Reviewing the Federal Job Process (Step 2)

After networking, reviewing the federal job process should be your next step in your federal career search. A targeted federal career search is significantly more effective than shots in the dark. Here are a few things to look into before embarking on your journey:

• Analyze your qualifications to determine your grade or salary level. Learn how to interpret the pay bands posted on many job announcements. Use your military rank and pay as a guide. The Office of Personnel Management’s website is a great place to get started.
• Then determine if you can qualify for a certain job title or series. The Handbook of Occupational Groups and Series can be found at www.opm.gov/fedclass/text/HdBkToC.htm. Detailed information about the work performed by a particular job series can be found at www.opm.gov/fedclass. Qualification standards can be found at www.opm.gov/qualifications.
• Review the list of government agencies to determine your top 3 to 5 agencies of consideration. A full listing is available at www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml. This will allow you to focus your resume toward a particular mission.

With a target job title, grade, and preferred agencies in hand, you will better equipped to apply for jobs online, attend job fairs, and network.