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ladyV, don't give up.
You're going to be sending resumes out anyway.
Remember, there are sometimes hundreds of people applying for one position. Give a friend your resume and have them review it. Talk to your old supervisor or coworkers from State and ask them to look at your resume.
Just a thought, you may be competing against first time fed employees who are vets.
There are special entry programs VEOA, VRA, etc. that apply to Vets. In some situations, they get priority placement.
<on edit> Here's something else I'd recommend, start with a "Summary of Qualifications" paragraph. In this paragraph you can address the particular skills that make you well-suited for the position. Specific training or credentials for the position can be included. It's similar to a cover letter. Make it short and direct.
The purpose of this paragraph is to address particular skills without making the reviewer hunt for those skills somewhere in the resume.
Last edited by chielgirl; 05-10-2011 at 12:06 AM..
I must admit that I am floored at some of the responses to this thread.
Folks, while some may not care for the tone of the original post, the OP makes many good points. See past the tone to the valuable advice being offered. I read the original post as simply...."Put your best foot forward and show how you would be a great fit for an open job." While frustrating for many who are unemployed or under-employed, you are also wasting your own time if you fail to apply for jobs that you are truly qualified for and fail to proof-read your resume.
Recently, I had to go through over 350 applications for 1 open position. The open position requires someone who is very detail oriented. I lost count of how many spelling and grammar errors I found, in addition to those who didn't meet the basic requirements. I had to wonder about people who couldn't be bothered to do the most basic things before submitting their resume, like spell checking it. That tells me that someone really doesn't care. Also, why would anyone think that a hiring manager is going to call if you can't meet the basic requirements?
Writing a resume is hard for many people but there are so many tools available to help. Research it online for ideas, spell check it then ask a couple friends to read/edit it for you. Mistakes are easy to make but come on, it's not hard to fix them either.
BTW, there's no point in getting angry or frustrated at an HR person who is just doing their job. Yes, some are jerks but that's in every job. Sounds to me like the OP was just frustrated by the process of trying to find a good fit.
Yes, the OP has good points. The first two should have been common sense and the last three were somewhat helpful, although I thought the application process for federal jobs was electronic.
I know a forum where she would actually get props for these tips.
ladyV, don't give up.
You're going to be sending resumes out anyway.
Remember, there are sometimes hundreds of people applying for one position. Give a friend your resume and have them review it. Talk to your old supervisor or coworkers from State and ask them to look at your resume.
Just a thought, you may be competing against first time fed employees who are vets.
There are special entry programs VEOA, VRA, etc. that apply to Vets. In some situations, they get priority placement.
<on edit> Here's something else I'd recommend, start with a "Summary of Qualifications" paragraph. In this paragraph you can address the particular skills that make you well-suited for the position. Specific training or credentials for the position can be included. It's similar to a cover letter. Make it short and direct.
The purpose of this paragraph is to address particular skills without making the reviewer hunt for those skills somewhere in the resume.
I'm tired of that veteran's preference sending people ahead of me. That's why I'm just going to join the military.
I still think knowing someone is what it takes to get your resume pulled and an interview for a government job. I have a 5 point preference and have taken the time to fill out the applications and make sure my resume will filter on both USA Jobs and the CPOL website and have come up empty handed for five months.
I'm a TPU commander in the Reserves so everytime somebody in my chain of command mentions I need to spend more time with the Reserves (I'm a retail manager in the civilian world) I ask for a referral for a government job like theirs, so I too, can spend my entire work day focusing on the Army Reserves while collecting a tax payer provided check every two weeks. Am I envious, you betcha
I'm tired of that veteran's preference sending people ahead of me. That's why I'm just going to join the military.
Pretty silly reason!
If they're not on my "best" list, I pay them no mind.
It's usually 5 points (sometimes 10) added to the total.
Today I referred a candidate that was 11 points ahead of everyone else.
Hopefully we'll be able to offer the candidate a job in the next few weeks.
I still think knowing someone is what it takes to get your resume pulled and an interview for a government job. I have a 5 point preference and have taken the time to fill out the applications and make sure my resume will filter on both USA Jobs and the CPOL website and have come up empty handed for five months.
I'm a TPU commander in the Reserves so everytime somebody in my chain of command mentions I need to spend more time with the Reserves (I'm a retail manager in the civilian world) I ask for a referral for a government job like theirs, so I too, can spend my entire work day focusing on the Army Reserves while collecting a tax payer provided check every two weeks. Am I envious, you betcha
You are mostly wrong, in my experience. Other than the "no Colonel left behind", most jobs go to vets with the skills required for the position.
First of all, do you have the skills for the position? Did you know that there's a hiring "suspension"?
I've heard some people say that they don't/won't hire reservists because they have had experiences where, when the going got tough at the job, they'd deploy. That hasn't been my experience so far.
There are numerous jobs for people who hold reservist status and for them only. Have you tried applying for them?
You are mostly wrong, in my experience. Other than the "no Colonel left behind", most jobs go to vets with the skills required for the position.
First of all, do you have the skills for the position? Did you know that there's a hiring "suspension"?
I've heard some people say that they don't/won't hire reservists because they have had experiences where, when the going got tough at the job, they'd deploy. That hasn't been my experience so far.
There are numerous jobs for people who hold reservist status and for them only. Have you tried applying for them?
Do I hold the skills? I'm an officer in the United States Army. Not to come off arrogant or self absorbed, but do I have the skills if deployed to be the mayor of a city essentially? Do I have the skills to manage supply chain operations in a distributive, noncontiguous battlefield as a logistician? Do I have the skills to plan and execute complex operations with little or no guidance other than some commander's intent and a vague mission statement?
I applied for the jobs that require you to hold membership in the National Guard or Reserves to try and avoid the competition from retirees and DAVs with 10 point preferences. I even applied for a FRG Coordinator position where I have extensive experience running a FRG as a Company Commander. I've even applied for GS6 and 7 positions just to make sure I meet most of the criteria as those jobs are usually more entry level.
Everyone in my chain of command works as either AGRs or as GS employees with the unit I'm in. The one left his job as a HVAC sales guy to be the new SSA for my battallion. He got the job because of networking he did while deployed in Afghanistan and because of how good he tailored his resume for the job. He likes to tell the story of the bartender that was able to tailor their resume well enough to be the top candidate for a UA position.
I applied extensively for HRC jobs at Ft Knox after hearing all the hoop lah about the hiring going on there. I wasn't hired but I heard through my network that a non-vet was hired simply because his father is a prominent doctor in the local area. My gf's sister-in-law (who is not a vet and has been a stay at home mom for 7 years with no work experience) was able to get an interview because her aunt is a SMAJ at HRC.
I'd pack in 10 years of service and just go to the IRR, but they would just deploy me out of there and they have already kicked back my resignation letter once. I'm a bit jaded when it comes to government jobs. I see everyone else on cruise control with high paying, show up, do nothing GS jobs, while I bust my ass working 60 hours a week or more, including holidays and most weekends. My CoC still has the audacity to ask why I can't find the time like they do to commit to the Reserves.
Doesn't mean that you have the requisite skills for any specific job; or that you have the best skills. Are you applying for 346 jobs, Logistics Management Specialist?
And contacts from the sandbox, I can't say anything about.
I do know that most of the resumes I see are drivel.
I'd pack in 10 years of service and just go to the IRR, but they would just deploy me out of there and they have already kicked back my resignation letter once. I'm a bit jaded when it comes to government jobs. I see everyone else on cruise control with high paying, show up, do nothing GS jobs, while I bust my ass working 60 hours a week or more, including holidays and most weekends. My CoC still has the audacity to ask why I can't find the time like they do to commit to the Reserves.
Sounds like these are leadership problems.
Don't you have 5 point preference?
I've never once seen in a do-nothing GS job. Are there people who don't work at their jobs, certainly, but that's a leadership problem. They can fire them or put the employee on a performance improvement plan. Sounds like you're around a lot of the old-boy network that hurts civil service and all of the government.
Yet you couldn't resist responding with a rant containing a misspelled word.
How's the employment world treating you?
Chielgirl i think i know what everyone is trying to say about your "attitude" im 19 and recently got a job working for the federal government! I raise alot of eyebrows when i say that but its all about networking in our current economy, due to uninspired workers like you. Now you are in Human Resources right?? You look at peoples resumes, and have a HUGE decision in your hands....working for the Federal Governemnt is a BIG deal and thats why Federal Governement people walk around like they are the best thing since sliced bread. You get amazing benefits and a job for life most times. Most people know this and thats why you get so many applications for job vacancies. (For the people in others post who said the private sector gets just as much....i beg to differ) Now people got so mad at your post because it came off rude and as if you are not really caring when looking at these folks applications!
RULE 1: GOLDEN RULE: Treat others how you wanted to be treated, you work in Human Resources and know that in your heart looking at someones resume and seeing one or two errors then throwing it away isnt how YOU would wanted to be treated ! Spell check works...but sometimes skips words or you pass one or two by accident....
RULE 2: You are in HR - When there is a issue at work people come to your directorate when there is a issue of ethics at the workplace, conflict between co workers, etc. We come to your directorate when we have issues when people dont know how to follow the golden rule "treat others like you wanted to be treated" or maybe thats EEO Not sure
I think you are a good person in your heart we all are, you just dont seem to happy with life or your job not sure which one! Move your desk next to a window, turn on your radio at work, exercise 3 times a week! Then understand the gift and power your job has given you; you can change peoples lifes! They get a job and can support there family, go to school, etc. Use your power for good not evil my friend....
From one federal government employee to another, i see unhappy people at my job but aspire not to be one of them im to young and have to many things in my life ahead of me to finish....stress can kill you so can being a angry, sad, or uncaring to others!
This post sums up how i feel:
Well, as a taxpayer and therefore your indirect employer I expect you to perform your duties promptly, effectively and without attitude. You are required to hire the most effective person for each and every position without giving in to petty personal peeves and must treat each and every applicant with respect. I would edit that to say without being uncaring and try to be a little more sympatic you will live longer!
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Must read!
. Now you are in Human Resources right?? You look at peoples resumes, and have a HUGE decision in your hands....working for the Federal Governemnt is a BIG deal and thats why Federal Governement people walk around like they are the best thing since sliced bread. You get amazing benefits and a job for life most times. Most people know this and thats why you get so many applications for job vacancies. (For the people in others post who said the private sector gets just as much....i beg to differ) Now people got so mad at your post because it came off rude and as if you are not really caring when looking at these folks applications! 
! Spell check works...but sometimes skips words or you pass one or two by accident....
