Career Development Advice and Helpful Tips

Establish Partnerships

• Local/State Employment Services, Military Transition Centers, Military Installations
• Local/State Veteran Service Organizations, Rehabilitation Centers, One-Stop Centers
• Local Servicing Federal Agency (Human Resources)
• Federal Agency Contacts
  • Student Programs, Vet Coordinators, Selective Placement Coordinators, Diversity Advocates

Purchase Membership with Professional Training Organizations

• Purchase memberships, Attend “free” seminars/webinars
• Purchase memberships with Employee Associations/Community Organizations

Do Your Homework

• Refer to OPM Qualification & Classification Standards – as a cross reference
• Research “specific” federal agency of interest
• Consult with Human Resource Professionals - establish a “buddy”
• Weigh Pros/Cons for position of interest - Can you pay your own moving expenses?

Prepare Your Resume

• Highlight “key” qualifications ; speak plain language; avoid use of abbreviations
• Provide information on whether part-time/full-time work experience
• Provide references upfront; not at a later date
• Provide only pertinent information for specific job of interest
• Seek professional assistance
• Consult with job coach/mentor
• Highlight “Key” Qualifications
• Possess excellent project management skills
• Manage major projects, programs, and agency initiatives
• Problem-solving advocate when dealing with diverse audiences
• Provide excellent customer service to internal/external customers
• Manage complex, controversial, and highly-sensitive issues

Preparing for the Interview

• Ask friends/relatives to participate in a “Mock” interview
• Sign-up for “free” Interview Techniques workshops/”Mock” Interview Workshops
• Identify “specific” characteristics to share with hiring manager
  • Twenty years of knowledge/expertise
  • Work well in teams with diverse audiences
  • Active participant with public service activities and community events
  • Champion/Team Player/Problem-Solving Advocate
  • Attend high-level meetings with CEOs and Executives, prepare briefings