Government Careers

Applying for Federal and Security-Related Jobs

Derrick Dortch: Good Morning, Good Morning! Well this year has started off with some interesting developments on the federal front with new cabinet announcements and some agencies announcing major hiring initiatives. If you have not heard, the FBI has announced that they will be hiring over 2,100 professional staff and over 850 special agents. You can see the announcement here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/jan09/hiring_010509.html

This will be one of a few agencies who will be hiring this year. The State Department will be another agency to watch. They have a goal of hiring over 1,000 personnel. Also keep an eye on the CIA. They are also in a hiring mode as well as other agencies within the Intelligence Community (IC).

Various agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also be hiring.

Well, without any further delay let me get right to your questions and I will try to get to any announcements later in the discussion.

Thank you for stopping by and if you have any questions about the federal job search, writing federal resumes and KSA, security clearances or anything related to career, work and life issues please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks again and ENJOY!

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Glenwood Springs, Colo.: Hi Derrick,

I've already read some very similar questions to my own, but I thought it's worth asking anyways.

I just received my M.A. in Communication and am interested in landing a job with the federal government. I have a 4.0 GPA with extensive writing and publishing experience throughout my graduate and undergraduate years. As of now, I am conducting my job search from Colorado. I do have several connections in Washington, but before I actually physically visit, I'd like to set up some potential interviews. My strength right now is education over experience, as I am only 24. I am specifically looking for a position that is related to writing, editing, and/or proofreading.

How do I get noticed, and more importantly, where do I even begin searching?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Glenwood Springs, Colo.,

Thanks for your question. The one good thing for you is that every agency has a Communications and Public Affairs Office. I would suggest you begin your search a couple of ways. First look on USAJOBS and do a keyword search under public affairs, media, media relations, writer, editor, communications, journalism and any other words related to the communications field. Since you are young and have some experience along with your Masters I would suggest you look at GS 7 - 10 level positions. With your Masters and your level of experience you can get to a GS-10 and sometimes even an 11 depending on who hires you.

There should be a good number of positions that will come up under this search. Next go to AVUECENTRAL.com and do the same search. After that I would recommend that you go to Indeed.com and do the same search. Lastly I would recommend you go to the websites of all the Excepted Service Agencies and see what positions they have in their career or employment or job sections. You can find many of those agencies at this link: http://www.usajobs.gov/ei6.asp

The reason I am having you go to so many places to do your search is because agencies can put job announcements out in many places. Competitive Service Agencies are required to post on USAJOBS. Excepted Service Agencies do not have that same requirement. You need to check various sources where government agencies will post job announcements so you can cover all your bases.

Begin targeting the announcements you see at various agencies. Again since every agency has a public affairs or communications office that means you have some good chances to get a position.

Next I would suggest you put together a networking strategy. This involves doing two things. One going to the right networking/career events and two doing some direct contacting. Lets do the events first. Try to get to DC (if this is where you want to work) when there are some career fairs being held that some federal agencies participating. A great way to find career fairs is to find agencies who list where they will be recruiting. FBI, NSA and DIA regularly list where they will be attending career fairs. Usually when there is one agency there you will find others. Career Fairs are a great way to secure a federal job because you are able to make that direct contact and make a great impression on a recruiter.

Second. Since many Public Affair Officers or Communication Specialists have their information including their email and phone numbers listed online you can reach out and let them know of your career interest and ask if you can get advice from them on your career path and your resume. While doing this you can send your resume, do a soft sell of yourself and make a great impression that may lead to more.

I could go and on but I have to get to other questions but if you do these things you will be able to have some great results in your job search. Contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com if you need any additional assistance.

I hope this is helpful and I wish you much success in your federal job search.

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Foreign Service, Va.: Hi Derrick,

Do you have any recommendations for answering personal narrative questions for the Foreign Service? I've filled out most of the application, howevever, the vague personal narrative questions (6) with corroborating people seems like a daunting tasks. Any advice who would love to be an officer but has trouble getting past the application? Thanks again,

Derrick Dortch: Hello Foreign Service, Va.,

Yes I do have a alot of advice on this. When you have these personal narrative questions or KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and abilities) questions this is your chance to really shine and sell yourself. I know it seems daunting but if you spend some quality time developing some solid responses it can help you not only get interviews but it can also help you in preparing yourself for the interview to win the position you want.

Let's use the example you provided on corroborating with people. Take a moment and think about all the projects you have worked on where you have corroborated or worked with people. I am sure you have many projects or tasks where you work on a team either as a member, leader or major contributor. Next take some time to think about which of these projects were successful. Write them down in brief.

Next think about what your role was and how you can describe your role in the total context of what happened on the project or task. Use the Situation, Action and Result Model or the Context, Challenge, Action and Result model to describe what you did, how you handled it and what were the results.

As you start writing things down I bet you will have more stories than you can possibly use. Pick the top three or four and pull them out and make them into a very targeted, powerful and persuasive story. Make them interesting, almost like a short story.

This is the way you sell yourself on these and any statements the government requires. I could talk about this the whole show but if you need more help contact me directly at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take care and I wish you much success!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Good morning. Is the application process to the FBI similar to any other federal job? Meaning, writing KSA's, etc?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Philly,

Thanks for the question. Yes the FBI process is similar to other agencies and some of their positions they do require KSAs. Check out FBIJOBS.gov and it will walk you through the full process of how to apply and how you should develop your resumes.

Keep in mind that this is going to be a very competitive process so make sure you focus on selling yourself in your resume by telling relevant success stories that apply to the position(s) you are targeting. Give them a reason to pull you from the pile of many applicants.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Fairfax, Va.: I applied for a GS 9/10 and received a response via mail stating I did not have enough qualifications to have my application forwarded to the hiring manager. The letterhead had an "NV score" or something similar of 78. What does this mean and is it worth contacting the department to determine how my application was reviewed? I was sure I had enough experience and education for the job according to the description.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Fairfax,

I would need to know more information about the position you applied for and your background to do a full analysis on the situation but I would suggest you do contact the HR people to find out how you were graded and ranked and determined to be not qualified.

Now if you know that you are qualified for the position and you received this score this means that there is a problem with the package (federal resume, KSA, etc) you submitted. It means you were not selling yourself and stating your qualifications in a way that the agency deemed you qualified. This means you will have to go back to the drawing board and redevelop your materials.

If you are applying to positions that you are not qualified for then you will continue to get these responses. This means you need to really evaluate what positions meet what I call your SEEQ (Skills, Experience, Education and Qualifications). Evaluate your SEEQ and then match yourself with the right positions.

If you do both of these things you will begin seeing results.

If you need more assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Definitely contact the HR people. It will be educational to learn their process and learn how to put forward a better application next time.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Washington, D.C.: It's good to hear that some agencies are still hiring - for those State jobs, are those across the board or in specific bureaus/departments? I think I heard AID is hiring many, too. Thanks!

Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,

USAID will be hiring. For all of those interested. From the word I am getting there will be a big push on the international and foreign affairs side of government under this administration. I expect to see increases in hiring for agencies who deal with international affairs including the Peace Corp. You will probably see increases in hiring in Treasury and agencies who are dealing with the financial crisis.

Thanks for the comment.

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Federal Employee in Denver, Colo.: For Glenwood Springs, Colo.... If your main interest is in working for the federal government as opposed to moving to DC, I just wanted to remind you that most of the federal agencies have a branch in Denver or Lakewood, CO. Just a reminder not to forget about opportunities that are in your own backyard. And, if you do have your heart set on moving to DC, this might be an easier way to set up informational interviews to find out more about what jobs are out there that meet your skills and interests.

Derrick Dortch: Federal Employee in Denver, Colo.,

This is a great comment. You are very right and I am glad you mentioned this. Many people think the majority of federal jobs are in the DC, MD, VA area. This is not true. The majority of federal positions are outside of this area. Every state has a large number of federal positions. So do not think you have to get to DC to get a federal job. Definitely look in your own backyard as Denver just mentioned. You might just find a gold mine.

Thanks Denver for sharing! Excellent point!

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Baltimore, Md.: Derrick,

I very much want to begin a career in the field of intelligence. About two years ago, I had an initial interview with the CIA, but I wasn't hired. After reassessing my background and skills, and taking courses in Chinese and Arabic, I'm ready to reapply. Do you have any suggestions on the reapplication process? I went to a career fair and made contact with a recruiter, who suggested that I again apply via CIA.gov. I'm persistent and determined, but afraid that I'm wasting my time after not getting past the initial CIA interview process previously.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Baltimore,

I do have many suggestions for this but contact me directly and I can advise you better there. With the CIA many people get rejected the first time. I know of many people in that and other Intelligence and Law Enforcement agencies who did not get the job the first time they applied but they did not give up. You have been preparing yourself with some critically needed languages that the CIA is looking for so do apply if you feel you are ready. Its not a waste of time. The key for you is to prepare and make sure you bring your A game when you do apply and get that call about the interview.

I would also suggest that you take a look at the whole intelligence community. If you are studying Chinese and Arabic there may be some other agencies who are well know and not so well known that you would be very interested in and would be interested in you.

Take a look at Intelligence.gov. This is a listing of some agencies who could use your skills. It is not a full list but it is a good start.

If you need assistance in your application process contact me directly at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take care and I wish you much success. Do not give up!

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Alexandria: I applied for a positon that closed on Dec. 26, 2008. I have not heard anything back from the agency I applied for. How long should I wait to know if my application made it through the initial phase?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Alexandria,

We just came off the holidays so many agency HR departments are just getting back up to speed. I would suggest you give it about two more weeks and then call the agency and check on your application. When you call get a point of contact and ask can you reach out to him or her and continue to check on the status. Also inquire about next steps after people are notified about interviews. Lastly, ask about other positions in the agency and let him or her know of your interest. Show them that you are interested in getting in the door. Make the HR person see you as someone who they really want to help get into their agency. HR people are always looking for good people to send up to selecting officials. Become that person. Take care and I wish you much success.

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Bowie,MD: How do you get a good paying job with the government when you don't have a degree, but you have over 20 yrs work experience?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Bowie,

With 20 years of work experience that is like having a degree. Its a degree in life and the On the Job Training that sometimes a book cant teach. I am not downing education. I believe in it and have two degrees myself but for anyone who does not have a degree I dont want you to feel that you can not get a government job without one. I have helped many people who did not have a degree and had some great work experience get some great government jobs. The key was to pull out their experience and show that agency and that hiring official that the experience and success stories they had is worth just as much if not more as that degree.

For you its critical to target the right jobs that match your SEEQ (Skills, Experience, Education (Training in your case) and Qualifications. If you target the right jobs that match what you bring to the table you can have success in finding that federal position.

If you need assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com. Take care and I wish you much success.

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Washington, D.C.: Where can I go to find out agency career fairs?

Derrick Dortch: The best place to find career fairs are on some of the agencies sites. They are usually listed under recruiting events. Here are a few:

FBI Career Fair Schedule: http://fbijobs.gov/21.asp

NSA Career Fair Schedule: http://www.nsa.gov/careers/students_6.cfm

DIA Recruiting Events: http://www.dia.mil/employment/events.htm

Also check with the following:

Techexpousa.com

IntelligenceCareers.com

ClearanceJobs.com

Also run a search on D.C. Career Fairs in Google or any search engine. There are a number of organizations that have career fairs that you will find there. The Jobs section on WashingtonPost.com will also list fairs as well.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Arlington, Va.: Just a heads up in the next 24 to 36 months because of BRAC the DOD adjudicators who work DOD and other executive agency clearance cases are moving from Columbus Oh to Fort Meade MD. The high cost of living in this area means that about less than 10 out of the approx 13 adjudicators will make the move. This will result in a big time disruption to the granting of DOD industrial security clearances and result in the worst backlogs industry has ever seen.

Derrick Dortch: Thanks for the comment.

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Washington, D.C.: While in college, I was convicted of a felony (at the wrong place, with wrong person, and the wrong time). However, the Courts settled for a win-win situation (I guess you could say). My boyfriend, at the time, had narcotics hidden in my car (without my knowledge). We were pulled over, arrested, and eventually convicted. (The courts were a little bit lenient with me. They knew that it didn't belong to me, so they still gave me the conviction with the least amount of punishment available. I served a weekend (the rest of the 5 yrs suspended) and was put on Indefinite probation (the bare minimum has to be 1 year on probation until the judge decides to let you off). I served 11 months.

However, I am unable to find a job that is able to pay enough in order for me to support myself. I am 2 months shy of turning 26, and I am still living at home. My felony record is hindering me in my job search, although I have an excellent resume. I feel stagnant and I do not know what else to do. If an employer requests a background check (which most of them do now, including Wal Mart), then I do not even bother in applying. My options are thin to nothing, and I do not know what to do. Please help, because $7.75/hr is not going to help me at all.

Derrick Dortch: Hello D.C.,

This is something I need to talk to you more about offline. Contact me directly at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Your story is one that many young people should take heed to and understand how being at the wrong place, at the wrong time and with the wrong people can have some very negative consequences on you and your life.

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D.C.: I hear that the Foreign Service is giving out bonuses (and extra placement points) to speakers of "extra critical languages" (i.e. Arabic, Farsi, Chinese). Do you know any details about this? I can't seem to find much info.

Derrick Dortch: D.C.,

Some agencies do give bonuses for language skills. This is very true. But this is for a person who has a certain level of fluency. It is not for basic proficiency.

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Silver Spring, MD: Derrick,

Do you see the energy and environmental agencies as being good places for job growth under this administration, places like EPA, DOE, Interior, NOAA?

Derrick Dortch: Silver Spring,

I do see these agencies as being growth agencies under this administration. The environment I do believe will be a priority.

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golvein virginia: Hi, Derrick...here's a question.. What would the folks at Langley have to say about a one time extramartial encounter that came to light in a poly interview? Would this be grounds for termination for one or both parties? What HR action can happen when such an incident occurs either on government grounds or off government property/

Derrick Dortch: Contact me about this directly. This can raise a red flag on character issues and can be used as a reason to take away or deny a clearance.

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Derrick Dortch: I am so sorry but my producer is telling me we have to close for today. We will be back next month to answer your questions. If you feel we need to be on more than once a month please contact the Washington Post and let them know.

I want to thank Amy for producing today's show and I want to thank all of you who submitted questions and comments. I am so sorry I cant get to all of them but I will try to get some of them on my radio show on Federal News Radio (www.federalnewsradio.com)every Thursday at 12 noon.

Here is the link: http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=453

Next week I will take some questions from today and answer them on the air. Take care and I wish each of you much success. Enjoy the Inauguration and be safe.