Federal Employment
1 8/21/2008
We will cover…….
Veteran’s
Preference Federal Job Announcements Federal Resume/Application Process Other Documentation Required What to Expect After Applying Benefits
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Veteran’s Preference
5pt preference
– Retirees above rank of Major (O4) or equivalent receive no preference unless they are disable vet. – New Law: Jan 2006: Anyone who served on active duty for more than 180 days regardless of location between 9/11/2001 & end of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
10pt preference Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
– Must have service connected disability – SF-15 Required with proof within last 12 months of disability. – Special authority allowing agencies to appoint veterans without competition. (Rated 30% or more by VA)
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
– Veteran with 3 years of continuous active duty service under honorable conditions.
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Research Veteran’s Preference
Vet Guide http://www.usajobs.opm.gov
Dept of Labor elaws Veteran’s Preference Advisor
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/aud_vet_emp.asp
VetsInfo Guide http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetinfo.asp
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Where are the announcements?
www.usajobs.opm.gov Individual Agency Web Pages Veteran Service Centers
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Types of Announcements
Federal Job Announcements
Open Competitive Merit Promotion Internal Agency
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Open Competitive
Everyone/Anyone Applies/Civilians Veteran’s Preference +5pts or +10pts Qualified Candidates Ranked by Score 10pts vets move to top of list Preference eligible can not be passed over for non-preference candidate Rule of Three Applies
7 8/21/2008
Merit Promotion
Merit/Public Status
– Federal Status Candidates – Veterans under VEOA – Reinstatement Eligible
No Preference Qualified Candidates are Referred
8 8/21/2008
Internal Agency Announcements
Open only to Status Federal Employees within the Agency Federal Employees with 52 weeks at lower grade Local Commuting Area
9 8/21/2008
Open Competitive
1.
2. 3. 4.
Civilian Applicant 100% Qualifications
Soon to Retire Vet 90% Qualifications +5pts= 95%
30% Rated Disable Vet 80% Qualifications +10pts=90%
10% Rated Disable Vet 75% Qualifications +10pts=85%
Who are the top three candidates?
10 8/21/2008
Top Candidates Are?????
1.
2. 3. 4.
30% Rated Disable Vet 80% Qualifications +10pts=90%
10% Rated Disable Vet 75% Qualifications +10pts=85%
Civilian Applicant 100% Qualifications
Soon to Retire Vet 90% Qualifications +5pts= 95%
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Apply under both announcements????
As a Veteran you can apply under both the Open Competitive and Merit Promotion Procedures when allowed!
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Review Every Announcement
Title/Grade/Location/Relocation Closing Date & Time Who can apply Duties…”Keywords” Positive Education Requirements How to apply (Specific by Agency & Job) KSA’s, Occupational Questionnaire, Narrative Statement, Essay Questions.
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Federal vs Civilian Resume
Information on the resume or in profile.
– Announcement number, title, grade – SSN, Citizenship, Vet Preference, Reinstatement Eligibility, Highest Federal Grade Held – College & high school including address, degrees or credits earned – Job title, employer’s name & address, supervisor & contact number, hours worked per week, salary, can your current supervisor be contacted – Longer (3 to 5 pages), not as limited as civilian
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Federal Resume’s & Applications
E-Resume Format (Example COAST) Data Base Resume (Example USA Jobs) Hard Copy Resume OF-612 Application
– Suggest only upon agency request
SF-171 Application
– Never unless agency demands or Vet Center Requires
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Additional Information…..
Occupational Questioner/Essays KSA’s Ranking Factors Narrative Statements DD-214’s, SF 15 & VA Documentation or SF-50 & Last Evaluation College Transcripts
16 8/21/2008
Ready to Apply.. Now What???
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY Apply for Announcement or Self Nominate Resume Complete Additional Information & Submit Fax any requested information if necessary SAVE all confirmation sheets Put submitted information together and keep it! Follow up as needed….It is YOUR responsibility COAST APPLICANTS…DO NOT Change your resume until after closing unless you do prior research!
17 8/21/2008
Be prepared for the interview!
Know the Agency and what they are looking for in their employee “Core Competencies” Know your accomplishments, strengths, abilities Prepare for phone or personal interview/Panel or Individual Refresh your memory go through your application package again!
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Being Prepared is the Key To SUCCESS……
Choose your agencies Do your research… Read announcements… Understand the agency application process… Follow directions… Understand the hiring process… Keep application packages… Follow up when possible…
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GS Pay Scale
Can be found online as it changes with GS grade, locality pay and step increases!
20 8/21/2008
Federal Benefits
Sick Leave – 4 Hours per pay period unlimited banking Vacation – 4 Hours per pay period for the first 3 years, then 6 hours per pay period plus 10 hours at the end of the year, 8 hours per pay period after 15 years of service ** Medical, Dental, Vision – Plans to purchase
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Federal Benefits Continued
Flexible Spend Plans – Money you set aside pretax to cover child care or healthcare. Retirement –
Age MRA (55-57) 60 62 Years Service 30 20 5
TSP with Matching
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Other benefits based on Agency
Recruitment bonus Relocation Allowances Telecommuting Flex Time Comp. Time for exempt employees Travel Comp Time Pay Differentials
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Understanding the Federal Process will help to light your way! Questions????
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