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Meet the Recruiter
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John Still

About OPM

Office of Personnel Management
John Still
Human Resource Specialist

Live Discussion: Wed., May 7 at 1 p.m. ET

This is a special advertisement produced by Jobs

Welcome to Meet the Recruiter, a commercia l discussion for the Jobs Virtual Career Fair on the washingtonpost.com network.

This interactive event offers an opportunity to learn about job opportunities at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

OPM was created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. The legislation empowered OPM to supervise personnel management in the executive branch and the Director of OPM to be the President’s principal advisor in matters of personnel administration. OPM is responsible for planning for the future needs of the Federal workforce and for helping agencies improve human resources management to achieve human capital objectives.

OPM works with the President, Congress, and stakeholders to establish and implement human capital policy that supports Federal agencies in achieving their strategic goals.

The USAJOBS web site, www.usajobs.opm.gov and USAJOBS by Phone 1-478-757-3000 or TDD 1-478-744-2299 was created by OPM to assist with recruiting citizens to Federal service by serving as the main portal for Federal employment information and connecting job applicants with departments and agencies to meet their staffing needs.

USAJOBS gives the maximum flexibility in performing one-stop employment information searches. It's convenient, user-friendly, accessible to persons with disabilities, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For this discussion, John Still, 13-year employee at OPM, answers questions on Federal employment.

He is currently a human resources specialist working on the USAJOBS team. He has been a member of this team since it's inception in 1996. John's major role is providing technical support and employment information to applicants and Federal agencies.

Submit questions in advance.

The discussion follows below.

dingbat

Washington DC: Is there a test for the jobs?

John D. Still: There is no longer a general test for Federal employement.

Some positions, may require that you take an exam after you apply, (mostly law enforcement positions). Read the vacancy announcement of positions you wish to apply for to find out if a test is required.


Washington, DC: I must have applied to a hundred federal jobs and have yet to get as much as an interview. I have a strong resume and work history, what am I doing wrong or any suggestions to make me more government employable?

John D. Still: Employment in the Federal government is very competitive, you must be persistant. One thing you can do is to contact the agencies where you applied to find out why you where not selected and work on improving those areas.

Read the jobs vacancy announcement carefully to insure that you are submiting all the required information.

Check your resume to ensure that it has all the required information. We have a sample resume at our website.


Killeen, Texas: I am a veteran due to retire soon after 20 years of service. My Job in the Army dealt with supply on the enlisted side. I have a Masters in Management and am interested in getting a government job. My questions are;can I still apply and work for the federal government while on terminal leave? The other question I have is the job listings that say they have jobs all over from GS1 to GS15, how can I get the areas I want while coming in at the level I want to come in at? Lastly, as a veteran am I elegible for a noncompetive appointment?

John D. Still: 1. You can apply while on terminal leave. You have to be discharge before you can accept a position

2. That type of position is normally filled as the needed. You would have to check with the hiring agnecy to be sure that the job and location you want is available


Manassas, Va: I am a 25 year civil service retiree from the U.S. Capitol Police who would like to know if I could obtain another U.S. government job (in law enforcement) without it being detrimental to my retirement?

John D. Still: Becoming re-employed may affect you retirement. Our retirement office has a toll free number 1-888-767-6738. They will be able to tell you what effect it would have


Annapolis, Md: Good Afternoon John,

I am a team player, hard worker and have good organizational skills. I enjoy working close with the public I would do well in a H/R position or a Customer Service Position. As of now,I am working in a hospital pharmacy as a Vendor's Rep Admin. I have many skills to offer a employer. With the few skills that I have mention to you what job code or type of position would I fall under with the federal gov't. Please e-mail with the information.

Thanks,
Shawn Harris
sharris60-hotmail.com
(410) 349-0447

John D. Still: Use our Career Interest Page at
http://career.usajobs.opm.gov

This site will help you find jobs to match your interests


Washington, DC: I have changed career goals recently, and I'm a part time Student, why is it so hard to find a government job that is willing to help you achieve your goals and theirs by working out a schedule that will benifit everyone involved?

John D. Still: I am not sure what you indivdual needs are. Agencies often hire students part-tim in this area. Check with your guidence counselor to see if they have information on positions.

You can also check our Student Jobs website. www.studentjobs.opm.gov


Lorton, Va: I am US citizen,7 years of IT experiences in QA/testing and development(PL/SQL).Do you have position where you don't need clearacne or clearance to be processed!

John D. Still: There are jobs that do not require special security clearances. Check under "job search" at our website www.usajobs.opm.gov


Washington DC: Will you get the job if you pass the test? Or do you have to have an interview?

John D. Still: Passing a test does not guarentee a job offer. You will receive a notice from the hiring agency that will explain the next step in the process.


Washington DC: What is the test based on?

John D. Still: There is no general test for federal employement. Some positions like Border Patrol Agent would require a test. Information on what is need for those positions will be provided to you when you apply for the position


Washington DC: What kind of jobs are available?

John D. Still: The federal government employes persons in almost every field. Check our website www.usajobs.opm.gov to find specific jobs


Silver Spring, Md: Why does it take so long for the Federal
government to decide on a job after an
interview?

I had an interview at the Library of
Congress in February. It is now two
months later and I do not know anything.

Don't you think the Office of Human
Resources could at least give you an idea
as to when a decision will be made? I
have been attempting to land a Federal
job for over a year.

John D. Still: We are currently working on improving that process, and we hope to be able to cut down on the time it take. You can check with the hiring agency to determine where you stand in the process.


Ocean City, Md: Will a police record keep me from federal employment? Alcohol related offenses, no felonies. My PA driver's license is currenty suspended. I am in recovery from alcoholism.

John D. Still: No, it does not prevent you from federal employment. But there are some positions especially in the area of law enforcement, that having a record would disqualify you. Read the vacancy announcement for the position you are applying for carefully and provide all information requested.


Lake Ridge, Va: This is a short two part question.

1. In viewing job descriptions for Federal Jobs, many require submitting a KSA. I understand, somewhat, what is being asked. Can you explain further or direct us to sources that can assit?

2. I have qualifications that fit many Federal jobs, however, I do not have an active security clearance. (Deactived many years ago) How can we job seekers get cleared? What's the process?

Thank you in advance.

John D. Still: 1. KSA's are questions found in the vacancy announcement, they are designed to find what expereince you have in a certain area. Use your work related experences to respond the questions. keep your answers short (a paragraph or two is fine) provide you answers on blank paper


Gaithersburg, Maryland: Hello John:

I have been in human resources management for over ten years, but I can't seem to get the hang of KSAs. Is there a course I can attend? I have read all kinds of samples, etc. but I still can't figure out exactly how to do them.

Thanks.

John D. Still: There is no course offered by OPM. Answer the KSA's using the experiences you have gathered. The agency wants to know more about you as it relates to the question


Pittsburgh, Penn: Do you think a person has a better chance of federal employment in the DC metro area if they live in the area. I live in Pittsburgh and would like to relocate to the DC area and have submitted numerous applications for federal employment and I haven't heard anything. Is there something I could do differently?

John D. Still: No, it should not matter. There may be positions that would only hire in the local area, but they are few and it would be stated in the vacancy annoucement if they were


Maryland: Dear Mr. Still,

Due you find the following excerpt to be true regarding a negotiable salary:

Federal Government Updates Pay

By Eric Yoder
special to washingtonpost.com

The government traditionally used one main pay scale, the general schedule, to compensate its employees. An employee would be assigned a grade and step, and would be paid no more than what the table said.

Today, that number is like a price tag at a yard sale -- merely the starting point for a discussion. Agencies have become increasingly flexible in setting salaries and providing extra pay for certain occupations, localities and situations. Together, these steps have shattered a once monolithic system. "The government has a lot of good things to offer in terms of pay," says an Office of Personnel Management official.

Thank you.

John D. Still: It certain situtaions

You can contact agencies to discuss salary requirements. Depending on the agency and the need they may be willing to work with you.


Arlington, Va: Why doesn't OPM compel all Federal agencies to accept the OPM online resume? I have applied to different agencies (Commerce, Lib of Cong) that have their own systems, and I find myself having to cut and paste the same information.

John D. Still: We are working on that. The presidents recruitment one-stop inititive will create a one stop shop for applying for federal jobs

Go to this page for more information

http://apps.opm.gov/eGov/eRecruitment/index.cfm


College Park, Md: I've never worked for the federal government before. I checking usajobs.opm.gov regularly and mailing my resume with the announcment number. I'd like to apply on-line with confirmation, will this happen? How does one get a clearance?

John D. Still: You need to make sure that you are reading the vacancy announcement of the position. Some jobs require more than a resume.

You can apply online for some positions. Read the vacancy announcement to see if you can for the job you are applying for.


Security clearances (if needed) are requested by the hiring agency when they decide to hire you


Captiol Heights Maryland: I read an artical in the Washingto Post concerning FED Jobs vs Contracting Pros and Cons of employment. It stated that when intervewing you should ask, if or when how long the position will last because it could soon be contracted out by a Contracting Company and that could mean your postion wont last long. Is this true and in your opion why or why not

John D. Still: It does not hurt to ask, I have not heard of anyone who has lost there jobs because it was contracted out. Agencies in general are short on employees and even if you job was contracted out, you would probabally be reassigned to another area


Towson, Maryland: I am a student in my next to last semester of college. I have been searching for an internship for summer or fall and have thus far received none. I have searched on the USA jobs website and have found many possibilities. Unfortunuately, many of them require experience that I don't have. Are there any lower level jobs or even internships available? I'm studying film/video production.

John D. Still: Try our e-Scholar page at www.studentjobs.gov


San Francisco, Calif: I worked for USG for nine years and then left service. Do I still have career status? Is this still required for most jobs?

John D. Still: Probally so, Go to this page to read the fact sheet on re-instatement

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI2.htm


Reston, Va: In reference to Veterans Readjustment Appointment, do agencies only hire if there is a specific vacancy announcement?

Can veterans send unsolicted resumes to agencies they want to work for?

John D. Still: Yes, agency will put out a vacancy announcement. Check our website for announcements and veterans information.



John D. Still: Hello, This is John Still from the Office of Personnel Management, here to answer your questions


Gaithersburg, Md: Hello Mr.Still,

Does the Federal government accept a degree in biotechnology?

John D. Still: Yes, we have lots of positions for people in your field.

Check our website www.usajobs.opm.gov


Washington DC: Mr. Still,

I am currently a manager in a law firm, but am a former Federal employee I recently obtained my Masters in Human Resource Administration. I have been trying to get a job in the HR field for months now, the problem is one I have no practical experience in HR only theorehtical through the Masters. Would the federal Gov't substitute education for experience? and the second problem is, when I was a Federal employee I was terminated for awol, on my SF-50 I have Status after ten years but will a Federal Agency take employ me, if my 50 says terminated for awol?

Tony

John D. Still: 1. Yes you can substitute experience for education.

2. It would be up to the hiring agency whether they would except you.


Athens, Ohio: Good Afternoon,

Who is responsible for reading and rating the KSA's that are written? Does HR complete this part of the process or does the hiring team?

Thank You

John D. Still: The HR office at the hiring agency


Bethesda, Md: Are their any requirements for civilians? Is it hard getting your foot in the door?

John D. Still: Read the how to apply information at this page
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI25.htm


Washington, DC: I am a 36 yr old woman with a physical disabilty. I currently work fulltime, but typically 4 days per week. Does the disability qualify me for noncompetitive hiring status and how do I invoke that status when applying for federal jobs ?

John D. Still: The federal government hirings persons with disbilities and we make accommodations in the hiring process, however these persons must still meet the qualifications of the position.



Greensburg, Penn: Could my credit history be a determining factor for my not being hired into a federal position? Due to an extended period of unemployment, my credit history is not very good.

Also, the copy of my final performance rating simply states that a new performance plan will be developed by the supervisor. The reason for this is that I was transferred from one agency to another, while I never changed physical addresses. Could this 'transfer' and my resulting performance review be reasons for my not being rehired by a federal agency?

I am a former federal employee. My status is tenured and I contacted OPM last April regarding my eligibility for reinstatement. It was determined that I have reinstatement eligibility without time limit.

I have applied to several federal positions during the past eighteen months. I have had three to four telephone interviews for positions, however, I was not selected for any of the positions.

John D. Still: In general bad credit is not a selective factor, there may be some positions that requirement background security information that you may not qualify for.

Check with the agencies where you applied to determine why you were not selected


College Park, Md: Hi John, I have over 10 years as an
Administrative Assistant, however, many
of my jobs have not paid at the same rate
that the federal government would pay.
Although I have the experience, I've been
told that the federal government bases
my current salary at the GS level I would
be employed under. Is this true?

John D. Still: The salary of the position is listed in the vacancy announcement. You are paid according to that salary.


Alexandria, Va: What is the status of the RO-S project? From my understanding, USAJobs was suppose to undergo a major overhaul, but it seems that the changes to USAJobs have been comestic, rather than functional.

John D. Still: Go to our Recruitement one-stop site for more information

http://apps.opm.gov/eGov/eRecruitment/index.cfm


Wheaton, Md: Can you tell me which agencies have the most hiring activity given the Federal Budgetary Constraints?

John D. Still: At this time all agencies are hiring.

Check USAJOBS to find positions of interest


Bowie Md: I'm a professional contract administrator with extensive background involving NASA processes and procedures who has recently been laid off. What are the chances of the federal gov't hiring a 60 year old in the field of educational or customer outreach or training?

John D. Still: The federal government hires persons in the mid-career stages to help fill gaps in experence levels created by recent retirements.

Search USAJOBS for available positions and apply. We do not descriminate based on age


Los Angeles, Calif: Mr.Still,
I have an MBA, a Masters in Public Policy, and a Certificate from Law school. I have work experience in Financial Services. Can you please tell me which Federal Departments/Agencies are looking for candidates with my type of background?

John D. Still: Most agencies are probabally looking for expereince shuch as yours.

Read this information at the link below

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI23.htm

and also

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI24.htm


College Park, Md: As a former Congressional staff employee, do I have any type of preference points as it relates to being hired by the federal government?

John D. Still: Sorry, you do not


Arlington, Va: I've been with the Foreign Service (State Dept.) for over 3 years now. I'm now looking for a civil service job in the DC area. I've been using the USAJOBS site regularly and still can't figure out where I have "status" or not. Also, do I have reinstatement eligibility? In my SF-50 my tenure group # is "3".

Thanks!

John D. Still: If you are in the Excepted Service you would not have status. Check with your personnel office to interpret your SF-50 codes


Silver Spring, Md: Good Afternoon Mr.Still,

I have focused my experience and education and I am qualified candidate. I have even completed an unpaid internship with the Department of Commerce. I am out here from California, for a limited time. Is there anything I could do to expediate getting an interview, while I am out here?

John D. Still: You would need to continue to search and apply for positions


Washington, DC: I'm certified to be hired noncompetitively under a Schedule A disability certification from the DC government. I have experience as a clerk. Aside from applying for jobs under the OPM job website, how can I be considered for noncompetitive hiring by federal agencies?

John D. Still: SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Federal Government's Selective Placement programs include special appointing authorities for people with disabilities.

Federal hiring officials are authorized to use special hiring authorities when considering certain people with disabilities (those who have a severe physical, cognitive or emotional disability or a history of having such disabilities or are perceived as having such disabilities). The use of these authorities is not mandatory. These authorities provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate the potential to successfully perform the essential duties of a position, with and without, workplace reasonable accommodation.

If you are interested in being considered under these special hiring authorities, you must contact either a state vocational or Department of Veterans Affairs rehabilitation counselor and request their assistance. They will review and prepare the necessary documents. They should be asked to provide you with a "certification" statement that describes your ability to perform the essential duties of the position in which you are interested. Then, once you have obtained this certification statement, you should contact the Federal agency where you wish to work. Ask for the contact person that handles the Selective Placement or Disability Employment Program. These agency representatives work closely with qualified people with disabilities and hiring officials with jobs. They help match applicant core skills along with applicant/employee reasonable accommodation needs with available jobs.



Woodbridge, Va: I have qualifications that fit many Federal jobs, however, I do not have an active security clearance. (Deactived many years ago) How can we job seekers get cleared? What's the process?

John D. Still: If needed the hiring agency will request a security clearance for you.


Suitland, Md: I am a former federal employee whose file is not the best. I wasn't fired, but resigned. What are the chances of being rehired by the federal government.

John D. Still: It is up to the hiring agency. Resigning does not automatically disqualify you from federal service


Silver Spring, Md: I was previously working in the private sector and I'm interested in working for the government. How can I obtain a security clearance?

John D. Still: The hiring agency would request one for you


Boyds, Maryland: I just relocated from NJ to MD, and I am looking for a job in Chemistry field. I have responded some Federal jobs posted on the Web page. What is the average time to receive a response? What is the best way to get a federal job?
I appreciate your time spent in reading and answering my question.

John D. Still: Depends on the agency. It can be from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.


Read The information at this page

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI25.htm


Shelby Township, Michigan: John,
I have 6 years of purchasing/team leadership experience with General Motors, plus a Master of International Management degree from the top international business school (Thunderbird, American Graduate School for International Management). I have applied for several federal jobs over the last three months and have yet to receive an accept or reject. With this background and experience I would at least expect to receive an accept or reject response.

What is the policy for job application responses?

If the normal application process through USAJOBS.com is not working, what other methods of networking or job searching would you recommend to find out about good government jobs?

How tied is the government to making decisions based on ethnic background? Do they have quotas or do they evaluate qualifications first and then give preference to certain ethnic backgrounds?

My experience is business related but a major focus has been international business. Which area would offer me the best job prospects for this type of focus and which department has the biggest need for new hires at this point in time?

John D. Still: The policy for job application responses is specified in the vacancy annoucement

Our address in www.usajobs.opm.gov. Our site is active 24/7

The government trys to maintain a workforce that is representative of the American people

In order to do achieve that balance the government does targated recruiting as neccessary, however the government does not descriminate based on ethnic background


Maryland: Dear Mr. Still,

During the interview process, are Federal agencies required to follow a guideline (especially for that of Q & A)?

Thank you.

John D. Still: Most often interviews are structured with a commons set of questions given to each applicant to ensure fairness


Alexandria, Va: Do you have any information to share on the re-vamping of the USAjobs web site? I have used the site, and have not found it very intuitive for a non-fed. Word has it that Monster is working on the Federal job board. Any details? Thanks!

John D. Still: Go to this page for information

http://apps.opm.gov/eGov/eRecruitment/index.cfm


Arlington, Va: I was recently told by the contact listed on a vacancy announcement that he simply collected the resumes, entered them, and passed them on to personnel. Is it worth it to contact the individuals named as the contact for the positions (he could not even tell me if my application was complete), or should I try and find out a higher up individual for that agency to contact? I would like to follow up to some recent applications I sent in, but don't want to waste time contacting the wrong individual.

John D. Still: Always use the contact information first. If you do not get the information you need, ask to speak to a supvervisor


College Park: I am a 37 year old at home mom. I have been at home now for 6 years. With 2 years of College experience and about 6 years of working at The Department of Labor with contractors as a Computer Specialist and one year working at The Federal Judicial Center as a Program Assistant.
I would like to go back to work in two years.
Considering the fact that I have not worked in 6 years what would be the best plan to re-enter the workforce?
I would like to work within the Federal Government as a Human Resources Specialist such as yourself. I have very little money for school.
I want to be able to get a well paying position.
Any advice?
Melissa

John D. Still: Search for jobs at our site and apply.

Read the How to apply information on this page

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI25.htm


Alexandria, Va: I am very qualified and very excited about a particular vacancy, for which I submitted my materials. The problem is, I have since been offered another job. Would it be OK for me to contact the federal agency and explain the situation to them so that they can speed up the process? The federal job is my first choice, but I fear the risk of waiting for it.

John D. Still: You are free to contact the agency, but they probabally would not speed up the process for you


Silver Spring, Md: As a former government employee, I would like to return to federal service, but I'm finding it difficult to get back into the system. I have even considered applying for a lower level position in order to get my foot back in the door.

Does OPM consider your current salary, if you apply for a job that pays less than you currently make?

John D. Still: I'm not sure on the salary issues. Below is information on re-instatement

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI2.htm


Rockville, Md: Mr. Still,

I have tried to apply for a few government positions with unsuccessful results. I have some great experience and a Master's degree. What am I doing wrong?

John D. Still: Jobs in the federal government are highly competitive. Keep applying for positions.


Oak Park, Ill: I have heard from several people and several federal employees that you have to have connections in order to get a federal job. And also, most federal agencies post jobs, but really hire within their agency or from another federal agency. How true are these statements?

John D. Still: It helps to network and know people in the government but it has no bearing on who is hired.

Agencies are allowed to hire from within there own agency or seek applicants from outside the agency


Maryland: More and more I hear the many jobs are
disqualifying candidates for credit issues.
Is the federal government using the same
method?

John D. Still: No, credit issues do not automatically disqualify you from jobs


Maryland: Dear Mr. Still,

Hypothetically speaking...I am employed with a Federal agency. Moreover, I want to further my career by returning to college. That said, how supportive is the Federal Government/agency towards full-time employees returning to college?

Thank you.

John D. Still: The government has many continuing education programs. Contact your agency for specifics.

In general the federal government is supportive of continuing education and training


McLean, Va: What are some of the greater challenges
that your office, and specifically
USAJOBS, encounter in recruiting viable
job candidates? What steps are you
taking to meet those challenges?

John D. Still: The USAJOBS office is not recruiting, we help agencies recruit by maintaining this system


Reston, Va: My skills are more varied and I'm more technially-savvy than what is called for in an Administrative Asst. job description, yet I am not highly technical or specialized like an Engineer. Consequently, I always seem to be under- or over-qualified for every job description I read. Recruiters don't know how to categorize me. I am a "Generalist" (that can create any product or provide any service that's needed), but there doesn't seem to be any call for that kind of thing. Suggestions? Thank-you, Z. (please don't read my name on the air) http://www.4jobs.com/JS/General/ZelindaZang

John D. Still: There's lot's of Program Manager type positions that you may be able to apply for. Try looking there


Fairfax Station, Va: Many of the IT tech job fairs recently are "closed" events open only to those people with existing security clearances. How can I go about getting/applying for a security clearance? Do I need to be sponsored by an agency/department or contracting company?

John D. Still: IT tech job fairs are not run by the government. Security Clearances are conducted after you apply and qualify for a position


Washington, DC: How do you suggest that I go about getting my foot in the door to work for the Office of Personnel Management? I have taking the civil services test and also sent in my sf171. Is there something that I'm not doing that I should be doing?

Carletha

John D. Still: Use our USAJOBS website to find positions open at OPM.


Hyattsville, Md: When applying for federal employment, I noticed supplemental factor statements have to be answered. Is there a special format that I should use or a certain way I should answer these questions to stand out?

John D. Still: Normally submitted separately on paper. There is no specified format or specific answers. Use your education and experience to show how you meet these selective factors. Be specific and through. Include enough information so it can be adquately evaluated.

Read the information at this page

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI64.htm


Maryland: Dear Mr. Still,

Again, hypothetically speaking...I am hired with a Federal agency. At the time of my initial hiring, I only hold an Associate Degree. Later, however, I obtain my Bachelor's Degree--all the while employed with the same agency. Question being: How and/or does enriching my education benefit my personal GS Pay?

Thank You.

John D. Still: A degree will increase your chances of qualifying for higher level positions.

Use our website to search and apply for jobs in other agencies


Centreville, Va Mr. Still,
I am authorized ro work for any company, however, I am not a US citizen, am I still eligible to apply at OPM?
Are there any entry level openings in IT at OPM?

Thanks,
Deepa

John D. Still: Read the information at this page

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI9.htm


Washington DC: Hi John.

Why are OPM job announcements so drawn-out and cryptic, (as compared to private sector job announcements?) After reading most OPM announcements, I find myself wondering exactly what skills the recruiter is looking for and what the job duties are.

JT

John D. Still: We are working to simplify the vacancy announcements on usajobs.

Read this page for more information

http://apps.opm.gov/eGov/eRecruitment/index.cfm


Silver Spring, Maryland: Mr. John D. Still:

I would very much like to be employed by the Office of Personnel Managment. My problem is learning of job opportunities and how to effectively apply. It seems as though it is a hard task to accomplish but in all actuallity it is not. Do you know of any short cuts acceptable that I could expedite for seeking employment? Could job listings be emailed or picked up at a specific location? How do individuals suceed at obtaining employment at OPM that I sure am capable of doing but can't get in the door? My email is deelbyj-yahoo.com. Advanced thanks. Doreen Selby

John D. Still: Use our USAJOBS by Email feature. Go to
http://profiler.usajobs.opm.gov/

to register


Waldorf, Md: I too am a Human Resource Specialist, but in the private sector. I am very interested in getting back into the Federal Government Personnel Sector. Is private sector HR experience considered?

John D. Still: Yes, all experence is considered


Washington, DC: I am a Human Resources professional with four years of administrative and HR experience. Over the past year, I have submitted numerous applications to the federal government (various departments), with no luck. What advice do you have for someone who is very interested in employment in the federal sector trying to find an 'in'? Thank you in advance for your help.

John D. Still: Contact the hiring agencies to get an evaluation of why you did not qualify. Make sure you read the vacancy announcement of the position carefully and submit all items requested.



Baltimore, Maryland: Currently, I am employed with the City of Baltimore as a Human Resources Specialist.
I performing recruitment services for Baltimore City such as evaluating applications and providing job counseling.
I have held this position for 20 months (since 9/01). Prior to this experience,
my position was a Training Assistant/Coordinator. I assisted other training professionals with the coordination and development of in-service training programs for City employees.
This June 2003, I will receive my MBA
degree (with specialization in Human Resources Management). My undergraduate degree is in Business Administration as well. I am very interested in becoming
a federal government employee. Are there any positions currently available for which I may qualify? Do you have any suggestions that you could offer me in obtaining a federal position in your human resources department? I am a hard-working, dedicated employee and would very much like to be an employee with the United States Government.
Please email me at your earliest convenience. My email address is vjlholland-yahoo.com. Thank you very much for any assistance that you can provide.

John D. Still: Go to this page for information on How to Apply,

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI25.htm


Washington DC: Do you do background checks?

John D. Still: Yes, The position determine how extensive it is.


Upper Marlboro, Md: I am former Civil Servant with Reinstatement Rights. I am interested in returning to the Federal Government. I have reviewed positions on the usajobs website, but I am more interested a position similar to my current position in the private sector which is a Legal Word Processor. Two years ago, I qualified as a GS-5, Technical Editor (Law Briefs) at DOJ. When I interviewed for this position, it was similar to my current position. How or where do I search for these positions? What positions are open at OPM?

Thank you for your time.

Mleeza-aol.com

John D. Still: Go to our website www.usajobs.opm.gov to search for positions. Click on Job Search to view the positions


Washington, DC: I am not a US citizen and do not have an
immigration visa (greencard). Are there
any federal job openings that I can apply
for, and do federal agencies and
departments consider sponsoring
applicants for a work visa? -- Thanks.

John D. Still: Go to this page for information

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI9.htm


Frederick, Maryland: Where can I get help writing KSA's?

John D. Still: Go to this page for information
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI64.htm

There are also a number of commercial publications on the market with this information


District Heights, Maryland: Hello, Mr. Still. My name is Cynthia McKnight. I resigned from the Office of Personnel Management on September 14,2002. I am interested in being reinstated by the government. I cannot get any information from OPM on reinstatement rights or reemployment eligibility. Hopefully, you can help me or guide me in the right direction.

John D. Still: Information can be found on this page

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI2.htm


Chattanooga,Tenn: I am 55 yrs old w/extensive experience including with TVA( a federal Corp) for twenty yrs.I am US citizen since 1976 and had some kind of security clearance(?)

How to get security clearance before applying for jobs?

How to get job in DC with Federal Govt?
THANKS.

John D. Still: Security Clearances are requested by the hiring agency when you have been selected for the position

Go to our web site www.usajobs.opm.gov to search for jobs in Wash DC


Upper Marlboro, Maryland: I have prior Federal Goverment Service from 9/1988 till 9/1990 under a career conditional appointment and finding it difficult to renter the Federal Government. Is it that I don't have status because I didn't work long enough?

John D. Still: Read the information on this page.

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI2.htm


Jobs: Sorry we're out of time, thanks to all who participated.


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