Government careers

Federal careers expert Derrick Dortch was online Wednesday, November 25, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss government job searching and military transition. Dortch is president of The Diversa Group, a firm that focuses on career counseling and development.

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Derrick Dortch: Good Morning, Good Morning!!! It's an overcast day in the Washington, DC area but it's still a great day. If you are not already off for the Thanksgiving holiday I am sure you are getting ready to head out of the office. I am doing the same after today's show. First let me share with you some big news. This story broke yesterday:

OPM extends direct hire authority for acquisition jobs
By Alyssa Rosenberg
November 24, 2009
A new rule giving agencies authority to hire acquisition employees directly could aid the Obama administration's efforts to bring contract jobs back in-house, and could inform the conversation about hiring reform, according to federal workforce advocates.

In a Federal Register notice /edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-28209.pdf> published on Tuesday, the Office of Personnel Management finalized a regulation extending direct hire authority for procurement jobs. The rule allows heads of civilian agencies to determine whether there is a dearth of strong candidates for certain acquisition positions. If they can demonstrate a shortage, then the agency can hire directly, rather than requiring candidates to go through the full standard federal application process. The authority goes into effect on March 24, 2010, and expires on Sept. 30, 2012.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=44108&dcn=todaysnews

This is big news especially for job seekers who are trying to get into the federal government. The Defense and Homeland Security Acquisition field is growing and there will be a great deal of insourcing that will be taking place. With direct hire authority, agencies can have hiring events and also put out job announcements and quickly identify and hire qualified applicants. This would significantly cut down the application process for those selected. We will keep monitoring this but for those interested in defense and acquisition 2010 could very well be your year.

Those interested in this field may also want to look at this site:

Federal Acquisition Intern Coalition
http://www.fai.gov/FAIC/Default.asp

Well without any further delay let me get to answering your questions. If you have any questions related to the federal job search, writing federal resumes and KSAs, getting a security clearance, military transition and more please send your questions in. I will respond to as many people as possible. Also if anyone has any comments, advice or a good tip they want to share please do not hesitate to do so.

Thank you so very much for stopping by the show. You are truly appreciated. ENJOY!!!

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Baltimore, Md.: If you never worked for the government, how do you get in -- especially for jobs that require clearance?

Derrick Dortch: Good Morning Baltimore, MD,

Thanks for your question. Let me give you some key steps that I think are critical in the federal job search:

IDENTIFY
Match yourself with various jobs that meet your qualifications, skills and interests.

Match yourself with various agencies, departments, branches and units.

Find key personnel in other agencies to connect with.

TARGET
When targeting you want to do the following:

Target the right positions.

Target the right agencies, departments, etc.

Target and connect with the right people (Networking).

Target and join the right associations and activities.

PREPARE
When preparing you want to do the following:

Prepare powerful, persuasive, targeted self-marketing materials (federal resume, KSA, ECQs, cover letters, etc.)

Prepare for the interview (research, portfolio, practice).

If you have been working in any field in the private, non-profit, education, health care or other sectors then more than likely there is probably a federal job out there that is similar to what you were doing or what you are qualified to do.

First you need to go about a process of really determining what you are qualified to do. You also want to think about what agencies have those jobs and what agencies truly capture your interest. Then you need to begin matching yourself to the jobs and the agencies you are qualified for and interested in. If you are not qualified for what you are interested in then you have to figure out a plan that will get you qualified. This may be education, training, additional experience through some other venue.

Now you can find government jobs in many places but some key areas are:

USAJOBS
usajobs.gov

AVUECENTRAL
avuecentral.com

Indeed.com (Will do a search on all industries but it will pull a good number of federal jobs)

Also you want to go to the actual agencies you are interested and visit the employment page on their Web site.

After you do this you have to develop a targeted, powerful, persuasive federal resume, KSAs, and other support materials you can use to target the positions correctly. This is key. You have to make sure your package has success stories within them. This means that your self-marketing materials are not just job descriptive. They really do demonstrate through success stories and achievements that you are capable and are the best qualified. I can not emphasize enough how important this is.

I could go on and on, but let me suggest this lastly: Make sure you go to career fairs and hiring events that federal agencies will be participating in or holding. This is a great way to also get hired. I know that sometimes it can be frustrating to go to career fairs, but I have seen some great success stories come from career fairs and hiring events.

In terms of the security clearance when it comes to federal agencies you do not have to worry about that. Federal agencies will clear you once they give you the conditional offer of employment. The key thing is to make sure you are clearable so you wont have any problem getting the clearance. YOU DO NOT have to have a clearance to apply to federal government jobs. Jobs requiring clearance are usually government contractor jobs. So when you see a federal job and it says you will have to get a clearance that means that the federal government will clear you.

I hope this helps. Take care, and I wish you much success.

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Washington, D.C.: There are plenty of jobs that require a security clearance. How can someone outside of the Armed Forces acquire such clearance?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Washington, DC,

You are correct. There are many jobs that do require security clearances. Many of these jobs are government contractor jobs who want people to have clearances when they start so they can get them started immediately on the project they have the contract for. Federal Agencies that have jobs that require a clearance will clear you and get you started once you have your clearance.

So this leads me to the answer to your questions. Here are the ways you can get a clearance.

1. Get A Federal Job Requiring a Security Clearance
This is probably the best way. Now remember not all federal jobs require clearances. But like I mentioned, you can apply for federal positions without having a clearance and if you are selected for the position they will clear you.

2. Join the Military and Get into an Occupation that Requires a Clearance
Just because you join the military does not mean you will get a clearance. You need to be in an occupation that requires one. This means you may be working in Intelligence, may be Special Forces, working on Technology, be in Missile Defense, work with high level communication equipment, etc. These type jobs will usually require a clearance. Most officers will also get at least a secret level clearance.

3. Find Government Contractors Who Have "CLEARABLE" Jobs and are Willing to Sponsor You for a Clearance.
There are some government contractors who will clear you if you are the right candidate. Let me give you an example of position I just pulled up right now:

Business Development/IT Sales (US citizen/Clearable)
Skills:
DoD or Big Agency Business Development/sales experience, IT Services Sales, Professional Services and Solutions Sales.
Date:
10-29-2009
Description:
PSS is actively seeking a talented IT Sales/Business Development Personnel to help grow our IT Government Solutions Group by expanding our current customer base and pipeline for new business opportunities within the Federal (DoD & Civilian) agencies. The successful candidates will report directly to the VP of Business Development and Marketing.

Required Skills:

* Must have a minimum of 5 years of DoD or Big Agency Business Development/sales experience selling IT Services, Professional Services and Solutions
* Proven and verifiable Federal sales track record delivering over 5 million of annual billed revenue
* Strong rolodex of contacts
* Strong at prospecting and new account/new territory development
* Responsible for identifying, qualifying, positioning for and winning new business
* Integrates the client business strategy and goals into a cohesive business plan
* Establishes teams across client organizations
* Pursue and win new strategic opportunities
* Knowledge of ERP (SAP, Oracle and PeopleSoft) BTA, Program Management Support, Acquisition Support, Application Development and Integration, Application Outsourcings and Support, and IT Security Consulting.
* Strong Presentation Skills
* Bachelors Degree
*
Clearable :( Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Accordingly, U.S. Citizenship is required.)

If you look at this position it says they are looking for someone who is "clearable". Now many of these positions will be specialized but this is also another way to get a clearance. You may also want to look at both big and medium size growing companies sometimes they are willing to sponsor someone for a clearance.

Go on sites like Indeed.com or Simplyhired.com and do a keyword search under "CLEARABLE" and see what comes up.

There are a few more ways but unfortunately I dont have time to go into each one. This gets you started. I hope it helps. Take care, happy Thanksgiving and I wish you much success.

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Arlington, Va.: As a current DCIPS employee (and retired military), i've been told that under DCIPS if i wanted to change jobs within the intel community, i would be subject to accepting the same salary at the new job that I'm currently making - i.e., if i was making $15 a year as a band four with one intel agency and wanted to take a job at a different intel agency, I wouldn't be able to ask for more money. Is that true? And if/when DCIPS is reconfigured (soon, hopefully), will that change?? Thanks.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington, VA,

Just so everyone knows what we are talking about, DCIPS is the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System. This usually covers those working for Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and a good number of alphabet-city agencies in the defense intelligence community.

What you are telling me does not sound completely right or true. If you are moving into another job it can be negotiated that you are brought up to a different level and can receive more pay. I have helped people in the past with salary negotiations and have seen it where a person can move into new positions that are higher level and have more responsibility and have their salary increase. Now the DCIPS is in so much flux right now I think we need to see how the system will be when the smoke clears but I do think things will be better when everything is reconfigured.

I would need to really know more about your situation directly to advise you correctly, but what I will say is that you can move from one Intel job to another either internally or to another agency and get more money. Salary is negotiable. Always remember that.

If you want to set up an appointment for a consultation -- and I can advise you better after I know the full situation -- then contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Take care, Happy Thanksgiving and I wish you much success.

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New England: Hi, Derrick. I was recently informed of a tentative federal job offer, however, because the background check may take up to two weeks, I may not get a firm offer until sometime in early December. The agency informed me that they are interested in having us (it is a group) start in very early January. Obviously moving from out of state with just a few weeks notice would be very difficult. They told me I could start two weeks later than the group, but I wanted to ask you if you thought I could try negotiate an even later start date, and if you think I would likely be able to do that. Thanks!

Derrick Dortch: Hello New England,

Everything is negotiable up to a point. It never hurts to ask, and I think you should. I suggest you come up with your concrete plan and your concrete dates and then send them in e-mail form to your point of contact. Let them know your situation and what you need to do to move and come up to get started. Hopefully they will work with you. I would also suggest that you want to have a FINAL OFFER in hand before you make any move. CONDITIONAL OFFERS are just that and they can be rescinded at any moment. With the final offer you have that security and your job is usually secure.

Start that process today or at least on Monday, November 30th. Also you want to get all of this in writing from the agency so that there are no mix ups and errors in communication. Always get everything in writing via e-mail or letter or something. But yes, do try to negotiate, see what happens and then make your decisions accordingly.

I hope it works out. Besides, it's the holiday season so that agency may give you some holiday cheer. Smile. Take care, and I wish you much success. Let me know how it works out.

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Bethesda, MD.: Is the CR holding up the hiring process for most agencies? If the budget is approved, when will the hiring begin again?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Bethesda, MD,

The CR or Continuing Resolution that keeps government operating until the budget is passed does hold up hiring because federal agencies do not have their full budgets. Some agencies are in a hiring mode because they either have the money set aside to hire or they are hiring off of budget projections of what they will receive. You will see a strong push on hiring starting late January and going into the summer. Also keep your eyes out for Hiring Events. Defense Security Service (DSS) just had one, and some of the clients I have been working with and some other people I know about received offers.

Defense Intelligence Agency is also suppose to be having a hiring event in December so watch for that. DIA.mil is the Web site.

Once the full budget is passed you will definitely see a pick in hiring but my suggestion is that you do not wait till then. If you know the agencies you are interested in begin reaching out to them. Begin making contact with the Human Resources office and get a point of contact. Find out when they expect to hire. Begin networking with those in various agencies. Reach out and be proactive rather than reactive.

I hope this helps. Take care, have a Happy Holidays and I wish you much success.

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Oxon Hill, Md.: I am unable to attend the discussion because I am at work. Being a contractor for the government, are my chances better than most for a government job?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Oxon Hill, MD

The answer can be YES if you are using your position the right way. As a government contractor you are usually already in the door and doing work with various agencies. Now the question is how do you use it for your advantage. Let me give you a couple of tips.

1. Try to get as much exposure and access to government managers as possible.
If you are working on a project try to make sure are one of the people who are talking to the government employees overseeing the project. Make sure you are doing excellent work and that you a building a good working and personal relationship with them. Its both who you know and what you know. Try to get to know those who make decisions within that agency whether you want to stay there or not.

When the time is right you can let that person know that you are truly interested in becoming a federal worker. If they see that you are a great worker, have passion in what you do and are serious then they may open the door for you or help you in finding and getting into the right position within an agency.

2. Learn as much as possible about the federal government and how it operates when you do your work.
As a contractor you are often doing the same work as some government employees. If you want to be a government employee you need to make sure you completely embrace the work. Know all of the Code of Federal Regulations related to your work and use them. Know all federal policies and procedures related to your work and use them. Know the process inside and out to the point where you become the go to person when it relates to certain things. By doing this you make yourself an expert and you are also able to put this on your resume that you work on projects and ensure compliance of 29 CFR, etc. I hope you get my point. The more an HR person or hiring manager can see you were completely involved in the process and instrumental then the more marketable you will be.

3. Network
I mentioned about making sure your government managers see you doing excellent work and you building relationships with them. Do the same thing with others in federal government. Start building your network and talking to others in that agency and other agencies if you have an opportunity to go to conferences or you are a part of any associations.

4. Get as much experience as possible
If you want to be a Federal Employee get a much experience as possible. Do this even if it means doing extra work or contributing to a new project or anything like that. Again you want to put yourself in a place where you can get exposure and possible opportunities.

5. Get a Federal Mentor
Find someone in the agency you are working for or the agency(ies) you want to work for and ask them to mentor you. This person should be on a supervisory status or executive level. GS 14, 15, or SES. Get advice from them on what direction to take, what agencies to target, what positions would be a good fit. A good mentor can be very helpful.

6. Develop a Career Success Strategy
If you want to get into federal government think about what you really want to do, who you want to work for and what are both your short and long term career goals and objectives. The more of a plan you have the better you will be able to develop an executable action plan to achieve your goals and objectives.

The key for you is to use your inside access to get the experience and network you need to make a move into the federal government.

I hope this helps. If you need more assistance please contact me at dtd@diversagroup.com and we can set up a consultation where I can guide you more.

Take care and I wish you much success.

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Virginia Beach, Va.: I was recently hired into a GS government procurement position. Under the direct-hire authority, can an agency hire an employee away from another agency? I plan to stay in my present job for at least a year to show some loyalty, but next year I want to move on to another position at a higher grade. Direct Hire might be my best approach. Thanks for your time.

Derrick Dortch: This a good way to end today's show. Yes you can be hired away under direct hire authority but since you are already a federal employee, I would be proactive and begin contacting the Defense Acquisition Human Resources Department and begin expressing your interest. Given the hiring needs, you may not have to wait. Also if you have not received this training yet, I would suggest you try to get some training from Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute.

http://www.dau.mil/default.aspx

http://www.fai.gov/

This will make you more marketable.
Remember - Be proactive.

I wish you much success. Let me know how things work out.

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Washington, DC: Are there any recommended service provider that can help one prepare good KSAs in response to job announcement?

Derrick Dortch: Contact me directly at dtd@diversagroup.com for a list.

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Derrick Dortch: Well my producer just gave me the nod that I have to close up for today. I want to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! If you are traveling, be careful. If you are with family and friends, enjoy them; and if you are taking time for yourself to rest and relax and meditate, enjoy that as well. We have much to be thankful for. Before we close I just received notice that one Arlington county worker was killed today and another critically injured in a work related incident. This is such a tragedy, and I want to lift these families up in our prayers. May God bless them in this time of such a tragic loss.

Please be careful out there and remember that we have so very much to be thankful for. I want to thank my producer for all of her great work and most of all I want to thank you for stopping by.

We will be back in two weeks. Till then take care, and I wish you much success in your career, work and life.

Derrick T. Dortch

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