Want to Work With the Feds? Tips From Employees Who Cracked the Code

Looking for a job within the Federal Government is not
entirely like looking elsewhere in the mainstream workforce. It's a little bit
like scoring tickets to a Red Sox game: even when they let you down, there's
still never a shortage of fans vying for seats in an already too small stadium,
up against long-standing season tickets holders.

Welcome to Washington, where the openings are
competitive and Fed employees with job security are reluctant to budge. But
like the Sox, there's always a chance that if you play the game hard enough,
and - with a few tips from OhMyGov! Federally employed insiders - you might not
even have to play trough the next century to win.

Don't be too proud to
start at the bottom. Especially if
you're young and recently out of college, be willing to take an entry level -
or very entry level - position. Three months serving as an intern or even a
volunteer will return on the investment when you get that coveted pay grade.

Granted, not all government agencies offer internships or
volunteer positions, but some do. Check out studentjobs.gov to start. Also, almost
any interest can be accommodated through a Congressional Internship, which will open your network and help you
make necessary contacts. By researching Members of Congress who advocate
for your interests or sit on committees that address your long term career
pursuits, you can target and apply to a particular office.

For example, if your dream is to work for the Department of
Education, send your resume to Members on the Committee on Education and Labor.
If you're looking to work for the Department of Energy, see who works with the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. If you can find a Member from your state, be
sure to mention that when applying - it can be a good hook.

Building the right
experience takes a little forethought. So you want to be a GS-13 at the
FDA, but you're only 24 years old. Start thinking long term and read that job
description now. Take note of the required qualifications and pursue them. If
your goal is many years off, consider what you could achieve in a year or two -
a GS-8 or GS-9 perhaps - and start building the experience required of those
positions. Remember that it's much easier to move up once you're on the inside. 

Build the proverbial rolodex.
Where you work is all about who you know. Does a friend, colleague, current
supervisor have a connection somewhere? Don't be afraid to let them know you
aspire to move up (unless, of course, it will risk your current employment!). Also
remember that while jobs are posted publicly on usajobs.gov, sometimes they're
created with a particular individual in mind, but nonetheless required to be
posted where everyone can see it.

 
That means you may have to infiltrate! Finding
someone on the inside can give you a little insight on how to become more competitive.
So do your research - find a recent press release or report that mentions the
team you want to join, and start sending them emails advertising your
qualifications, strengths and desire to get the job. It can't hurt!

Ace the interview. Getting
in the door is the hard part, so once
you're there, close the deal by presenting well. It's key to remember that if
you've made it to this step, they've already read your resume and believe you
have the necessary qualifications. Now it's up to you to convince them why they
want to work with you by letting your personality shine.

Read the interviewers' nonverbal signs: Are they serious? Stressed?
  Humorous?
Be yourself, but also try to mirror their disposition. If they're serious, you
should be your most professional self. If they're stressed, present yourself as
the solution to their problems. If they're humorous, remain professional but
remember it's ok smile, laugh and even crack joke (just keep it clean and politically
correct!).

Also, be sure you know whom you're meeting with. A little educated
flattery can go a long way. Just imagine your interviewer's reaction when you
say, "The testimony you gave to the House Judiciary Committee last month was very
impressive..." or "The position paper you wrote on environmental waste is one of
the things that most attracts me to this position."

Finally, remember you are also interviewing them. Ask well-researched
questions, and remember that they have to sell the position to you just as much
as you have to sell yourself to them.

Published
Mar 23 2008, 12:59 PM
by
Andrew B. Einhorn