OPM to Conduct Virtual Job Fair
OPM Director James sees event as beginning for Administration�s e-Government reform

Washington, D.C. �The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced it will conduct a virtual IT job fair for individuals interested in working in the Federal Government. OPM Director Kay Coles James stated, "This new way of doing business tears down many of the barriers for Americans looking for ways to serve their country. It also saves agencies time and money as they attempt to fill important positions. President Bush has called for expanding e-Government in his President�s Management Agenda � this virtual job fair begins the implementation of his vision."

Approximately 20 Federal agencies have expressed an interest in participating in this first of its kind event which is being held the week of April 22-26. The entire application and assessment process will be accessed via the Internet at www.usajobs.gov. The job fair is intended for GS-2210 IT specialist with grade levels of GS 7-13.

Streamlining the hiring process and recruiting nationwide, which are two benefits of the virtual job fair, will make it easier to hire skilled individuals for IT positions. Said James, "The virtual job fair will improve our speed and efficiency in processing applications. That is critical as we compete with the private sector to recruit the best and the brightest into public service."

On-line applicants will be assessed on core critical competencies required for the Federal IT jobs, such as interpersonal skills, problem solving, teamwork, project management, as well as specific technical competencies such as programming languages, network management, and web technology. The CIO Council�s Workforce and Human Capital for IT Committee is working with OPM to conduct the virtual job fair.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.