help with federal job

[kburggraf]

I am a RN and trying to get a job with the feds and I have applied to various jobs and my applications have been 'received' and even some 'referred' but have not heard anything.... I have a Masters degree and great experience with Hopkins and other hospitals. Should I email the person on the application as I would think that they are just an HR person and are not the person to hire me? Should I mail a certified letter or call? How long should I wait and is it possible for a civilian to enter the federal government in their 40's from the private sector? My dream job is with NIH or CDC as I love research. Any input is welcomed and appreciated as I am frustrated and want to see some change.

[Anonymous]

Applying for a Federal job is an unpredictable experience. Send a message will do you no good. Are you sure you are using the right “words” in your application? HR will screen you out unless the words you used match the vacancy announcement. If you can pass HR, obviously you will never get selected.

[kburggraf]

How do I know what the right words are.... I have looked into the job description and reworded my resume to what is expected. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Would a cover letter help as it is not required? Any thoughts....?

[Anonymous]

I’d include a cover letter if it requires or suggests one but not if it doesn’t . Humans don’t even look at anything unless you get referred. Don’t have much advice as the only federal interview I’ve had was for the worst federal jobs at the Board of Veterans Appeals and I declined the offer. Sounds stupid but they fire everyone and that ruins your chance for a federal career

[Anonymous]

kburggraf wrote:How do I know what the right words are.... I have looked into the job description and reworded my resume to what is expected. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Would a cover letter help as it is not required? Any thoughts....?

It's surprisingly easy. Just use the same words in the announcement. Don't assume HR knows anything about your job or the announcement. Most HR ppl will literally compare words and decide pass or reject. If you don't pass the first screening, you won't get the job for sure.

[Anonymous]

USA Jobs has some tips on the website on what Federal resumes looks like. Not sure about CDC but NIH has direct hiring authority for nurse specialists so veterans preference wouldn't apply if you go for direct hiring vacancies. They will say DH in the job announcement number (vs DE or MP). Resumes should use the same key words that are used in describing the positions duties.

[Anonymous]

I'm an RN as well. Came from private sector to federal government 7 years ago as a contractor. This was a great change in pace and much better benefits. Before I was a contractor, I applied to a few nursing federal jobs at NIH and Walter Reed Medical Center. I even made it to an interview, but have not been selected for the position. Working as a contractor nurse was a great move, and once a spot opened for RN on my unit where I worked as a contractor, I was a direct hire. That's how I got into the federal government. I love the stability and am finally happy! In private sector I was so overworked and stressed out that I wanted to quit nursing altogether. I don't have much advice for you, but please keep trying. These days, it is much harder to get any position in a government than just few years ago. I wish you lots of luck!

[kburggraf]

Thank you for your reply. With being a contractor- how do I go about getting or looking into contract jobs with the federal government as if I can get in the back door to get in the front door eventually- I will do it. And with being a contractor- will I have benefits... I am single and no kids so willing to travel and move- who wouldn't want to hire me- LOTS OF PEOPLE- UGH..
Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Working your network goes along way when pursuing a fed gig.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

kburggraf wrote:How do I know what the right words are.... I have looked into the job description and reworded my resume to what is expected. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Would a cover letter help as it is not required? Any thoughts....?

It's surprisingly easy. Just use the same words in the announcement. Don't assume HR knows anything about your job or the announcement. Most HR ppl will literally compare words and decide pass or reject. If you don't pass the first screening, you won't get the job for sure.

+1. Passing HR screening is the first step.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your reply. With being a contractor- how do I go about getting or looking into contract jobs with the federal government

I got my contract nursing job through dc craigslist.org website ( healthcare job postings). I actually couldn't believe it! I have seen contract positions being posted on websites like indeed.com, monster.com etc. When I was hired in my department, there were 2 positions for contract nursing. Unfortunately, those positions went away about 2 years ago. So right now it is again much harder to get into contract nursing. As a contractor, I didn't have good benefits and no paid time off. I went through two different contracting companies within 3 years. I was just lucky to get a position as a federal employee, because one of the civilian nurses was being moved to another miliatary hospital and I basically took her spot.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your reply. With being a contractor- how do I go about getting or looking into contract jobs with the federal government

I got my contract nursing job through dc craigslist.org website ( healthcare job postings). I actually couldn't believe it! I have seen contract positions being posted on websites like indeed.com, monster.com etc. When I was hired in my department, there were 2 positions for contract nursing. Unfortunately, those positions went away about 2 years ago. So right now it is again much harder to get into contract nursing. As a contractor, I didn't have good benefits and no paid time off. I went through two different contracting companies within 3 years. I was just lucky to get a position as a federal employee, because one of the civilian nurses was being moved to another military hospital and I basically took her spot.