Transition Insight

Top 10 Cities for Government Employment

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

Where in the world would Carmen Sandiego work if she worked for the U.S. Government?
The popular "Carmen Sandiego" PBS show and children's game provided a fun, educational geography and history lesson to millions of kids as they sought to foil Carmen's goal of stealing national landmarks. But if Carmen held a government job, would she be "stuck" in Washington, D.C.? Not necessarily. Based on information provided by GovCentral, here is the top ten list of cities to develop a career working for the government. Carmen has probably been to all of these cities and with her checkered past would not get a job offer from a government agency—but have you considered them for your next career step?

Number 10 – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a destination for tourists and history buffs. With a reasonable cost of living ranking (59 out of 100) and sustained growth in education and health sectors, the home of brotherly love is also home to over 300 current government job openings in a 50-mile radius on USAJOBS.gov.

Number 9 – Los Angeles, CA
Home to film stardom for a few and aspirations of fame for many, Los Angeles also boasts over 300 current government job vacancy announcements in a wide variety of agencies and professions. Hiring now—the VA, Homeland Security, U.S. Courts system, Department of the Interior, many of the armed forces, the Department of Agriculture, and many more.

Number 8 – Albuquerque, NM
If you guessed Albuquerque would be on this list, congratulate yourself. If you're surprised, then stop and consider this Southwestern hub with well over 350 current government job vacancies and a comfortable, 20-minute average commute time.

Number 7 – Colorado Springs, CO
The tour of great U.S. cities continues with the second-largest city in Colorado and an economy driven by military, high-tech, and tourism jobs. Current openings for government positions include numerous Bureau of Land Management jobs with over 130 total positions posted on USAJOBS.gov.

Number 6 – Norfolk, VA
Norfolk's listing should surprise no one. Home to the world's largest naval base, Norfolk is the hub of the Hampton Roads region. Over 200 government job vacancies exist with a focus on the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Air Force Personnel Command. Norfolk commuters experience an average 25-minute commute time.

Number 5 – Baltimore, MD
Another non-surprise, but to be specific, the focus is on Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Baltimore. The region is rich with opportunity for government job seekers with over 2,100 job postings currently reported in a huge variety of professions. Definitely worth consideration for those interested in this vibrant region.

Number 4 – Charleston, SC
Huh? Sleepy Charleston with a population of just over 100,000 is the number-four spot for your government career? According to GovCentral, the answer is yes, although the reasoning is unclear. Could be a lifestyle influence—Charleston is a city of lilting tradition and polite style, with just under 100 government positions listed, mainly for the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Air Force Personnel center.

Number 3 – San Antonio, TX
Texas weighs in with the big-shouldered city of San Antonio, home to explosive growth lately and a variety of opportunities. Remember the Alamo here and visit the famous Riverwalk downtown while considering one of 270+ federal job openings, many with the U.S. Air Force, Army Medical Command, or the VA. It's possible to have to endure a wretched commute in San Antonio because of the growth, so choose locations wisely.

Number 2 – Arlington, VA
You might expect to see Arlington right at the top of this list. Arlington is the location of Arlington National Cemetery, Washington National Airport, the Pentagon, the USMC War Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, and numerous other monuments. It's literally right across the river from Washington, D.C., so yes, it's a hub for government jobs with over 2,000 jobs in a 50-mile radius, which of course includes D.C. The distinction between Arlington and D.C. is minimal if not miniscule for job seekers.

Number 1 – Washington, D.C.
No surprise here. The hub of government is also home to many of the higher-end government jobs, including many of the Senior Executive Service positions. Of the 158 SES job postings, 113 are located in the D.C. area. To use the wisdom from the sport of fishing, you fish where the fish are. For those "fishing" for high-end government jobs, the "big fish" are in D.C.

Get over to USAJOBS.gov to check out a city near you or one of these "top ten" locations when considering a government career. To help your chances of gaining a good rating and landing on the interview list, consider using a career/resume specialist with comprehensive experience in preparing government job applications.

Barbara Adams, President and CEO of CareerPro Global (CPG), the parent company of www.careerproplus.com and www.militaryresumewriters.com, has been a member of the careers community for the past 20 years. Ms. Adams holds four prestigious industry certifications. CareerPro Global is the only ISO 9001-2008 Certified Career Service in the industry, as well as one of the fastest-growing Military, Federal, and Civilian Resume-Writing and Careers-Coaching companies. The team of Certified Professional Federal and Military Resume Writers at CPG assist thousands of clients in applying for and gaining employment each year. We can help you land your military to civilian job.

FFSCs Provide Employment Assistance to Family Members

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP)assists military spouses in obtaining employment and maintaining a career as a military family member.

"The Navy recognizes that moving every few years creates career challenges for military spouses," according to VCNO Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, in the family gram. "The Family Employment Readiness Program addresses those challenges in workshops and through individualized assistance. The goal is to help family members with their job search, particularly as they are impacted by the changes in the economy and labor market conditions."

Established by law as part of the Military Family Act of 1985, FERP assists participants in planning careers that are compatible with the mobile military lifestyle.

"If you live too far from a Fleet and Family Support, just call the center nearest to your location and the staff will provide you assistance over the telephone," said Panshella Cole, FERP manager. (click here to find the FFSC closest to you) "While we're not a job placement service, we will help you learn about job opportunities in your current location or the location to which you're moving. We'll help you polish your resume, prepare for interviews. We'll help you out over the phone, email, whatever it takes."

In addition to individual counseling, FERP offers workshops and seminars where family members can learn valuable skills such as resume writing, interview techniques and dressing for success. Further educational exploration opportunities include such areas as self-directed job searches, federal employment strategies, career planning and financing a career change.

"Of course, all of our services are free," said Cole.

VETS and Job Corps team up to offer training and employment opportunities

WASHINGTON -- The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and the Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Job Corps are partnering in a demonstration project that will provide Job Corps’ comprehensive array of career development services to eligible Veterans 20 to 24 years old to prepare them for successful careers.

This is a fully-funded, all-expense-paid demonstration project that is free for the Veterans. The program includes transportation to and from the Job Corps center, housing, meals, basic medical services, academic and career technical training, bi-weekly living allowance, and job placement and post-graduation support.

Job Corps employs a holistic career development training approach that teaches academic, vocational, employability skills and social competencies in an integrated manner through a combination of classroom, practical and based learning experiences to prepare participants for stable, long-term, and high-paying jobs. One of the important outcomes is that participants will obtain a credential or certificate certifying them in a trade.

Veterans accepted in the demonstration project will be living among non-Veterans and other Veterans who are also transitioning from the military to civilian life. One of the Job Corps program’s key benefits is its post-graduate support. When Veterans are ready to begin transitioning into their career, Job Corps staff will assist them in job searching, resume drafting, and job interviewing skills.

Job Corps will provide graduates with transition services for up to 21 months after graduation, including assistance with housing, transportation and other support services. Upon completion of training, Veterans will be assigned to a career transition counselor to assist them with job placement or enrollment in higher education.

1. Atterbury Job Corps Center in Edinburgh, Indiana;
2. Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield, Kentucky; and
3. Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

The enrollment will be open and continuous until a center reaches 100 Veterans. It is expected that Veteran participants will be enrolling and graduating at various rates. Although Job Corps has set aside 300 slots for the demonstration project, actual participation during the year may exceed that number due to the continuous enrollment.

Veterans can enroll in the VETS/Job Corps demonstration project by calling the toll-free admissions line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 733-JOBS or (800) 733-5627 or go to www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov for more information.

Read the lease before signing

by Cindy Middleton, 17th Training Wing Legal Office

9/13/2010 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Many people have problems with their landlord after renting or leasing a house or apartment, but reading and having a clear understanding of the agreement before signing it can help renters and lessees avoid several of these difficulties.

Before signing the lease and moving in, read every paragraph on the agreement carefully. Be sure to understand it, talk with the landlord to clarify any questionable language.

Request a written inspection of the premises prior to moving in. Any discrepancies with the pre-inspection should be listed in detail, in writing.

Renters or lessees should treat the home as if it were their own, because they are responsible for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. They should also live up to their legal responsibilities in the lease, which includes rent payment and appropriate conduct.

Upon moving out, get a detailed, written move-out inspection within three business days. Any inspection discrepancies should be listed in writing.

A landlord typically has one month to return a security deposit. If the landlord holds the deposit illegally, the renter or lessee may be entitled to damages and attorney fees.

Remember, every state has its own landlord and tenant laws, so what was experienced at a previous duty location may not be the same in a new location.

Individuals who need legal assistance or have questions can call their base legal office to schedule an appointment with an attorney, who can explain any lease terms and advice renters or lessees of possible unfavorable provisions in a lease.