If you would like to subscribe to the TAOnline Transition Insight Newsletter, please Click Here!

You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed through our newsletter registration form. To Subscribe, Unsubscribe, or Edit your subscription to the Monthly TAOnline.com news or view previous issues, see the bottom of this newsletter

How Federal Jobs are Filled

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

The federal government is the nation’s single largest employer, with more than 35,000 vacancies listed on its official Web site, www.USAJobs.com, per day. However, many people who attempt to gain employment with the federal government often find the process to not only be intimidating, but also frustrating. Read More

McGraw-Hill Professional Offers Free Live Job Hunting and Career Skills Webinars for Veterans

Multiple Sources

NEW YORK, March 10, 2010 – Throughout the month of April, McGraw-Hill Professional will offer four live career and job search Webinars free to U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Presented by leading career experts and authors on topics ranging from job search to resume writing to career management, these Webinars provide returning service... Read More

Mentoring Program Dedicated to Transitioning Vets Expands

By Ron Rutherford TAOnline.com

NEW YORK, March 12, 2010 - American Corporate Partners (www.acp-usa.org) is a nationwide mentoring program matching employees from some of the largest corporations and universities in the country with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for the purpose of mentoring, networking and career counseling. Read More

Military Spouse Career Program restarted...sort of

Multiple Sources

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2010 – Nearly a month after a popular military spouse tuition assistance program was suddenly halted, it will be reinstated, but... Read More

TAOnline.com Bookshelf

Hiring Corner

Were you hired by a company that saw your profile on TAOnline.com?

Tell us about it info@taonline.com

TAOnline.com helpful hint of the month Follow TAP Program on

How Federal Jobs are Filled

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

The federal government is the nation’s single largest employer, with more than 35,000 vacancies listed on its official Web site, www.USAJobs.com, per day. However, many people who attempt to gain employment with the federal government often find the process to not only be intimidating, but also frustrating.

While many agencies within the government fill their vacancies much in the same way as private companies, there are some very notable differences. One of the biggest sources of confusion to the job-seeker exploring federal employment for the first time is understanding the types of vacancies and the eligibility criteria for each.

Unlike the private sector, where a candidate submits a resume and cover letter for a vacancy for which a candidate believes they possess the qualifications, the federal government operates a little differently.

To begin with, there are three categories of federal jobs within the executive branch. Each category has its own unique set of criteria for eligibility, including but not limited to specific education levels, security clearances, professional certifications and licenses, and, in some limited cases (such as FBI special agent positions), age and physical condition mandates.

The Three Categories of Federal Jobs

Competitive Service - This covers jobs that fall solely under the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) jurisdiction and which are subject to the civil service laws passed by Congress to ensure that applicants and employees receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process. Candidates are chosen from an applicant pool based on their qualifications and how closely they meet the desired competencies stated in the vacancy announcement.
Competitive service jobs cover the majority of federal employment opportunities. The objective is to identify the best qualified candidates for the vacancy. Applicants typically consist of persons from the private sector, the federal employment ranks, and former military service personnel who are attempting to transition to post-military employment.

Excepted Service - Excepted service positions are excepted by law because the agencies offering these types of positions have direct ties to national security and/or intelligence functions. Examples of positions that fall under excepted service include attorneys, chaplains, and medical doctors, because for these types of jobs, it is difficult to use standard qualification requirements such as what’s used in competitive jobs to rate applicants. Examples of agencies that fill the bulk of their vacancies via excepted service include the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, the National Security Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
While civilian, transitioning military, and existing government professionals are invited to apply for these positions, they need to be aware that these jobs are usually filled under a special circumstance, such as part-time or temporary positions in remote locations or when there is a critical hiring need. Also, since these jobs are directly tied to national security, candidates will typically need to pass a government security screening, a physical fitness test, and other special criteria depending on the position.
Excepted service positions are not required by law to be posted on USAJobs.com. Candidates who are interested in these types of position should consult the official Web sites of the agencies that offer this type of employment opportunity.

Senior Executive Service (SES) - The SES was established by Title IV of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and focuses on top management positions within the federal government (those at a GS-15 or higher). These professionals are the equivalent of Directors, Vice Presidents, and CEOs of medium- to large-scale companies in the private sector. They are the people who are given the challenges associated with leading the continuing transformation of the federal government.
Unlike the competitive and excepted service jobs, SES positions are not graded; instead, salary is linked to individual performance. Members of the SES are not eligible for locality pay. There are two ways in which a candidate may apply for SES positions. The first is to apply directly to a federal agency offering an SES vacancy. The second is to apply to the federal agency’s SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), to gain the eligibility necessary for a career appointment to an SES position without further competition.

Competitive Service Jobs: Who’s Eligible for Employment

The basic criterion for Competitive Service jobs is United States citizenship. A candidate will submit an application packet consisting of a federal resume (which varies from a civilian resume), and other documentation such as a Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) statement; formal education transcripts, DD-214s, and others. Eligible candidates are then grouped into three categories:

  1. Candidates who have applied and met the qualification requirements for a specific vacancy announcement. This is the most common method of entry for candidates who are new to the federal hiring process.
  2. Candidates who have civil service status. These are candidates already employed by the federal government who are eligible for noncompetitive movement within the competitive service. When these candidates are chosen for positions, it’s usually the result of a merit promotion, reassignment, transfer, or reinstatement.
  3. Candidates that qualify for a special noncompetitive appointing authority established by law or executive order. This category includes military veterans who are eligible for Veteran’s Preference points, or members of the Peace Corps.

Back

McGraw-Hill Professional Offers Free Live Job Hunting and Career Skills Webinars for Veterans

Multiple Sources

NEW YORK, March. 10, 2010 – Throughout the month of April, McGraw-Hill Professional
will offer four live career and job search Webinars free to U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Presented by leading career experts and authors on topics ranging from job search to resume writing to career
management, these Webinars provide returning service members with the knowledge and skills they need to begin a successful civilian career. Each Webinar is free to veterans. The Webinars are supposed to be limited to 100 participants, however, McGraw Hill Professional has told TAOnline.com that additional space will be offered if demand is high.

Don't delay, sign up for one or more of the free offerings by clicking on the links below:

Friday, April 2, 1pmET: Jay Block on “Approaching & Managing Your Job Hunt

In this webinar Jay Block, author of 101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times explains an easy five-step process that will help you approach your job transition strategically. You will learn how to manage fear and negative emotions, define clear job and career goals, create effective self-marketing tools, develop action plans and take action to land a job.

Friday, April 9, 1pmET: Marky Stein on “Putting Together a Fearless Resume

What’s your edge in this competitive job market? Marky Stein, author of Fearless Resumes, will help you transform your résumé from words on paper into a vibrant self-presentation that tells prospective employers what they want to hear. You will learn how to craft a résumé that hooks prospective employers' attention, turns boring past duties into dynamic personal statements, transforms weaknesses into strengths—and gets your name on top of the résumé heap in any HR office.

Friday, April 16, 1pmET: Joe Watson on “Where the Jobs Are Now

Unemployment numbers have you feeling down? Despite the current job market, there are industries that are still extremely successful and open to new job seekers. Joe Watson author of Where the Jobs are Now shows you how to delve into the top 7 industries for stability, profitability, and job satisfaction. This webinar will give you a detailed breakdown of career opportunities in the fastest-growing industries and offers the most recent information on how to get the training you need.

Monday, April 26, 1pmET: Waldo Waldman on “Wingman Values in Workplace and Beyond

The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Never Fly Solo Rob “Waldo” Waldman understands one thing better than most businesspeople: You can’t reach your highest potential alone. You need wingmen—trusted partners—who can help you overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and prepare for success. A decorated former combat F-16 fighter pilot and now a successful entrepreneur, Waldman lives his life by this rule. In this webinar, through compelling, real-world stories, you will learn how to overcome challenges and become successful.

McGraw-Hill’s free Webinars for Veterans will begin in April. Sign-up is open to veterans now: http://www.mhprofessional.com/getpage2.php?c=webinar-veterans.html

Back

Mentoring Program Dedicated to Transitioning Vets Expands

By Ron Rutherford TAOnline.com

NEW YORK, March 12, 2010 - American Corporate Partners (www.acp-usa.org) is a nationwide mentoring program matching employees from some of the largest corporations and universities in the country with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for the purpose of mentoring, networking and career counseling.

While not a "jobs program," ACP aims to strengthen the relationship between employees of America's leading corporations and universities and those who have served our country, often at great sacrifice.

Participation is free. Some of America's finest corporations are supporting ACP's efforts, including General Electric, IBM, News Corporation, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble. And, starting this spring, Deloitte and Bloomberg will begin supplying mentors and participating in the program.

ACP is designed to help veterans form valuable relationships, develop key skills, network and create a career plan. It is a one-year commitment between the mentor and the veteran. Mentors and veterans are matched, based on common-interests, expertise, and mentoring relationship preferences.

While it is hoped veterans will have current employment or be attending school, ACP understands many veterans are currently transitioning into new careers and do not necessarily hold full time positions. Those veterans currently unemployed are encouraged to work on resume writing, interview practice and career strategies with their mentors as they actively pursue new employment.

The program has experienced great success and is currently in its second phase. Mentors are now available to veterans who live near the following 15 cities:

AtlantaDallasNew YorkSan Antonio
BostonDenver Oklahoma CitySF Bay Area
ChicagoHoustonPhiladelphiaWashington, DC
CincinnatiLos AngelesRaleigh/Durham

ACP is a competitive program and those who are interested in applying are encouraged to do so at their earliest convenience. To learn more about the program and to apply on-line, please visit www.acp-usa.org or email American Corporate Partners at info@acp-usa.org.

Back

Military Spouse Career Program restarted...sort of

Multiple Sources

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2010 – Nearly a month after a popular military spouse tuition assistance program was suddenly halted, it will be reinstated, but only to those already enrolled in the program.

"We made a commitment to our military spouses when they established a career advancement account and we will be true to our promise," said Tommy Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, in a news release.

Though no new applications will be accepted, the 136,583 military spouses already enrolled began receiving tuition assistance again over the weekend. The program was halted Feb. 16 with a notice on its Web site that it was to be reviewed

The only explanation of the halt was that there had been a sharp increase in applications. Late last week, the Defense Department said it was still working to adjust and meet the demands of the program to develop a long-term solution for spouses who want to take advantage of the program.

Back

Job Fairs

Click here for a complete listing of Military Job Fairs

Back

Hot jobs

Check Out Our Spotlighted Employers!

SRA International, Inc.

SRA is dedicated to solving complex problems of global significance for clients in national security, civil government and global health. With three decades serving these clients, SRA delivers the expert knowledge, technical tools and trusted solutions for missions that matter – to us, our clients and the world.

We design, develop, integrate and implement large and complex systems for defense and military service organizations. We support federal civil agencies with comprehensive professional and IT consulting services and enterprise-wide infrastructure support. And, we provide health consulting services for global clients, both public and private

To see our current opportunities, Click Here

Back

LabCorps

Imagine a career where the professional rewards are measured by the lives you touch.

Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp), an S & P 500 company, is a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic technologies and the first in its industry to embrace genomic testing. With more than 26,000 employees nationwide, and more than 220,000 clients, LabCorp offers clinical assays, ranging from routine blood analyses to HIV and genomic testing.

At LabCorp, we understand what's important - it's the people whose lives we help improve that matter most. We connect our company and our people in ways that few companies can. Each day, our team members have an opportunity to build rewarding careers and experience the satisfaction of knowing the work they do helps save lives.

We invite you to connect to LabCorp. From medicine to management and sales to service, when you connect to LabCorp, you connect to something amazing.

Click Here to connect to LabCorp. Here you can register to receive updates on the latest happenings and explore future opportunities available at LabCorp.

Connect to Something Amazing

Back

Fresenius Medical Care

Discover the difference between a job a real job satisfaction

For the Dialysis Nurse, Fresenius Medical Care presents a word of options and avenues to pursue. Explore a great organization with over 1,800 clinics across the country. No matter where you live, no matter where you are in your career, at Fresenius you have a career that offers opportunity, flexibility and growth.

To learn more about Fresenius Medical Care and current RN opportunities, please visit www.fmcnacareers.com

Back

EG&G Technical Services, Inc.

Do the Best Work of Your Life! URS is the top Engineering and one of the top Defense firms in the United States!

EG&G Technical Services, Inc. and Lear Siegler Services, Inc.(both divisions of URS) consolidated to become one of the nation's leading U.S. federal government contractors providing operations and maintenance, systems engineering and technical assistance, and program management, primarily to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

We are currently looking for Engineers, Logistics Analyst, Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics, Program Managers, Acquisition Analyst and more! We have opportunities in the US as well as overseas!

If you want to join a team of dedicated professionals who are among the best in their field, in a diverse work environment that fosters integrity and trust, then take some time to explore URS Corporation career possibilities. To learn more about URS Corporation, please visit our Web site at www.urscorp.com

Back

L-3 IS Joint Operations Group

L-3 IS Joint Operations Group is the most capable and dependable aircraft modernization and mission systems integration company in the world. We are recognized internationally as a systems integration organization specializing in the study, design, development, and integration of mission systems, plus the modernization and maintenance of aircraft. We have modified more than 15,000 aircraft of more than 125 types, and more than three aircraft per year using our Quick Response Capability, and L-3 IS has delivered integrated real-time reconnaissance systems that contain more than 2 million lines of code. To see our opportunities click here!

Back

SAIC

Own Your Future

SAIC has worked with the Department of Defense since our inception over 35 years ago. That is how we know what disciplined, mission-focused leaders can accomplish. As an employee, you'll find the same dedication and commitment to accomplishing goals at SAIC that you found in the military. Take ownership of your future! As an employee- owner, you'll have the opportunity to achieve success within an environment that understands the needs of servicemen and servicewomen who are separating from the military. SAIC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. For immediate consideration, apply online by clicking here. Please let us know that you heard about SAIC from TAOnline.com when submitting your resume.

Back

Raytheon

Software Engineering / Systems Engineering

Challenge yourself, develop your skills AND relax your life. Raytheon is recognized as a company that provides you with an ideal work/life balance. What better place to manage your career and your personal interest than State College, Pa. Ranked as one of the least stressful cities in America, with four seasons of outdoor activities, State College is the perfect place to pursue your goals.

Software Engineers

We seek experienced software engineers looking for a challenging career using today's leading edge technologies. Perform full life cycle software development of data exploitation/dissemination and real-time signal collection/processing systems. Senior engineers support proposal activities, define architectures and lead software development tasks. Junior-level engineers support design, code and test of software requirements.

Systems Engineers

Define architectures and requirements for leading edge systems, provide technical leadership in new business development and proposals and integrate sophisticated technologies and products. Use your knowledge of systems engineering processes and methodologies, including object oriented as well as conventional systems design .techniques to solve complex technical .problems. Provide leadership in a wide range of technologies.

Learn more by clicking here!

Back

Oracle Corporation

Excel with Excellence.

At Oracle, we're no strangers to pushing our limits. We've been first in class in an array of industry leading enterprise solutions, including being the first software company to develop and deploy 100 percent internet-enabled enterprise software across our entire product line. In fact, pushing the limits of our innovative solutions is an every day goal. Here, you'll be challenged by the excitement of creating leading-edge technologies and applications while enjoying the support and stability of and established leader.

To learn more about Oracle Corporation please visit: http://www.oracle.com/careers

Back

Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. is a multinational financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company's well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, asset management, and real estate services. For more information, please visit www.prudential.com.

Back

L-3 Intelligence Solutions is a division of L-3 Services, Inc.

Intelligence Solutions has a two-decade track record of providing cutting-edge solutions and is a leader in all source intelligence support, information management, operations and security. Intelligence Solutions provides national and defense intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense's agencies, commands, and uniformed services with analysis, information solutions and systems support. Among the services Intelligence Solutions delivers are deployed Advanced Information Systems, HUMINT services, analytical services, special logistical services, mission-critical processes and systems engineering and training. The organization also provides and supports advanced concepts, research and development and state-of-the-art intelligence systems production. Using real-world experience and emerging technologies, Intelligence Solutions builds today's solutions for tomorrow's needs. Field combat units and national planners at all levels have access to the same operational, actionable picture through our proven, technologically advanced designs.

For more information, click here.

Back

Kaiser Permanente

At Kaiser Permanente, we work together as family to do what's right for our patients. If you'd like to contribute your skills to an environment built on teamwork and support, come to Kaiser Permanente. Visit jobs.kp.org for more information

Back

CACI

Ever Vigilant

provides professional services and IT solutions needed to prevail in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, and federal civilian government arenas. We deliver enterprise IT and network services; data, information, and knowledge management services; business system solutions; logistics and material readiness; C4ISR integration services; cyber solutions; integrated security and intelligence solutions; and program management and SETA support services. CACI services and solutions help our federal clients provide for national security, improve communications and collaboration, secure the integrity of information systems and networks, enhance data collection and analysis, and increase efficiency and mission effectiveness. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies and the Russell 2000 index. CACI provides dynamic careers for approximately 12,700 employees working in over 120 offices in the U.S. and Europe. For more information Click Here

Back

Central Intelligence Agency – National Clandestine Service Center

You can make a world of difference.

Be a part of a mission that's larger than all of us. The CIA's National Clandestine Service seeks qualified applicants to serve our country's mission abroad. Our careers offer rewarding, fast-paced, and high impact challenges in intelligence collection on issues of critical importance to US national security. Applicants should possess a high degree of personal integrity, professional backgrounds. Do you want to make a difference for your country? Are you ready for a challenge?

All applicants for National Clandestine Service positions must successfully undergo several personal interviews, medical and psychological exams, aptitude testing, a polygraph interview, and a background investigation. Following entry on duty, candidates will undergo extensive training. US citizenship required. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.cia.gov

Back

WellPoint

WellPoint as an organization is highly focused on living our mission and honoring our commitments. From innovative products that help reduce the ranks of the uninsured and underinsured, to the comprehensive benefits we offer our associates, everything we do is aimed at creating positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

As the nations largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company, we're honored to have the opportunity to impact so many lives. More than 35 million members rely on us every day to be leaders, advocates and innovators in the call to improve health, quality of care and value to our members.

And every day, nearly 42,000 WellPoint associates answer that call, with a dedication to service and integrity that has made WellPoint synonymous with success.

We believe in the power of diversity, the role it plays in creating a culture of distinction and the impact it has on improving our member and provider service satisfaction, our associate and consumer engagement and, ultimately, a brighter future.

We invite you to explore our site, www.wellpointdiversity.com, to learn more and to experience for yourself the power of our shared vision in action.

Back

TAOnline.com Education Hint of the Month

Looking to improve your job prospects with more education? Post-9/11 GI Bill

Back