Step Two: Networking Success (10 Steps to a Federal Job)

Effective networking can arguably be the best tool in a job seeker’s arsenal. The potential reward from networking can launch a brand new phase in your life – professionally and personally.  How do we network with the right people and measure our success?  In my search to find and gain employment in the federal government, I have learned that a focused and targeted approach to networking is paramount. This blog will continue a review of Kathryn Troutman’s book, 10 Steps to a Federal Job, and in particular, the second step about networking.

Step 2: Success in Networking

Most people are familiar with the old cliché “it’s not what you know but who you know”. In many cases, this holds true. In the federal government; however, the opposite is true. Networking is still very  important, but it alone may not have the same impact as if you were applying to a position in the private sector. The content of your resumé and application will determine if you make it to an interview, and not because the hiring manager is a close friend of yours. When conducting a federal job search, you must identify the agencies whose missions align with your personal mission. For example, are you a former police officer who would gain personal satisfaction by helping our country fight terrorism? Then maybe a job as a criminal investigator for the Department of Homeland Security would best align with your mission. Once you have established the agencies that provide the best match, you can then begin your marketing campaign. This is where networking comes in.

Take a very targeted approach to networking. What does Troutman mean by this? She recommends researching agencies, including learning who works at them. Send out an introductory email asking for an informational interview with the hiring manager. Create this email in a similar style to a cover letter, outlining your interest in the position and including several bullet points of your strongest attributes. It is important to get to know the names of the hiring contacts and send periodic emails. The contact information (including phone numbers) is provided in the job announcements on USAJOBS.com. Include the title of the position and the announcement number for the jobs to which you are applying. You should update them on your status, inform them of your continued interest in the agency, and avail yourself to any other openings for which you may be a good fit. These contacts are crucial as they can literally pick your resumé from the pile and get it in the hands of the decision-maker. This approach requires you to be proactive, professional, polite, and above all, patient.

Government job fairs provide good networking opportunities. Personally, I attended one in 2009 and it was a very informative experience. There were many agencies and I was able to meet the hiring managers and employees alike. After the fair, one of the facilitators from the OPM gave a free presentation about how to correctly apply to federal positions (very helpful). I recommend doing extensive research on the agencies who will attend the fair, and thus distinguish yourself from the crowd when you network with them in person. Your first impression needs to be your best impression, and you must be ready to showcase your knowledge of the organizations and your interest in joining them.

My next post will continue with step three of Troutman’s method to landing a federal job: targeting your accomplishments.

Source: Troutman, K.  Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Baltimore: The Resume Place, Inc. 2009.

A Review of 10 Steps to a Federal Job (Katheryn Troutman)

In several of my past blogs, I briefly touched on the various parts of a federal job application and how to approach them effectively.  My campaign to transition into the public sector has given me new knowledge and a new perspective about applying for government jobs.  As part of my strategy to gain a competitive advantage, I  hired a federal resume professional. I also recently purchased the highly recommended book 10 Steps to a Federal Job by federal resume guru Kathryn Troutman. In her book, Troutman lays out a solid plan of attack for the application process in ten steps. I will review these steps in a series of blogs relating to each step.

Step 1: Focus Your Federal Job Search

Nearly 2 million people work full-time in the federal system, of which 56% are male and 44% female . 42% have college degrees and the average annual salary is approximately $62k for agencies outside of Washington D.C.  For those who work in D.C., the average salary is closer to $80k. The largest agency is the Department of Defense, which accounts for 35% of the total number of federal employees. At any given time, there are tens of thousands of available jobs on the USAJOBS website.

A federal resume will need many hours of dedicated preparation. Then there are the KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities), which must be answered in essay form. Some vacancy announcements require the applicant to complete them while others do not. The job seeker should know how to correctly and effectively respond to them regardless. U.S. citizenship is required for positions, however, there can be occasional exceptions to this. For instance, sometimes an agency cannot find a U.S. citizen qualified for a certain position, so the agency must look to non citizens.

Job seekers should consult the Internet for websites that provide useful information in this process. Wherethejobsare is an excellent resource that details which federal agencies are hiring now and in the future, including mission critical jobs. Job seekers should align their personal mission with the mission of the agencies and determine if there is a good match. An agency’s mission statement outlines its organizational goals and helps the job seeker to better identify with that particular agency. Researching this is a very important step as federal agencies provide many services and missions to the public.

Location is an important consideration. Most federal jobs are located outside of Washington D.C. If a job seeker is willing to relocate, they can greatly increase their job opportunities. Familiarizing oneself with federal job titles is also important as some titles in the government mean something very different from the same titles in the private sector. Users must be analytical when searching for positions that interest them. Troutman provides an example in the book. “For instance, if you are a university researcher and writer, you could very well be qualified for a Management or Program Analyst position in government yet, how would you know this if you did not know the federal government’s job title scheme?” (Troutman, 29)

Lastly, job seekers need to be aware that the government uses a grade system for pay. The grade a person is hired into depends on their level of experience, education, and skills necessary for the position. The grades are GS-1 through GS-15 and the salary amounts vary depending on the location of the job. A job in Boston, for example, would pay an additional 24.8% more than the general base salary because of its location. This is known as locality pay.  You can view the 2010 general salary schedule here.

My next post will continue with Troutman’s book and review the importance of networking in achieving career success.

Source: Troutman, K.  Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Baltimore: The Resume Place, Inc. 2009.

Plans for 250 ft. Tall Garden Wall at Oregon Federal Building

Plans are still in the works, but the U.S. General Services Administration is in the process of designing a green “garden wall” for the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal building in downtown Portland. This concept is not new, as many buildings around the world have eco-friendly features. Garden roofs, rainwater collection systems, alternative energy sources, and vertical greenery are a few of the many examples of “living architecture“. Through increased energy efficiency, the GSA is reducing the operating costs of their buildings and the impact they have on the environment. Efficiencies are realized from both an environmental and financial standpoint. Portland is a city recognized as a leader in green building, and it is commendable that the GSA is following the example of other structures certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The green design will have “vegetative fins”, which include the metal framework for the planters. The garden wall itself is similar to vines growing on the side of house. It provides cooling in the warmer months and a layer of insulation in the cooler months. It also helps to filter urban air, soften sound, and sequester carbon. Elevators will generate electricity when they descend, smart lighting systems will adjust to variable daylight, rainwater will be used to flush toilets, and solar roof panels will provide energy. The roof will have a 20 foot overhang to provide for shade.

The project poses several challenges that need to be addressed. What types of vegetation will grow at 200 feet in the air and how can those plants be pruned, watered, and maintained at that height? Architect Don Eggleston said “The pruning might be done in much the same way windows are washed, with workers hoisted and lowered on platforms.” (msnbc.com)

All in all, I strongly favor this project and hope to visit the building when it is completed. I am a huge believer in finding efficiencies and fully support efforts to improve our environment. I hope this project inspires our government to someday expand this plan to include all of its buildings.