how to apply for federal jobs the career center colorado state university
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How to Apply for Federal Jobs
The Career CenterColorado State University
GS/Pay Band
Grade Qualifying educationGS-5 4 academic years above high school leading to a
bachelor’s degree OR a bachelor’s degree
GS-7 Bachelor’s degree with one of the following:• Class standing (upper third of class)• 3.0 or higher GPA; 3.5 or higher GPA in major • Honor society membership
GS-9 Master’s degree (or equivalent)GS-11 Doctorate degree or J.D.
GS-5 and GS-7 are considered “entry
level”Source: opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp
Student Programs…
STEP and SCEP
Federal Career Internship Program (FCIP)
Presidential Management Fellows Program
PAST PROGRAMS
Internship Program
Recent Graduates Program
Presidential Management Fellows Program
CURRENT PROGRAMS
Internship Program: • Paid opportunities while still in school• Agencies may convert eligible participants to full-time employment
Recent Graduates Program: • Apply within 2 years of receiving degree• Veterans can apply within in six years of receiving a degree if they have
been actively serving in the military
Presidential Management Fellows Program: • The recruiting calendar will be adjusted to better align with academic
calendars• Open to advanced degree students within two years of graduation
Steps to Apply
To find and apply for a federal job, follow these steps online:
1. Search for specific positions
2. Create your federal resume
3. Complete application questionnaires
4. Submit the complete application by deadline
5. Follow up with the agency contact
Usajobs.gov
Usajobs.gov Hints
• Create a profile and resume before you begin to apply for jobs • Don’t hesitate to contact the agency –
use the contact information listed on the announcement • Print the job announcement, once the
deadline passes, it won’t be accessible • Save your favorite searches and set it to
email you
Usajobs.gov Hints
Federal Resumes
Federal resumes require more detail than standard resumes and many recruiters recommend using USAJOBS resume builder.
Hrs worked/week, supervisor’s name & phone number, salary
Usually 3-5 pages in length
Carefully review the job vacancy announcement or position description
Focus on the “duties” or “responsibilities” section, and customize your resume accordingly by identifying and including key words and phrases
Target your resume for every job you apply for!
Duty 1: Research design: developing an evaluation's scope, research questions, and data collection methods • Contributed to a collaborative article evaluating
communication journals’ external validity • Developed the methodology, research questions, and
research design for the research article and coded journal articles
• Wrote methodology section of paper outlining data collection methods
• Followed rigorous fact-checking and information citing procedures
• Received an A on the assignment.
Federal Resume Tips
Application Questionnaires• Between 25-125 questions• May include yes/no questions as well as experience-based questions• Tip: Preview questions using a link found in the job vacancy announcement
Participates in basic health care teaching to patients and their families. A.I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. B.I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job. C.I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures. D.I have performed this task as a regular part of my job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee. E.I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in this task because of my expertise.
Assessments
Some full-time positions will require applicants to go through the security clearance process, all require a general background check
Begin gathering relevant information now
Check out the SF-85 and SF-86 form
Tip: Be honest!
Security Clearances
Additional Resources