Career Development Advice and Helpful Tips
Establish Partnerships
- Local/State Employment Services, Military Transition Centers, Military Installations
- Local/State Veteran Service Organizations, Rehabilitation Centers, One-Stop Centers
- Local Servicing Federal Agency (Human Resources)
- Federal Agency Contacts
- Student Programs, Vet Coordinators, Selective Placement Coordinators, Diversity Advocates
Purchase Membership with Professional Training Organizations
- Purchase memberships, Attend “free” seminars/webinars
- Purchase memberships with Employee Associations/Community Organizations
Do Your Homework
- Refer to OPM Qualification & Classification Standards – as a cross reference
- Research “specific” federal agency of interest
- Consult with Human Resource Professionals - establish a “buddy”
- Weigh Pros/Cons for position of interest - Can you pay your own moving expenses?
Prepare Your Resume
- Highlight “key” qualifications ; speak plain language; avoid use of abbreviations
- Provide information on whether part-time/full-time work experience
- Provide references upfront; not at a later date
- Provide only pertinent information for specific job of interest
- Seek professional assistance
- Consult with job coach/mentor
- Highlight “Key” Qualifications
- Possess excellent project management skills
- Manage major projects, programs, and agency initiatives
- Problem-solving advocate when dealing with diverse audiences
- Provide excellent customer service to internal/external customers
- Manage complex, controversial, and highly-sensitive issues
Preparing for the Interview
- Ask friends/relatives to participate in a “Mock” interview
- Sign-up for “free” Interview Techniques workshops/”Mock” Interview Workshops
- Identify “specific” characteristics to share with hiring manager
- Twenty years of knowledge/expertise
- Work well in teams with diverse audiences
- Active participant with public service activities and community events
- Champion/Team Player/Problem-Solving Advocate
- Attend high-level meetings with CEOs and Executives, prepare briefings
Updated: Thursday, May 3, 2012