Good news! Changes to the federal job application process

If you have ever attempted to apply for a federal job, you would probably agree with me when I say the process was unpleasant at best! It can take hours to fill out all the requested sections of the applications, answer the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) sections and then hit submit, never to be seen or heard from again.

Thankfully, that is about to change! The most significant and positive change is that you will now be able to submit a résumé and cover letter instead of answering lengthy essay-style questions. The new application process must be implemented by Nov. 1. Additional specifics outlining President Obama's ruling are:

• Elimination of essay-style questions (KSA essays) from the initial phase of the federal application process
• Allowing applicants to rely on resumes and cover letters or complete simple, straightforward applications
• Elimination of the "rule of three" approach to hiring, under which managers may only select from among the three highest-scoring applicants, to a "category rating" that permits agencies to consider a greater number of qualified candidates
• Instituting an 80-day hiring model from posting to offer
• Notifying applicants on USAJOBS Web site at key stages of the application process; and
• Ensuring that federal job announcements are easily understood by applicants
• Agencies also will be required to tell applicants where they stand at four points in the process: when their application is received, when the applicant is deemed qualified or not, when the applicant is referred for an interview or not, and when the person is selected or not

If you have ruled out appling for federal jobs because of the length of time it takes to complete an application or because of the lack of communication after you apply, maybe now it is time to reconsider and try again. To find and apply for federal jobs, go to www.usajobs.com

Workshops for the week of May 17-21:

• Tuesday May 18 @ 8:30 a.m .- Networking Job Club
• Tuesday May 18 @ 9:30 a.m. - Finding the Hidden Job Market
• Wednesday May 19- 9:00 a.m. Noon - On the Spot Resume Reviews

Kind regards-
Sam