FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much do your services cost? 
We offer various customized packages for completing your Federal application materials. For the majority of our clients, we offer full service, individualized consulting packages to take you from the very start of your Federal job search to determine qualifications; to the writing, editing and submitting of your application; preparing you for the interview process; all the way to negotiating your salary with the human resources staff. Our pricing varies tremendously depending on circumstances and various issues that may create challenges in writing your Federal resume (applying to multiple job series or occupational series, student status, change in career, periods of unemployment or underemployment, highly technical job field, etc).  Please contact us at EXPERT@FederalJobResults.com or 703-509-8677 during normal business hours for a price quote.  We understand the state of the economy and that many of you may need to discuss various payment options. Please do not hesitate to call our office to discuss your individual situation.

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What forms of payments do you accept? 
We accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover and PayPal.  Once we have discussed the cost for our services, we will make payment arrangements directly with you.  We do not accept payment through our website because each project is individually priced. 

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With the government’s new hiring reform initiative, will KSA essays disappear?
The first time you apply to a job, there will be no KSA essays required. However, there may be a follow-up essay(s) or writing sample required or you may be asked to write an essay(s) during your job interview once you’ve been referred to the hiring official. It will be at the agency’s discretion to decide the next steps in the application process.

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With the government’s new hiring reform initiative, why can’t I just submit my private sector resume with a cover letter?
You can submit your private sector application materials, however, the HR staff will still be using a competency-based model to rate and rank your application materials, just as they have always done. This means that your ranking will be based on skills and competencies included in the FEDERAL RESUME FORMAT. Although you can apply with a private sector resume, a Federal resume will allow you to score much higher in the rating process. A cover letter can be included but it will probably add little value to your application package.

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With the government’s new hiring reform initiative, will the rating and ranking process change? 
In the past, most agencies used the “rule of three” to refer 3 applicants to the hiring manager. Hiring reform will change this and allow for a more broad referral process called “category ranking” in which an increased number of applicants can be referred to the hiring manager, putting more applicants in front of the hiring manager.

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How long does it take to get a Federal job? 
Once you receive an offer of employment, it can take anywhere from a month to several months to actually start work at your new Federal job.  Often there is a background security check that needs to be completed prior to your actual starting date. 

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What is the process for getting hired? 
After your Federal application is submitted, the HR Specialist “grades” it.  Those applications with the highest "grades" are forwarded to the hiring official, who may or may not contact you for an interview.   The hiring manager makes a selection for the best candidate, and if you are selected, the HR Specialist will contact you to extend an offer of employment, contingent upon a successfully completed background check. 

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Why is it so hard to get a Federal job?
There are three main reasons.  First, many people apply to Federal jobs without a tight Federal resume — it is usually not in the proper Federal format and, more importantly, is not written with the HR Specialist’s perspective in mind.  Second, many people apply to jobs for which they may be qualified, but not best qualified.  HR Specialists in the Federal government will not move your resume forward in the hiring process unless they find that you are BEST qualified.  Third, the KSA statements (also called narratives or essays) are not well written or not supported by the accompanying resume.  But don’t fret… we can help you get positive results!

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How long should a Federal Resume be? 
Private sector resumes are usually one to two pages long.  However, a Federal resume is usually much longer—between three and five pages.  The HR Specialist “grades” you against criteria developed specifically from the vacancy announcement.  It is a test.  You get more credit if you have more details in your resume.  It’s really pretty simple.

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I've heard that KSAs are no longer required in the application process.  Is this true?

 
Most agencies are no longer requiring that you submit KSA essay responses the initial time you apply to a federal job.  However, if your appplication appeals to the HR Specialist, you will probably receive a request to submit KSA essays after you've applied.  They may ask you to submit your essays before an interview is extended to you, or you may be asked to bring your KSA essays to an interview.  Alternatively, you may be asked to write your essays in the actual interview!  The bottom line is that the KSA essay has not disappeared by any stretch and you will probably be asked to submit some written essays if you are going to move forward in the application process. 

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What if I have some past negative life experiences?  Should I still apply?  If you have had a minor altercation with the law or some financial hardships, you may still be eligible for Federal employment.  Your eligibility for employment will depend on agency policy, how serious the incident was and how long ago it occurred.  Whatever the circumstances are, be honest in your responses to any questions you are asked because an agency can terminate your employment immediately if you are not completely honest during the investigation process.  

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If I am offered a job, can I negotiate my salary? 
Yes. You will most likely be offered the job at the lowest salary for the position, but you can always negotiate.  The agency will take into account your experience, your ability to do the job and your current and past salaries.  The HR Specialist will consult with the hiring manager to determine if s/he is willing and able to increase the starting salary for the position.

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Should I apply to more than one vacancy announcement at a time?
Absolutely!  You never know what will become of a particular vacancy announcement, even if you think it is the perfect job for you.  We recommend that once you have a solid Federal resume, you apply to as many jobs as possible, but a least one per day.  That way, you won’t have all your eggs in one basket and, over a period of two to three months, you can pretty much be assured that you will get results.

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What is the best website to use for my Federal job search? 
All Federal agencies must use www.USAJobs.com to advertise their vacancies.  However, all are not listed on that website.  Select the following link to view other Federal websites for your job search. Click here for Federal Job Resources.

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How should I contact Federal Job Results? 
The best method for making your first contact with Federal Job Results is through the Contact Us Form. We will be notified immediately that you have a question or would like to request a consultation.  We will respond to your submission within 24 business hours.  If you prefer to make contact by phone, please call 703-509-8677 and leave your name, number and best time for contact.  Your phone call will be returned within 24 business hours. 

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