Tracy Hilliard, M.S., HCS Chief, Workforce Engagement Activity Human Capital and Resource Management Office Federal Employment Opportunities

The Charge "Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work, and they should have access to the support and services they need to succeed. That's why I've asked the responsible agencies to develop new plans and policies to help increase employment across America for people with disabilities." - President Barack Obama 2

Agenda Overview –Learning Objectives: After this session, participants will be able to: Identify federal resume and application preparation strategies and describe how to find a Federal job –What is in it for me? Successfully competing in the federal application process; Knowing your worth! 3

Topic Advantages to working for the Federal government 4

Federal Compensation Competitive Salary Annual and Sick Leave, plus 10 paid holidays Multiple Health Insurance Options Life Insurance Health savings account Thrift Savings Plan (pre-tax $) Public Transit Subsidy (non-taxable) Tele-work and Alternative Work Schedules 5

Why work for CDC? Numerous career paths and locations Over 170 occupations to choose from Ability to transfer positions and learn new things! Atlanta, Cincinnati, Hyattsville, Morgantown, Pittsburg, Ft. Collins, Washington DC, Spokane, Durham, New York… Excellent career opportunities Average Age of Federal Employee: % of CDC employees will be eligible to retire over the next 5 years Great benefits, work-life balance, & reasonable accommodations Our reputation speaks for itself! You can truly make a difference! 6

So when can I start… Wait, HOW do I start? 7

Topic Your Federal Resume 8

9 Building Your Federal Resume

10 Creating Resume in USAJobs.gov  The USAJOBS Resume Builder  Create up to 5 resumes online.  Create 1 complete resume  Add up to 4 tailored resumes

Read the vacancy announcement CLOSELY – VERY IMPORTANT Getting Ready 11

Read Job Vacancy TIP Your resume should showcase your skills and how they relate to the job you are seeking. Use the terms in the specialized experience statement as your guide. 12

Federal resume can be multiple pages, NOT limited to 1 page Getting Ready 13

Focus on Keywords TIP Use words and phrases used in the announcement to describe your jobs. 14

Resume Key Words 15

16 Getting Resume Started  Federal resumes include the following:  Personal Information  Work experience  Dates and number of hours worked per week  Location of position and supervisor contact information  Education and coursework levels  Other qualifications, licenses, technical skills

Paid and Non Paid Experience Volunteer work Student teaching Student research Participation in professional groups 17

Tools for Improving Soft Skills  Problem Solving & Critical Thinking  Enthusiasm and Attitude  Teamwork  Networking  Professionalism p/topics/youth/softskills / 18

Resume Writing Tips List the school, college, or university you attended, the location, the degree or certificate awarded, the date you received the degree or when it is expected, your GPA. If the job announcement requires specific coursework, list the coursework and indicate whether semester or quarter hours. You can also include any Academic honors/awards Extracurricular activities Presentations, projects, papers, and publications Trainings, workshops, conferences. Certifications and licenses (include dates and State where awarded) 19

Resume Writing Tips When you're finished, ask yourself the following questions: Would someone who is not familiar with my occupational background understand the kind of work I do? Is there nonessential information (nice to have, but not helpful in meeting mandatory qualification requirements) in what I have written? Have I omitted any relevant experience or skills I possess that might distinguish me from other candidates if my resume reaches the desk of a selecting official? Have I adequately described major characteristics of my occupation or background and skills that are most common to my occupation? 20

Topic Finding Federal Jobs 21

Where to Find Federal Jobs Persons with disabilities –Can apply to open vacancies at USAJOBS web site –Check with specific agency web sites for additional information about employment opportunities 22

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What is Schedule A? Non competitive federal appointment authority to hire persons with disabilities Agencies can accept resumes without formal job announcements Requires disability documentation Eligibility requirements –If you are a person with a documented disability, and –Meet the qualifications for the job 24

Schedule A Documentation To be considered for a Schedule A appointment, you will be required to submit proof of your disability in addition to your resume Proof is normally a letter from: –Your doctor, –A licensed medical professional, –A licensed rehabilitation professional, or –Any federal, state, DC or U.S. territory agency that issues or provides disability benefits 25

Sample Schedule A Letter To Whom It May Concern: –This letter serves as certification that (name) is a person with a severe disability that qualifies him/her for consideration under the Schedule A hiring authority. (Name) also is job ready and is likely to succeed in performing (job title/position) / or (is qualified to work in office setting, warehouse, etc.) You may contact at:___________ Signature______________ Date___________ 26

Strategic Recruitment Tracking System Repository of resumes from individuals with non- competitive hiring eligibility Veterans, Medical Officers, RPCV, Title 42 Fellows, Commissioned Corps, Volunteers and Schedule A eligible's Managers can fill vacant positions more expeditiously (in lieu of the normal USAJOBS announcement process) Implemented CDC-wide in April 2010 Send Resume and Schedule A letter to: 27

Pathways for Students & Recent Graduates 28

Example of Federal Opportunity 29

Apply for Federal Jobs Follow the directions on the vacancy announcement (How to Apply tab) Know the deadline Use the Agency contact information for help Understand the system Automated System Paper Application Agency Database HR Staff Rating/ Ranking Reject Selecting Official Interview and/or hire Select from other source Start over

Understanding the Federal Application Process: Preparing, Planning and Making The Most of the Assessment Tools Melody Stevens, MA Public Health Analyst (Policy)

Topic Knowing Your Worth! 32

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Planning Ahead for Federal Employment Jobs for Students is a website that provides applicants with comprehensive information about Federal jobs and internships for students with or without disabilities. Workforce Recruitment Program aims to provide summer work experience, and in some cases, permanent employment for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Workforce Recruitment Program 34

Planning Ahead for Federal Employment Office of Disability Policy Apprenticeship Initiative The goal of ODEP’s apprenticeship initiative is to increase systems capacity to provide integrated inclusive apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with a full range of disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, and to utilize the increased flexibilities detailed in DOL’s newly released apprenticeship regulations hip.htm 35

Assessments What is an Assessment? Formats and Rankings Understanding Core Competencies Step by Step Guide to Writing Accomplishments Resources 36

Assessment Assessment: Determine a person’s ability to successfully perform a job. Assessment Tool: Any test or procedure used to measure an individual’s employment or career related qualification and interests such as: Structured Interview Work sample Accomplishment Record 37

Accomplishment Record Shows your knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) match the job description Tells a complete story with your words that helps the HR person to see who you are 38

Accomplishment Format Example—Includes details of performance, shorter List—name of project, short description Narrative– “story telling” “CCAR” ** The Questionnaire – self report measure 39

Accomplishment Rating and Ranking Each competency or task will be reviewed by the Human Resources Staff and assigned a rating using a crediting plan or "scorecard". The scale is generally based on a point system. Each level has a description of benchmarks, which are examples of tasks a candidate would perform at that level. Factors affecting level of credit your accomplishments is given include: complexity of duties, circumstances, impact, variety, duration and people contacted. 40

Writing Narratives--CCAR Context- What happened to lead to the example you are providing? Challenge- What did you have to overcome/resolve in this example? Action- What steps did you take?, be specific Result- What was the outcome? 41

Steps to Writing an Accomplishment Step 1. Read the competency/task very closely. Step 2. Review very thoroughly all the experiences you have had and look for things that relate to the individual competency/task. Step 3. Analyze the experiences you have identified Step 4. Show how the facts you have gathered about your experience relate to the individual competency/task.. 42

Hints to follow when developing your accomplishment narratives: Read the vacancy announcement carefully Gather the information needed to begin writing Be specific Be precise Get to the point Do not ramble Use lots of examples State specifically what you have done Do not use acronyms Present yourself in “clear and plain” language Do not borrow language from the position description* 43

The Process of Writing Accomplishments Have someone review your descriptions. Allow about 8 hours for the first time you brainstorm and write. Each application after the first time is exponentially EASIER. Keep in mind that there are LEVELS of proficiency. See the online job vacancy questions to understand the gradual levels of responsibilities. As a result, specify YOUR contributions and the degree of involvement and responsibility for any and every project, especially those related to the job position and particular competency/task. 44

Remember… Identify major duties of the position Write each accomplishment as if a different person will review them Relate each of your project/activities/coursework back to the particular position and competency/task 45

Remember… Integrate Job Duties into IEP Seek volunteer opportunities early Seek opportunities to integrate job training tools into employment planning ning/EduTraining.aspx 46

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Materials and Resources 48

References Federal Job Vacancies OPM Resources: DOL’s Career One Stop List of Agency web sites Tips on how to create a federal resume nestop.org/p/How_to_create_your_resume Department of Veterans Affairs 49

References Resources by state: Job Accommodation Network Federal Employment for People with Disabilities Individuals_with_Disabilities Success Stories Selective Placement Program Coordinators 50

Key Summary Points I know what the advantages are of working for the Federal government. I know how to develop my resume I know what Schedule A appointment means. I know who may use Schedule A appointment. I know what I need to prove that I am able to use Schedule A appointment. I know how to find out about open job positions in the Federal government. I know how to find the contact information for the appropriate people (e.g., hiring manager, HR professional, SPC) within the agency I wish to work at. I know how to submit my application. I know why I need to be proactive, persistent, and patient during the Federal hiring process. 51

Thank you! 52