2009 Careers in Federal 2009 Careers in Federal LibrariesLibraries

The Road to Federal The Road to Federal LibrarianshipLibrarianship

2009 Update2009 Update

Helen Q. ShermanHelen Q. Sherman

ALA Annual Pre-Conference EventALA Annual Pre-Conference EventJuly 10, 2009July 10, 2009

Do you want to be a Do you want to be a Fed?Fed? Welcome! You are on the right path!Welcome! You are on the right path!

Federal libraries & information centers Federal libraries & information centers need talented, enthusiastic librarians.need talented, enthusiastic librarians.

Prediction that 1/3 of federal Prediction that 1/3 of federal employees are eligible to retire by employees are eligible to retire by 2012.2012.

Federal Civilian Workforce Statistics: The Fact Book, 2005 ed. http://www.opm.gov/feddata/factbook/2005/factbook2005.pdf

Roles of Federal Roles of Federal LibrariansLibrarians

Reference Reference Instruction and Database TrainingInstruction and Database Training Database Development Database Development AcquisitionsAcquisitions CatalogingCataloging IndexingIndexing Web Page DevelopmentWeb Page Development Systems Systems Library Services for Agency PersonnelLibrary Services for Agency Personnel MarketingMarketing Management and AdministrationManagement and Administration

……and that’s just at one and that’s just at one agency!agency!

(Defense Technical Information Center)(Defense Technical Information Center)

Main Types of Federal Main Types of Federal LibrariesLibraries

Academic LibrariesAcademic Libraries

Family “Public” Type LibrariesFamily “Public” Type Libraries

School LibrariesSchool Libraries

Special LibrariesSpecial Libraries

Variety of Federal Variety of Federal LocationsLocations

Academic Libraries Academic Libraries – Academies (4-year Degrees)Academies (4-year Degrees)– Service Universities (Graduate Degrees)Service Universities (Graduate Degrees)

Family Libraries Family Libraries – E.g., Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine CorpsE.g., Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps

School Libraries School Libraries (Department of Defense)(Department of Defense)– Overseas and limited areas in U.S.Overseas and limited areas in U.S.

Special LibrariesSpecial Libraries– Agency and Foreign Service LibrariesAgency and Foreign Service Libraries– Medical LibrariesMedical Libraries– Law LibrariesLaw Libraries– Museums & Historical CentersMuseums & Historical Centers– Scientific & Technical Libraries & Information Scientific & Technical Libraries & Information

CentersCenters

Goal of Federal Job Goal of Federal Job ProcessProcess

FederalEmploye

e

Employer

Applicant

Agency’s Typical PathAgency’s Typical Pathto Federal Recruitmentto Federal Recruitment

Establishment of Appropriate Series for JobEstablishment of Appropriate Series for Job Analysis of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Analysis of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Required for JobRequired for Job Determination of Position Level and Salary RangeDetermination of Position Level and Salary Range Recruitment with Public Announcement of PositionRecruitment with Public Announcement of Position Screening of ApplicationsScreening of Applications Referral List to Selecting OfficialReferral List to Selecting Official InterviewsInterviews Queries to ReferencesQueries to References SelectionSelection Patience!Patience!

Establishment of Establishment of Appropriate Series for Appropriate Series for JobJob

• Job Analysis: Job Analysis: Description of work to be Description of work to be donedone

• Series:Series: Four-digit code that represents Four-digit code that represents a particular job functiona particular job function

• Grade:Grade: Level of employment that Level of employment that determines the salarydetermines the salary

• General Services (GS) Examples:General Services (GS) Examples:• GS-1410-09 (straight 09)GS-1410-09 (straight 09)• GS-1410-09/11 (promotion potential)GS-1410-09/11 (promotion potential)• GS-1412-15 (highest GS level)GS-1412-15 (highest GS level)

Position Classification Position Classification Standards for Each Standards for Each SeriesSeries

GS Examples:GS Examples: *1410 – Librarian Series*1410 – Librarian Series 1411 – Library Technician Series1411 – Library Technician Series 1412 – Technical Information Specialist Series1412 – Technical Information Specialist Series 1420 – Archivist Series1420 – Archivist Series 1421 – Archives Technician Series1421 – Archives Technician Series 1499 – Library & Archives Student Trainee1499 – Library & Archives Student Trainee Other possibilities, depending on individual’s Other possibilities, depending on individual’s

related education and work experience for a seriesrelated education and work experience for a series

Tip: Tip: Review the job requirements to Review the job requirements to determine if you are qualified before determine if you are qualified before applying.applying.

Position Classification Position Classification Standard for Librarian Standard for Librarian Series, GS-1410Series, GS-1410

Librarian, Supervisory Librarian, Supervisory Librarian,Librarian,or Reference Librarian, etc.or Reference Librarian, etc.

Position Description (PD)Position Description (PD)

Tip: The Position Description (PD) summarized in a job announcement is based on factor levels for

the position.

Differences in Factor Levels Differences in Factor Levels from Entry Level to Experienced from Entry Level to Experienced LibrarianLibrarian

Factor 1, Knowledge Required by PositionFactor 1, Knowledge Required by Position

Level 1-6 950 Points:Level 1-6 950 Points:– ““The librarian provides reference services where The librarian provides reference services where

needs are relatively easy to determine from client needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews or written requests, and the bibliographic interviews or written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are readily accessible…”source materials are readily accessible…”

Level 1-8 1550 PointsLevel 1-8 1550 Points– ““The librarian serves as an expert…;”The librarian serves as an expert…;”– “…“…an interagency or federal expert…”an interagency or federal expert…”– “…“…a senior staff librarian for a library system…”a senior staff librarian for a library system…”

Differences in Levels for Differences in Levels for Supervisory ExperienceSupervisory Experience

Factor 2, Supervisory ControlsFactor 2, Supervisory Controls Level 2-3 275 Points:Level 2-3 275 Points:

– ““The supervisor defines the librarian's scope of The supervisor defines the librarian's scope of responsibility and the objectives, priorities, and deadlines.”responsibility and the objectives, priorities, and deadlines.”

Level 2-5 650 PointsLevel 2-5 650 Points– ““The supervisor and higher-level authorities consider the The supervisor and higher-level authorities consider the

work as technically authoritative and normally accept the work as technically authoritative and normally accept the librarian’s recommendations without significant change.”librarian’s recommendations without significant change.”

Tip:Tip: Do not submit the same resume for all job Do not submit the same resume for all job applications. Review each announcement applications. Review each announcement carefully; prepare application to highlight carefully; prepare application to highlight your qualifications for the job.your qualifications for the job.

KSAsKSAs

Knowledge: Knowledge: Organized body of Organized body of information, usually of factual or information, usually of factual or procedural nature, which, if applied, procedural nature, which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job makes adequate performance on the job possible.possible.

Skills: Skills: Proficient manual, verbal, or Proficient manual, verbal, or mental manipulation of data, people, or mental manipulation of data, people, or things. Observable, quantifiable, things. Observable, quantifiable, measurablemeasurable..

Abilities: Abilities: Power to perform an activity Power to perform an activity at the present time. at the present time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required - Abilities (KSAs) Required - EssaysEssays

Sample Essay QuestionsSample Essay Questions– ““ Knowledge of principles, concepts, Knowledge of principles, concepts,

and techniques of library science.”and techniques of library science.”– ““Ability to plan and manage a program for a Ability to plan and manage a program for a

library’s _______(Reference Services, library’s _______(Reference Services, Document Delivery, Cataloging, etc.)Document Delivery, Cataloging, etc.)

– ““Ability to lead and supervise a diverse Ability to lead and supervise a diverse workforce.”workforce.”

– ““Ability to communicate effectively in Ability to communicate effectively in writing.”writing.”

– ““Ability to communicate effectively other Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.”than in writing.”

Tip: Submit well-written, truthful essays Tip: Submit well-written, truthful essays with specific and relevant examples.with specific and relevant examples.

Knowledge, Skills, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required – Abilities (KSAs) Required – QuestionnaireQuestionnaire

Multiple Choice QuestionsMultiple Choice Questions– E.g.; ‘I have performed the job of ______________E.g.; ‘I have performed the job of ______________

NeverNever OccasionallyOccasionally As a regular part of my job with supervisionAs a regular part of my job with supervision As a major part of my job, usually independently and As a major part of my job, usually independently and

without review by supervisorwithout review by supervisor To review the work of personnel under my supervisionTo review the work of personnel under my supervision As a recognized expert in the field, to train other As a recognized expert in the field, to train other

divisions or the federal communitydivisions or the federal community CombinationCombination of Questions & Essays of Questions & Essays

Tip: Answer the questions honestly. They Tip: Answer the questions honestly. They may be used as the basis for your interview may be used as the basis for your interview or queries to your references.or queries to your references.

Knowledge, Skills, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required –Abilities (KSAs) Required –AnnouncementAnnouncement

Expected Coverage of KSAs in Expected Coverage of KSAs in Application & ResumeApplication & Resume– Note Job Description & Specific Duties in AnnouncementNote Job Description & Specific Duties in Announcement– Note Qualifications and EvaluationsNote Qualifications and Evaluations

Education RequirementEducation Requirement Specialized ExperienceSpecialized Experience E.g.; “Specialized experience is experience in E.g.; “Specialized experience is experience in

information management/sciences; evaluation of information management/sciences; evaluation of technologies to acquire, apply, search, technologies to acquire, apply, search, communicate, generate, and utilize information communicate, generate, and utilize information resources; and program/project management and resources; and program/project management and supervisory experience.”supervisory experience.”

Tip: Use relevant terminology in your resume. Tip: Use relevant terminology in your resume. It will be reviewed by a personnel specialist or It will be reviewed by a personnel specialist or computer.computer.

KSA GuidelinesKSA Guidelines

Suggested Method for KSA Answers:Suggested Method for KSA Answers: Context: Context: Describe the situation.Describe the situation. Challenge: Challenge: Describe what needed to be done.Describe what needed to be done. Action: Action: Describe your role & specifically what you did.Describe your role & specifically what you did. Results: Results: Describe outcome in concrete, verifiable Describe outcome in concrete, verifiable

terms.terms.

Tips: Tips: Use concrete, action verbs, and specific nouns. Use concrete, action verbs, and specific nouns. Use numbers, statistics, and specific time Use numbers, statistics, and specific time

periods.periods. Quote relevant phrases from awards.Quote relevant phrases from awards. Use relevant terms from job announcement.Use relevant terms from job announcement.

Determination of Position Determination of Position Level and Salary RangeLevel and Salary Range

General Schedule (GS)General Schedule (GS)– E.g., E.g., E.g., E.g., GSGS-1412-09/11, -1412-09/11, GSGS-1410-11-1410-11

Majority of federal workforce paid Majority of federal workforce paid according to GS pay scaleaccording to GS pay scale

Each position given a specific rating Each position given a specific rating based on amount of education and based on amount of education and experience required for the jobexperience required for the job

General Schedule (GS) andGeneral Schedule (GS) andLocality Pay TablesLocality Pay Tableshttp://www.opm.gov/oca/09tables/indexGS.asphttp://www.opm.gov/oca/09tables/indexGS.asp

GS Base PayGS Base PayShowing Steps for Each Showing Steps for Each GradeGrade

GS Salary Table with Locality GS Salary Table with Locality PayPay

GS StepsGS Steps

Within-Grade Increases (WGIs) or Step Within-Grade Increases (WGIs) or Step IncreasesIncreases− Periodic increases in General Schedule (GS) employee's rate of Periodic increases in General Schedule (GS) employee's rate of

basic pay from one step of the grade of the position to the next basic pay from one step of the grade of the position to the next higher step of that grade; e.g., GS-11-01 to GS-11-02 higher step of that grade; e.g., GS-11-01 to GS-11-02

Required Waiting Period for WGIRequired Waiting Period for WGI– WGI is effective on the first day of the first pay period WGI is effective on the first day of the first pay period

beginning on or after the completion of the required waiting beginning on or after the completion of the required waiting period. period.

– StepsSteps Waiting PeriodWaiting Period– 2, 3 and 42, 3 and 4 52 calendar weeks (one year) 52 calendar weeks (one year)– 5, 6 and 75, 6 and 7 104 calendar weeks (two years)104 calendar weeks (two years)– 8, 9 and 108, 9 and 10 156 calendar weeks (three years)156 calendar weeks (three years)

Future Possibility for Future Possibility for EmployeeEmployee

Quality Step Increase (QSI)Quality Step Increase (QSI)– Faster-than-normal WGI may be used to Faster-than-normal WGI may be used to

reward GS employees who demonstrate reward GS employees who demonstrate sustained performance of highest quality sustained performance of highest quality

– Management decision per employee; not Management decision per employee; not standard awardstandard award

– Does not apply to incoming personnelDoes not apply to incoming personnel

Pay Plan, Series & Pay Plan, Series & Grade: GS-1410-11 Grade: GS-1410-11 LibrarianLibrarian

Determination of Position Determination of Position Level and Salary RangeLevel and Salary Range

General Schedule (GS)General Schedule (GS)– E.g., E.g., GSGS-1412-09/11, -1412-09/11, GSGS-1410-11-1410-11

Pay Banding or Performance Based SystemsPay Banding or Performance Based Systems– Government Accountability Office (GAO) Government Accountability Office (GAO)

E.g., E.g., PTPT-2210-03/03 Information Technology Specialist -2210-03/03 Information Technology Specialist (ITS)(ITS)

– National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)E.g.,E.g.,   ZPZP-2210-01/05 ITS-2210-01/05 ITS

– Department of Defense (DoD): National Security Department of Defense (DoD): National Security Personnel System (NSPS)Personnel System (NSPS)E.g., E.g., YCYC-1410-02/02 Supervisory Librarian and-1410-02/02 Supervisory Librarian and

YAYA-1410-02/02 Librarian-1410-02/02 Librarian

Pay Plan: YC-1410/02-02 Pay Plan: YC-1410/02-02 Supervisory Librarian andSupervisory Librarian andYA-1410/02-02 LibrarianYA-1410/02-02 Librarian

DoD NSPS Worldwide Pay DoD NSPS Worldwide Pay TableTablehttp://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsphttp://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/s/

Recruitment with Public Recruitment with Public Announcement of PositionsAnnouncement of Positions

* * USAJOBS USAJOBS http://http://www.usajobs.opm.govwww.usajobs.opm.gov//TIP: Bookmark other agency sites for announcements. TIP: Bookmark other agency sites for announcements.

(Examples)(Examples) Army: Army: http://http://www.cpol.army.milwww.cpol.army.mil// DOT: DOT: http://http://careers.dot.gov/js_apply.htmlcareers.dot.gov/js_apply.html DTIC: (Includes USAJOBS link to DTIC search results)DTIC: (Includes USAJOBS link to DTIC search results) http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/aboutus/employment.htmlhttp://www.dtic.mil/dtic/aboutus/employment.html FBI: (Includes USAJOBS link to FBI search results)FBI: (Includes USAJOBS link to FBI search results)

https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/fbi.exehttps://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/fbi.exe GAO: GAO: http://http://www.gao.gov/careers/apply.htmlwww.gao.gov/careers/apply.html GPO: GPO: http://http://www.gpo.gov/careers/jobs.htmwww.gpo.gov/careers/jobs.htm LC: LC: https://https://www.avuecentral.comwww.avuecentral.com// NIST: NIST: http://http://www.nist.gov/hrmd/index.htmwww.nist.gov/hrmd/index.htm

USAJOBS: Official Job USAJOBS: Official Job Site of U.S. Federal Site of U.S. Federal GovernmentGovernment

Postings in College Bulletins or Postings in College Bulletins or

Listserv AnnouncementsListserv Announcements

SentSent: Mon Jun 08 11:18:54 2009: Mon Jun 08 11:18:54 2009SubjectSubject: [dcla-l] VACANCY - REFERENCE LIBRARIAN - AF GERMANY - : [dcla-l] VACANCY - REFERENCE LIBRARIAN - AF GERMANY - CLOSES JUNE30TH CLOSES JUNE30TH

Greetings!Greetings!The Air Force Base Library at Vogelweh (near Ramstein) Germany is The Air Force Base Library at Vogelweh (near Ramstein) Germany is

recruiting for a Reference Librarian YA-1410-02.  The Reference recruiting for a Reference Librarian YA-1410-02.  The Reference Librarian will also act as Assistant Librarian to the Library Director.   This Librarian will also act as Assistant Librarian to the Library Director.   This position is GS-09 equivalent and is a position is GS-09 equivalent and is a possiblepossible entry level job for recent entry level job for recent MLS graduates.  CPO vets the applicants.MLS graduates.  CPO vets the applicants.

For more information about Vogelweh (listed as Kapaun in the For more information about Vogelweh (listed as Kapaun in the announcement) go to www.usafelibraries.org and search ‘Your Local announcement) go to www.usafelibraries.org and search ‘Your Local Library’ tab.  The Vogelweh library is currently under complete Library’ tab.  The Vogelweh library is currently under complete renovation and should open to the public this Fall.  The library is in a renovation and should open to the public this Fall.  The library is in a temporary location, but providing full services to customers.temporary location, but providing full services to customers.

To apply for the position go to www.usajobs.govTo apply for the position go to www.usajobs.gov (Vacancy Announcement number (Vacancy Announcement number AFPC263138YA-1410-02/02FSAFPC263138YA-1410-02/02FS) use ) use

"advanced search tab" select GERMANY – OA – KAISERLAUTERN, "advanced search tab" select GERMANY – OA – KAISERLAUTERN, GERMANY with occupational series 1410. GERMANY with occupational series 1410.

PCS costs are authorized.  The position closes June 30th.PCS costs are authorized.  The position closes June 30th.

FEDLIB ListFEDLIB Listhttp://www.loc.gov/flicc/about/listservs.htmlhttp://www.loc.gov/flicc/about/listservs.html

FEDLIB: Federal Librarians Discussion List FEDLIB: Federal Librarians Discussion List Moderated mailing list for staff of libraries and information

centers in US federal government

Other subscribers welcome to join for the information

Postings include FLICC/FEDLINK* news, meeting announcements, and job announcements from the federal community

*Federal Library and Information Center Committee/Federal Library and Information Network

Tip: Join FEDLIB for a heads-up on federal job Tip: Join FEDLIB for a heads-up on federal job

openings posted by members. Note: This is not a openings posted by members. Note: This is not a discussion list for your questions about discussion list for your questions about employment.employment.

Key Requirements of Key Requirements of PositionPosition

U.S. Citizenship U.S. Citizenship – Required for most federal jobsRequired for most federal jobs– Specified on announcementSpecified on announcement

Proof of Education Proof of Education – Required official transcript – Required official transcript –

sometimes as attachment, mailed sometimes as attachment, mailed separately, or requested laterseparately, or requested later

– Announcement will specify level of Announcement will specify level of degree for series and instructionsdegree for series and instructions

Other Requirements of Other Requirements of PositionPosition

Other Possible RequirementsOther Possible Requirements– Security InvestigationSecurity Investigation– Secret or Top Secret ClearanceSecret or Top Secret Clearance– Drug TestDrug Test– PolygraphPolygraph– Mandatory Emergency Essential StatusMandatory Emergency Essential Status– Travel Travel

Location of PositionLocation of Position

Announcement includes location of job.Announcement includes location of job.

Moving expenses are usually NOT Moving expenses are usually NOT provided.provided.

Announcement states if Permanent Announcement states if Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are covered.Change of Station (PCS) costs are covered.

Tip: If you can be flexible and mobile, you Tip: If you can be flexible and mobile, you can expand your opportunities and have an can expand your opportunities and have an interesting career.interesting career.

StatusStatus

Review Eligibility for PositionReview Eligibility for Position– Are you a current or former Federal civilian Are you a current or former Federal civilian

employee who holds or held a non-temporary employee who holds or held a non-temporary appointment? appointment?

Announcement DesignationsAnnouncement Designations– StatusStatus (current or former career or career- (current or former career or career-

conditional Federal employees)conditional Federal employees)– PublicPublic– U.S. Citizens and StatusU.S. Citizens and Status– All SourcesAll Sources

Tip: If you have no prior federal service, look Tip: If you have no prior federal service, look for Public, U.S. Citizen, or All Sources.for Public, U.S. Citizen, or All Sources.

Search by Applicant Search by Applicant EligibilityEligibility

TIP: This USAJOBS question located at the bottom of the Agency, Series, and Advanced search pages affects the results of your search.

USAJOBS: Keyword, Agency, USAJOBS: Keyword, Agency, Series, and Advanced Series, and Advanced SearchesSearches

USAJOBS: Basic Search USAJOBS: Basic Search with Browsewith Browse

Refine Your Search;Refine Your Search;Select Public or Status for Select Public or Status for EligibilityEligibility

TIP: Use this to refine your results when using the Basic Search.

Status Candidate DefinedStatus Candidate Defined

TermsTerms

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:     Federal Career/Career-Conditional Federal Career/Career-Conditional employees, Transfer, Reinstatement employees, Transfer, Reinstatement Eligibles, 30% Disabled Veterans, Eligibles, 30% Disabled Veterans, Veterans Employment Opportunities Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) and other individuals Act (VEOA) and other individuals eligible under special appointment eligible under special appointment authorities.authorities.

Career & Career-ConditionalCareer & Career-Conditionalhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI38.asphttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI38.asp

TransferTransferhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI5.asphttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI5.asp

ReinstatementReinstatementhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI2.asphttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI2.asp

Veterans’ PreferenceVeterans’ Preferencehttp://www.usajobs.gov/ei3.asphttp://www.usajobs.gov/ei3.asp

Job Summary: Who May Job Summary: Who May ApplyApply

Detailed ViewDetailed View

TIP: The position might have two listings to show that it is open to both Public and Status candidates.

Overview: Who May Be Overview: Who May Be ConsideredConsidered(Cross-reference for (Cross-reference for announcement)announcement)

Other TermsOther Terms

Competitive Service: classified* service, Competitive Service: classified* service, classified competitive service, or classified competitive service, or classified civil serviceclassified civil service

Excepted Service: Unclassified service, Excepted Service: Unclassified service, unclassified civil service, or positions unclassified civil service, or positions outside the competitive serviceoutside the competitive service– E.g., Career fields with unique skills, i.e., E.g., Career fields with unique skills, i.e.,

lawyers, doctors, or engineerslawyers, doctors, or engineers

* Note: Refers to determination of qualification standards for a * Note: Refers to determination of qualification standards for a position in an occupational series – NOT to information with position in an occupational series – NOT to information with controlled access.controlled access.

Permanent: Full TimePermanent: Full Time

Multiple: Pool of Multiple: Pool of ApplicantsApplicants

Ongoing Recruitment for Ongoing Recruitment for Potential VacanciesPotential Vacancies

Open Period Open Period (Important!)(Important!)

Tip: Observe the closing date (Eastern time) and Tip: Observe the closing date (Eastern time) and allow extra time for system problems with the allow extra time for system problems with the online resume.online resume.

Screening of ApplicationsScreening of Applications

Evaluation of your application against the Evaluation of your application against the position’s qualification requirementsposition’s qualification requirements

Review by Agency Human Resources Specialist Review by Agency Human Resources Specialist and/or Automated System (NOT a Career and/or Automated System (NOT a Career Librarian)Librarian)

Ranking relative to the other candidates (for Ranking relative to the other candidates (for some agencies)some agencies)

Tip: Use specific, relevant language to Tip: Use specific, relevant language to explain your KSAs. Avoid acronyms, explain your KSAs. Avoid acronyms, abbreviations, special characters, and abbreviations, special characters, and library jargon. Do not assume a person (or library jargon. Do not assume a person (or machine) will understand your experiences. machine) will understand your experiences.

Referral List to Selecting Referral List to Selecting OfficialOfficial

List of Highly Qualified Candidates or Most List of Highly Qualified Candidates or Most Highly Qualified Candidates issued by Human Highly Qualified Candidates issued by Human Resources Office to Selecting OfficialResources Office to Selecting Official

Agency Review by Panel or Selecting OfficialAgency Review by Panel or Selecting Official

TIP: Remember that there is TIP: Remember that there is competition for the position. Being competition for the position. Being Qualified does not guarantee that you Qualified does not guarantee that you will be interviewed or selected for the will be interviewed or selected for the job. job.

InterviewInterview

Most agencies conduct interviews of top candidates onlyMost agencies conduct interviews of top candidates only Interview by panel or selecting officialInterview by panel or selecting official Interview in person or by telephone (Trip not provided)Interview in person or by telephone (Trip not provided) One or two rounds of interviewsOne or two rounds of interviews Writing samples of relevant work may be requiredWriting samples of relevant work may be required Same questions for ALL applicants - to be fair & equalSame questions for ALL applicants - to be fair & equal Maybe a thought-provoking or situational questionMaybe a thought-provoking or situational question

Officials take notes and evaluate the responsesOfficials take notes and evaluate the responses Usually, opportunity provided for candidate to ask Usually, opportunity provided for candidate to ask

question(s) about the job at the endquestion(s) about the job at the end

Queries to ReferencesQueries to References

Usually by telephone and/or emailUsually by telephone and/or email

Standard questions for all candidates from Standard questions for all candidates from the groupthe group

Reference sometimes offers to send Reference sometimes offers to send additional materialadditional material

TIP: Do not submit an application without TIP: Do not submit an application without references, title, and current contact references, title, and current contact information.information. Inform former supervisors and Inform former supervisors and ask references in advance so that they are ask references in advance so that they are expecting a call. expecting a call.

SelectionSelection

Selecting official submits first (and possibly Selecting official submits first (and possibly alternate choice) to Human Resources.alternate choice) to Human Resources.

Human Resources (NOT Selecting Official) Human Resources (NOT Selecting Official) contacts selectee with job offer and salary.contacts selectee with job offer and salary.

Specific time designated for response.Specific time designated for response. Many positions dependent upon Security Many positions dependent upon Security

Clearance.Clearance. Report date determined by agency and HR.Report date determined by agency and HR.

Tip: Do not quit your other job while Tip: Do not quit your other job while waiting for a clearance. A Security waiting for a clearance. A Security Clearance can take a year (or more).Clearance can take a year (or more).

Patience!Patience!

Agency is also waiting for the Agency is also waiting for the selectee’s report date.selectee’s report date.

Agency position might be vacant for Agency position might be vacant for months during the recruitment months during the recruitment process.process.

Duties and responsibilities for the Duties and responsibilities for the position continue.position continue.

TIP: If a security clearance is required, TIP: If a security clearance is required, complete your paperwork promptly.complete your paperwork promptly.

Applicant’s Road Applicant’s Road MapMapto Federal Jobto Federal Job

Agency Job AnnouncementsAgency Job Announcements

Eligibility for PositionEligibility for Position

Qualifications for Targeted PositionQualifications for Targeted Position

Winning Application and ResumeWinning Application and Resume

Verifiable Education and ExperienceVerifiable Education and Experience

Successful InterviewSuccessful Interview

Positive ReferencesPositive References

Job OfferJob Offer

Patience!Patience!

Agency Job Agency Job AnnouncementsAnnouncements

Search USAJOBS and agency Web sites.Search USAJOBS and agency Web sites. Set up email alerts for new jobs.Set up email alerts for new jobs. Join professional organizations (at student rate, if Join professional organizations (at student rate, if

applicable).applicable). Join professional listservs (as allowed.Join professional listservs (as allowed. Check campus bulletins.Check campus bulletins. Investigate intern programs. Investigate intern programs. Consider positions with contractors. Consider positions with contractors. Network with librarians & other federal employees.Network with librarians & other federal employees.

TIP: PRINT each job announcement to file with TIP: PRINT each job announcement to file with your application for future reference. The your application for future reference. The online announcement will disappear after the online announcement will disappear after the deadline.deadline.

Eligibility for PositionEligibility for Position

Review complete announcement.Review complete announcement. Determine if Status, Public, Veteran, etc.Determine if Status, Public, Veteran, etc. Consider mobility for a different location.Consider mobility for a different location. Contact the Human Resource person listed Contact the Human Resource person listed

on the job announcement if you have on the job announcement if you have questions about your eligibility.questions about your eligibility.

Tip: When you are eligible for a series, start Tip: When you are eligible for a series, start applying. You should expect to apply for applying. You should expect to apply for more than one job.more than one job.

Qualifications for Targeted Qualifications for Targeted PositionPosition

Complete your degree; relate your education and Complete your degree; relate your education and projects to the qualifications.projects to the qualifications.

Consider an internship or practicum for practical Consider an internship or practicum for practical experience in a library or information center.experience in a library or information center.

Take additional training or attend seminars in Take additional training or attend seminars in your field when possible.your field when possible.

Join professional organizations; attend their Join professional organizations; attend their programs or view the online presentations. programs or view the online presentations.

Read current literature about librarianship.Read current literature about librarianship. Determine and explain which skills from your Determine and explain which skills from your

former job(s) pertain to the library position; e.g., former job(s) pertain to the library position; e.g., teaching, managing projects, writing, etc.teaching, managing projects, writing, etc.

Be marketable.Be marketable.

Winning Application and Winning Application and ResumeResume

Create an account on USAJOBS and build your Create an account on USAJOBS and build your resume.resume.

Write information in advance and save separate Write information in advance and save separate text files according to required sections for future text files according to required sections for future editing.editing.

Check the word count before copying and pasting Check the word count before copying and pasting sections to your resume.sections to your resume.

Include awards, certifications, and special skills Include awards, certifications, and special skills that pertain to this career field.that pertain to this career field.

Be specific about computer training, systems, and Be specific about computer training, systems, and databases. (Do NOT use a generic statement, databases. (Do NOT use a generic statement, such as “Proficient in computer skills.”)such as “Proficient in computer skills.”)

Required Personal Required Personal InformationInformation

Required Work Required Work ExperienceExperience

Multiple Applications & Multiple Applications & ResumesResumes

Target each application for the specific Target each application for the specific announcement.announcement.

Always update your information as appropriate and Always update your information as appropriate and use relevant details when creating a new resume.use relevant details when creating a new resume.

Include ALL required information, e.g., dates, Include ALL required information, e.g., dates, degrees, references, etc.degrees, references, etc.

Save each resume according to the application you Save each resume according to the application you submitted.submitted.

Edit saved text to create applications for other online Edit saved text to create applications for other online systems.systems.

Tip: Track your deadlines and allow lots of time Tip: Track your deadlines and allow lots of time to prepare an online application! Your time to prepare an online application! Your time ends at midnight (Eastern) prior to the closing ends at midnight (Eastern) prior to the closing date.date.

““My USAJOBS” Account for My USAJOBS” Account for Online Resume, Applications, and Online Resume, Applications, and Job AlertsJob Alerts

Tip: Create a USAJOBS account and receive automated job alerts.

Search Results: 1410 SeriesSearch Results: 1410 SeriesLibrarianLibrarian

Search Results: 1412 Series Search Results: 1412 Series Technical Information Technical Information SpecialistSpecialist

Job Summary Job Summary

TIP: Review each job summary carefully and apply for positions based on your eligibility, education, and experience.

Tabs for NavigationTabs for NavigationThrough Announcement Through Announcement (Print!)(Print!)

Verifiable Education and Verifiable Education and ExperienceExperience

Proof of Education and ExperienceProof of Education and Experience Required official transcript – sometimes as Required official transcript – sometimes as

attachment, mailed separately, or requested attachment, mailed separately, or requested laterlater

Applicant’s responsibilityApplicant’s responsibility Specific instructions on announcementSpecific instructions on announcement

Tip: Do NOT send attachments unless they are Tip: Do NOT send attachments unless they are specified. Announcement will specify if specified. Announcement will specify if documentation should be submitted with the documentation should be submitted with the resume or if applicants will be contacted for resume or if applicants will be contacted for additional documentation. Additional additional documentation. Additional documents may be required later by Human documents may be required later by Human Resources or the agency during the interview. Resources or the agency during the interview.

Successful InterviewSuccessful Interview

Prepare!Prepare! Review your printed copy of the job Review your printed copy of the job

announcement and your submitted application.announcement and your submitted application. Write down building, room #, and time.Write down building, room #, and time. Check directions to the location in advance.Check directions to the location in advance. Be on time.Be on time. Have the contact number with you in case of an Have the contact number with you in case of an

emergency.emergency. Dress professionally.Dress professionally. Relax! You are considered a highly qualified Relax! You are considered a highly qualified

candidate.candidate. Send brief thank-you message - nice gesture & Send brief thank-you message - nice gesture &

memorable. memorable.

Positive ReferencesPositive References

Notify your references in advance so Notify your references in advance so that they will expect queries about that they will expect queries about you.you.

You may request that agencies should You may request that agencies should not notify your current employer not notify your current employer unless you are a final candidate.unless you are a final candidate.

Before final selection, your current Before final selection, your current employer should be contacted.employer should be contacted.

Job OfferJob Offer

Example Procedure:Example Procedure: Call received from agency’s HR office Call received from agency’s HR office Job offer with salary and starting dateJob offer with salary and starting date AcceptanceAcceptance Security Clearance Check (Process explained & started if Security Clearance Check (Process explained & started if

necessary)necessary) Submission of proof of current salarySubmission of proof of current salary

Tip: If starting salary is lower than existing salary, Tip: If starting salary is lower than existing salary, you may request consideration of a higher step prior you may request consideration of a higher step prior to acceptance.to acceptance. (Not guaranteed. Agency must follow (Not guaranteed. Agency must follow regulations. If any variation is allowed, it requires regulations. If any variation is allowed, it requires justification and approval by agency.)justification and approval by agency.)

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) paid by new employee Permanent Change of Station (PCS) paid by new employee (unless advertised otherwise)(unless advertised otherwise)

Position subject to probationary period (usually one year)Position subject to probationary period (usually one year)

Patience!Patience!

Don’t give up.Don’t give up. Apply for more than one job.Apply for more than one job. Process may take months.Process may take months. There are many opportunities for There are many opportunities for

qualified librarians.qualified librarians.

Good luck with your job search!Good luck with your job search!

ReminderReminder

This overview is only meant to provide a starting This overview is only meant to provide a starting point for your job search and cannot include all point for your job search and cannot include all of the details about the recruitment process for of the details about the recruitment process for a federal position. Personnel systems vary by a federal position. Personnel systems vary by agency, and some are in the process of agency, and some are in the process of changing. changing.

Always read each job announcement Always read each job announcement

carefully and print it for future reference.carefully and print it for future reference. The information will not be available after the The information will not be available after the closing date. closing date.

Call the Point of Contact listed on the job Call the Point of Contact listed on the job

announcementannouncement if you have any questions if you have any questions about the application process.about the application process.

The Road to Federal The Road to Federal LibrarianshipLibrarianship

2009 Update2009 Update

Helen Q. ShermanHelen Q. Sherman

Director, User ServicesDirector, User Services

Defense Technical Information Defense Technical Information CenterCenter

hsherman@dtic.milhsherman@dtic.mil

Disclaimer of Disclaimer of EndorsementEndorsement

Reference herein to any specific Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. endorsement purposes.