Fema Employment
Help breaking into federal employment?
Hi, Over the last 3 months, I've applied to no less than 10 federal employment announcements. With some of them, I was clearly qualified and some even overqualified. Yet, I'm being constantly overlooked in this process. I have no prior federal or military experience. But I do have experience and education. My scores are mid to high 90s. I understand that veterans and current/former federal employees get additional points and or preference, but they would have to score 90+ before the 5 to 10 points to beat my score. I'd like some information on how to increase my score. What am I doing wrong? I want to add that I am applying for GS 05-09 positions. I did a bunch of reading today after posting this and decided to contact the person listed on the last job announcement for which I applied. She told me that for the most part, I'm being outranked by veterans. I suspected this based on my scores and some reading that I've done but I just wasn't sure. She told me that even veterans call them upset and frustrated. They compete against the public and then against each other. She did let me know the fact that I don't rank high enough is good in its own way. Never once was I told that I don't qualify or meet eligibility requirements. That gives me little comfort but at least I have an answer. I was encouraged to keep applying. I'm not sure if I will since there will always be veterans jockeying for the same jobs. I'll never get hired at that rate. Thanks for the answers. If anyone has anything to add, please jump in.
Public Comments
- Depends on what level job you are applying for. If you are applying for advanced jobs (grade 13 and above), I will be honest and say that there is a distinct possibility that those jobs are already targeted as a promotion for someone. By OPM regs, all jobs must be opened for general application, but in many cases that is a mere formality (unlike private industry who just put through a promotion for someone who has earned it). The trick is to apply for entry level jobs (GS-7 or GS-9) where there is actually real competition for the jobs. These jobs come with what is known as a career ladder, which provides automatic promotion up to the GS-11 or GS-12 level. As for your scores, remember that for any single posting, dozens of people apply for the job, meaning that when they publish the certification list, they can limit the list to those who are highly qualified.
- I checked out a book at the library called "The book of U.S. government jobs..." and there were several others. I found it helpful in understanding the government hiring process. According to the book they have to fill the job with one of the 3 highest scoring candidates. So I don't think you will even get an interview unless you are in the top 3. And seeing that you aren't getting calls with scores in the high 90's gives me zero confidence in my 89.
