those are “Public” or “Merit” positions. Simply put, “Public” job announcements are those positions whom any United States Citizen may apply for. Keeping in mind, the eligibility and qualification factors. “Merit” job announcements are those positions whom current federal workers, prior federal workers, past federal workers, displaced federal workers, or United States Veterans may apply for.

In the search, you may conduct an advance search for these key works to cut down on wasted time searching threw every federal position on the site. This is a critical element when searching for job announcements, at any given time a job seeker could spend a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day searching through jobs without using this step to narrow down the job announcements they are eligible for. For instances, if you are looking for a Administrative Officer position, in Tampa, FL go to the “Advance Search” and type in “Administrative Officer, Tampa, Fl, salary range, and public or merit.” This will eliminate all the Administrative Officers that are not in your criteria and save you a ton of time and efforts that could be put toward a different search for more federal employment job opportunities.

Excerpt from: 10 Tips for Apply to Government Jobs

10TipsForApplyingForGovJobs

Two-Cent Tuesday

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Employment may by be difficult to find, especially if you are a veteran of the military forces. The website Vet Jobs, assists veterans to decipher between private-sector jobs and public-sector jobs. This website allows veterans to determine the type of positions that they want to apply for and go directly to the website and apply for the positions. Understanding the different types of jobs veterans are eligible to apply for can be a little difficult to understand.

The key for applying to positions as a veteran is to look at the eligibility and qualifications section. This section of the job announcement gives more clarification to section ability. Make sure to always look at the eligibility and qualification factors when applying to any job announcement. Happy job hunting.

For more information: Vet Jobs

Jenice

Applying for Government Jobs

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Job security is important. People need job stability and benefits. There is job security in government positions, along with providing benefits and more. Many government agencies are receiving special hiring funding for creating new jobs in all career fields of the federal sector.

Government agencies are having problems finding eligible and qualified people to fill the positions. That’s right! Government agencies are having problems finding candidates, because the public isn’t applying for the government jobs. The positions that are needed to be filled range from: grounds keepers, administration assistants, secretaries, engineers, forest rangers, information technicians, legal assistants and the list goes on and on. Many people who are taking advantage of opportunities, being found qualified, and ultimately hired into the governmental industry, and you can too.

There are some keys factors when it comes to applying to government positions. First of all, you need to create or update a profile on the main “free” government website USAJOBs. Most federal government jobs are posted on this website for the public to apply for. Although, some federal agencies fill jobs using private sector staffing agencies, most use USAJOBs as their main job announcement forum. USAJOBs allows applicants to look for specific positions, and the application process is extremely easy to follow.

Search for your desire job, directly apply to any job announcement that is posted to the public and upload your documents. Applicants can conduct an advance search which allows for exact location and salary preferences to be determined by the applicant. For more information on how to apply for government jobs, check out my book “10 Tips for Applying to Government Jobs.”