Click here to skip navigation
OPM.gov Home  |  Subject Index  |  Important Links  |  Contact Us  |  Help

U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Advanced Search

HCAAF Resource Center

Career Patterns Guide

Scenario: Mission-Focused
Dominant Dimension: Mission-Focus

Mission-Focused Scenario

Back to the Top

Scenario Description

Typical Mission-Focused applicants are drawn to Federal service to support a specific agency mission. Knowing they can make a contribution and be recognized for that contribution is a critical work environment requirement for Mission-Focused potential applicants. Individuals under this scenario can be at almost any stage in their career.

Mission-Focused Scenario

Core Values

Work Attractors

  • Knowledge
  • Passion for subject, interest, or service
  • Work related to expertise/interests
  • Social responsibility
  • Camaraderie
  • Developmental opportunities
  • Goal-oriented projects
  • Research environment and freedom
  • Teamwork
  • Work aligned with interests
  • Meaningful work

Human Resources Policies/Programs To Leverage

  • Direct Hire Authority
  • Excepted Service Appointed Authorities6
  • Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (must fulfill 3-year service requirement)
  • Maximum Payable Rate Rule (highest previous rate)
  • Superior Qualifications and Special Needs Pay-Setting Authority
  • Telework
  • Veterans Appointing Authorities

Supports Recruitment

Supports Retention

  • Advertise the position’s link to agency mission
  • Market at schools or through specific venues
  • Recruit through professional associations and reputable societies
  • Time recruitment to parallel current events that inspire service
  • Allow for a variety of projects related to service
  • Assistance in maintaining licenses
  • Offer professional development opportunities
  • Offer salaries competitive with private sector
  • Provide dual career ladders

6 e.g., the Federal Career Intern Program.

Back to the Top