Guide to Getting a Government Job

Guide to Getting a Government Job

The U.S. Government is the Nation's largest single

employer. But if you're job hunting, don't think of Uncle Sam

in singular terms. About 3 million Federal workers are spread

out among more than 100 Government departments, agencies,

commissions, bureaus, and boards. You simply cannot send an

application to a single Government entity and be considered for

every job that exists.

Today's merit-based system of civil service has roots more

than a century old. The Pendleton Act, passed in 1883, was the

first step toward overhauling the excesses of the patronage

system. Congress agreed to reform civil service laws only after

President Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by a disgruntled

office seeker he had declined to appoint. Until then, jobs went

to political supporters, regardless of merit. Now, the

political positions that exist, about 3,000 jobs at the top,

are reserved for those who work closely with Cabinet members

and the President. So unless you're a friend of the President

or a friend of a friend, you'll have to get your Government

job on your own.

And there's more than one way to get a Federal job.

There's more than one way you can apply for jobs, more than one

way you are evaluated, and more than one person doing the

hiring. There are affirmative employment programs, cooperative

education and other student employment programs, and summer

job programs. How you apply for a Federal job depends on your

qualifications, the number of vacancies in your field, the

number of people applying, where you want to work, the salary

you expect, and the kind of job you want. If you are looking

for a job with the U.S. Postal Service or are qualified to

start above the entry level, you can apply directly to agencies. But if

you are a college student or a college graduate looking for a white-

collar Federal job, keep reading. The accompanying box, "Who Is

Being Hired by the Federal Government? The Word from OPM,"

gives the short answer to that question, but the long answer is a little

more complicated. This article will help you find your way through

the Government's hiring maze.

Learning the Basics

If you're like most Federal jobseekers, you don't know

where to begin. You might start by learning about the Office of

Personnel Management (OPM). Although it does not hire

applicants (except for its own needs), OPM manages employment

policy for more than half the civil service. It develops and

gives written exams, rates applicants, and refers applicants to

agencies with openings. It also publicizes job openings through

automated telephone systems, electronic bulletin boards, and

printed materials. Most importantly. OPM defines the

qualifications required for different occupations and manages

the Administrative Careers With America (ACWA) program.

(Helpful hint: People in Federal personnel circles refer to

this program by its acronym, pronouncing it like the Latin word

for water, aqua.)

Do You Qualify? Check Handbook X-118

OPM writes qualification standards for the scores of

white-collar occupations it regulates. You must meet these

minimum qualifications to be hired. Qualifications for jobs

under ACWA appear in the table that begins on page 18. For

information on other occupations and for more complete

information about ACWA occupations, consult Qualification

Standards for White-Collar Positions Under the General

Schedule, generally referred to as Handbook X-118. It gives the

name of the occupation and its series number, which will prove

very useful because jobs are often listed in numerical order.

Perhaps most importantly, Handbook X-118 also gives the

requirements for entering jobs at different salary levels.

The Federal Government has several pay systems. About 450

white-collar occupations are part of the General Schedule (GS),

which consists of 15 numerical grade levels. (See table, "GS

Pay Scales.") College graduates with no experience usually

qualify for jobs at the GS-5 level. Even if you are qualified

to start at a higher grade, you may need to begin work at the

GS-5 or GS-7 level because the agency might be recruiting only

entry-level workers. Agencies are not required to hire you at a

higher level.

Keep in mind that meeting the minimum qualifications does

not necessarily get you a job. Agencies look for the best

qualified people. Even though a job such as writer-editor

requires no particular degree, employers will look for related

experience--school newspaper work, writings, relevant summer

jobs--that demonstrates interest and potential for development

in this field.

You can find Handbook X-118 in a loose-leaf binder at

personnel offices of all Federal agencies, Federal Job

Information Centers, and most Federal depository libraries.

Some State Job Service offices, college placement offices, and

public libraries also have copies.

GS Pay Scales

Federal employee salaries are based on several pay

systems. The largest is the General Schedule (GS). The chart

shows pay scales for 15 grades covering most white-collar

Federal workers, as of January 1, 1993. Blue-collar salaries

vary by city or region.

Entry-level positions for most college graduates begin at

the GS-5 or GS-7 level. Generally, entry-level professionals

and administrators are promoted two grades at a time, often

annually, until they reach GS-11. Subsequent promotions are one

grade at a time.

Most people are hired at pay step 1 of their grade.

Advancement by steps, or within-grade increases, occurs after

52 to 156 weeks, depending on the person's current step.

To make the Government more competitive with private

employers, some Federal workers are paid special rates. Higher

salaries are paid to some workers who are in short supply, such

as engineers. scientists, and health personnel. White-collar

workers in New York City. San Francisco, and Los Angeles get an

8-percent cost-of-living differential. Some law enforcement and

clerical workers also receive special rates.

A look at ACWA

ACWA, or Career America, is OPM's job-entry program for

college graduates who will, if hired, start at the GS-5 or GS-7

level. College seniors within 9 months of graduation may also

apply for jobs through this program. Many of the occupations

require a specific degree or completion of certain courses, but

you can qualify for others with any degree. No experience is

required for any of these occupations, but related experience

can always help you compete.

ACWA covers 116 administrative and professional

occupations in 7 groups, the first 6 of which require separate

exams:

Group 1: Health, Safety, and Environmental

Group 2: Writing and Public Information

Group 3: Business, Finance, and Management

Group 4: Personnel, Administration, and Computers

Group 5: Benefits Review, Tax, and Legal

Group 6: Law Enforcement and Investigation

Group 7: Professional Occupations. Not Requiring an Exam

Some of the 100 occupations in the first 6 groups have

specific educational requirements, but most do not. All 16

occupations in group 7 are professional and, by OPM's

definition, require certain academic coursework. The

requirements for all 116 occupations, as well as the employment

in each, are listed in the table beginning on page 18.

ACWA Applications

Each ACWA group has a different application form. But,

generally, you must pass a written test or show that you have

the education required or both. One exception is made for those

who qualify for the Outstanding Scholar Program; it exempts

from testing college students who graduated in the upper 10

percent of their class or earned a cumulative grade-point

average (GPA) of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

To find out which groups you can apply for, visit or call

your nearest OPM office or Federal Job Information Center. Ask

for each groups Qualifications Information Statement to learn

more about that group's jobs, qualifications, and application

procedures. You can also call the Career America Connection's

automated telephone system at (912) 757-3000. (In the

Washington, DC, metropolitan area, call the Washington Area

Service Center at (202) 606-2700.)

Applications to take the test for most groups can be

submitted at any time, but groups 1 and 2 may be closed in your

region. For occupations in group 7, you may apply only when

openings are announced; hiring is very limited.

Information statements for groups requiring exams include

a test scheduling card, OPM Form 5000 AB, as well as

application details and a list of OPM offices. Complete the

test scheduling form and mail it to the OPM office in the area

where you want to take your test. You should also request

sample test questions. Within a few weeks of mailing your test

scheduling card, you should receive materials indicating the

time and location of the exam. Also included is a booklet

containing sample questions.

You may take as many different exams as you like, but you

may not retake a test within an occupational group for 1 year.

You must bring a photo ID for entrance to the testing room.

Each written test has three parts. The first part consists

of 12 vocabulary and 13 reading questions. The second part has

8 questions on tabular completion and 9 on arithmetic

reasoning. The third part is the Individual Achievement Record,

which evaluates how well you have used your opportunities in

school, work, or outside activities. The exam takes about 75

minutes: 30 minutes each for the first and second sections and

15 minutes for the third.

After the Test: Ratings and Registers

All exams in groups 3 through 6 for the continental United

States are processed at the OPM Staffing Service Center in

Macon, GA.

You will receive a Notice of Results within a few days of

your test date. Your performance on the exam is boiled down to

a numerical score, called a rating. Passing scores range from

70 to 100. (Veterans with a passing grade receive an extra 5

points; disabled veterans, an extra 10 points.) The names of all

candidates with passing scores are ranked in numerical order on

a list maintained by OPM. The list is called a register or

competitor inventory. From this register, OPM makes referrals

to agencies filling job vacancies.

Names remain on a register for 1 year. But not everyone on

a register gets a job. Currently, only those with ratings in

the middle to high 90's are being referred to agencies, and

there's still plenty of competition. From October 1, 1992, to

February 1, 1993, OPM only referred about 6,400 job applicants

to agencies, out of about 70,000 eligible candidates for groups

3 through 6. Of those 6,400 referred, only about 200 were

hired. As for the others, according to one OPM official, "the

vast majority don't hear and probably won't hear."

Along with your test materials, you will have received a

background questionnaire, Occupational Supplement Form B, that

you must complete and bring with you to the test. It includes

questions on your education and experience, and also has some

questions about the kind of position you are looking for. For

example, it asks you to indicate up to nine specific geographic

locations in which you are willing to work. These can play an

important role in whether you are called for an interview,

because referrals are made according to candidates' designation

for working in the agency's location. The central processing

system allows you to be considered for employment in several

geographic zones without having to take the same exam in each

zone. But don't confuse this with the requirement that you take

a separate written test for each occupational group that

requires one.

Other Jobs, Other Registers

OPM also maintains registers for specialized occupations

outside the Career America program. Specialized occupations do

not require a written test but do require specific

coursework--just as the ACWA group 7 occupations do. Ratings

for these registers are based on applicants' education and

experience. The specialized occupations include positions in

accounting and auditing, biological sciences, engineering,

mathematical sciences, and physical sciences. You need to

request Qualifications Information Statements for detailed

information about the specific educational requirements needed.

Call the Career America Connection or visit your nearest OPM

office or Federal Job Information Center.

The Qualifications Information Statements you will receive

for nontest positions do not, obviously, include a test

scheduling card. But you will receive Occupational Supplement

Form B. For nontest positions, your rating is based entirely on

the information you supply on this form. A computer will read

your responses, so you must take special care to indicate that

you meet the specific coursework requirements for that

occupation. For example, with a public administration or other

business degree, you are eligible for accountant positions if

you have 24 semester credit hours in accounting. But the

computer will not recognize that you meet this provision unless

you indicate accounting as an undergraduate major (defined by

OPM as 24 or more semester hours, or 36 or more quarter hours)

on Form B. Read the instructions carefully when completing the

form.

All Form B processing is done at the OPM Staffing Service

Center in Macon. You should receive a Notice of Rating within 2

weeks of mailing your form. If you are eligible, your rating

will be a numerical score from 70 to 100. Currently, applicants

referred to agencies to be considered for openings have scores

in the middle to high 90's, as is the case with the ACWA

occupations in groups 1 through 6. The geographic location you

indicated on Form B likewise plays a role in referrals.

National registers are maintained in Macon for accountant/

auditor and bioscience positions. But engineering, physical

science, and math registers are downloaded directly to the

specific geographic zones you named on Form B. To be

considered for positions in more than one zone, you must submit a

separate form for each zone.

The SF 171

For many jobs, filling out an application is part of the

hiring process. The Federal Government is no exception. An

Application for Federal Employment, Standard Form 171 (SF 171),

is required for every Federal employee's personnel file. For

many positions, including ACWA occupations, you do not need to

submit an SF 171 to take a test or complete an Occupational

Supplement Form B. But you will still need to submit an SF 171.

prior to being hired. For most agencies, the SF 171 is the

designated application.

As your prospective employer's introduction to you, the SF

171 is a chance for you to present yourself at your very best.

Fill it out quickly and you're wasting your time; thousands of

applications are received by Government offices each year, and

only the best attract attention. You should spend several hours

to complete the application. It may seem tedious, but the time

you invest could mean the difference between an interview and a

rejection letter.

Blank SF 171 forms are available at Federal

Job Information Centers, most Federal agencies' personnel

offices, and many post offices, libraries, and State Job

Service offices. You can also buy automated programs for

producing your SF 171 on a computer.

Before you make any marks on the form, make several photocopies

to use as drafts. Then prepare a master copy for each

occupation you wish to enter and make photocopies of them. It's

acceptable to submit a photocopied SF 171 when applying for

jobs. Here are some hints on preparing those masters.

Read the form in its entirety, including the instructions,

before you begin completing it. Most of the blocks are

self-explanatory, but some deserve special attention.

Item 24, the work experience blocks, can make or break

you. This is the section where you are asked to describe your

duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Duties are the

work you perform for your employers, responsibilities involve

your independence and judgment, and accomplishments refer to

duties performed beyond what is expected of you. If possible,

show that you have progressed in each job, and from one job to

the next, by taking on more demanding duties or more

responsibility.

Note all work experience, including volunteer work related

to the position you're applying for. Be specific. You may think

everyone knows what a data entry keyer does, but don't stake

your future salary on it. If you do not spell out exactly what

you did, you may not get credit for any of it. In describing

your work experience, use strong verbs, such as performed,

rather than weak phrases. such as "was responsible for

performing." You also want to use the vocabulary that appears

in Handbook X-118 if you are relying on your experience to

qualify for an occupation. Whenever possible. quantify your

accomplishments. Present yourself in a positive light, but

don't overstate your duties.

Type your work descriptions on blank pieces of paper,

leaving room for the heading block at the top of the page and

the for-agency-use block at the bottom. Then cut both blocks

from a photocopy of the SF 171, tape them in the appropriate

places on your typed page, and photocopy the new page. The

photocopy of your cut-and-paste page. which will not reveal

your tape lines, results in a much neater look than trying to

fit everything onto the tiny lines provided. Type your name,

social security number, the position title, and the vacancy

announcement number on each sheet.

For items 25 through 31, mention all education you have

received. Be sure to include seminars, workshops, training

programs, and vocational or adult education classes. As

mentioned in the Career America discussion, how you specify

your major field of study is key in applying for a rating. For

some occupations, positions are not limited to a specific major

but may require a certain number of course credits. And unless

you designate those course credits as your major, your

application may be overlooked. As mentioned earlier, for

example. accountant/auditor positions may be filled by college

graduates with 24-semester hours of accounting credits whose

degrees are in related fields such as business administration,

finance, or public administration. So if you have 24-semester

hours in accounting but majored in finance, list accounting as

your major when you apply for a rating as an accountant/auditor.

When you list references for item 36, use names of people

who are not related to you who can attest to your working

ability. Ministers, doctors, local political leaders, or other

character references are of little help in commenting on how

you work.

Leave items 1, 48, and 49 blank on your master copy. Item

1 asks what job you are applying for; complete this block each

time you apply for a position. Items 48 and 49 are the

signature and date certification, and they must be signed in

ink on each application. You may wish to leave other items

blank on your master copy as well, especially in the section

marked Availability. This section asks questions regarding the

lowest pay you will accept, the geographic area where you wish

to work, and your willingness to travel. You won't be forced to

accept a job that pays less than you would like or would

require you to move. On the other hand, you could eliminate

yourself from consideration for jobs that you might think about

under some circumstances if you fail to choose your responses

carefully.

Your master copy will save you time because you won't have

to start from scratch for every application you submit. But you

may need more than one master copy if you're applying for

different kinds of jobs. Even if you apply for the same

positions in different agencies, you may find that agencies

place emphasis on different skills or abilities. You should get

a copy of the vacancy announcement for each job you apply for.

(See the next section for a discussion of vacancy

announcements.) You need to make sure each application you

submit reflects that you meet the qualifications required.

Finally, be sure to proofread your SF 171 carefully before

you apply for jobs. And don't forget to fill in the items you

left blank on your master copy, including signing and dating

the application in ink.

Automated SF 171 software is available. According to OPM,

at least two private manufacturers have developed programs that

produce acceptable SF 171 applications. These are Federal

Research Service, Inc., and the Software Den, developers of

"Quick and Easy," and "SF-171 Automated," respectively. Contact

retail stores for more information.

Vacancy Announcements and Job Listings

Agencies advertise vacancies with brief statements of job

information called vacancy announcements or even briefer job

listings. Each announcement or listing includes the

job title, occupational series number, grade and pay levels,

application opening and closing dates (the period during which

applications are accepted), number of vacancies, job location,

announcement number, person to contact, phone number, and

agency name. Announcements, which may run a couple of pages,

also spell out specific job duties, both general and special

requirements, and application procedures. They even indicate

how important each required skill is.

There are many places to find announcements and job

listings, although no one place will have every announcement.

Regional OPM offices, Federal Job Information Centers, State

Job Service or Employment Security Offices, and personnel

offices of Federal agencies are all likely to have some

announcements. A more comprehensive list of jobs appears in a

commercially published magazine, Federal Career Opportunities

Listing. It is available at many libraries and at many of the

offices that have the announcements themselves.

Touchscreen and automated computers, available at nearly

all Federal Job Information Centers, also provide vacancy

information. You can search these listings--called Federal Job

Opportunity Listings--by such criteria as occupational series,

job title, or geographic location. The computerized lists are

updated at least monthly. They are available at State

employment service offices and many college placement offices,

as well as through the computers at the Job Information

Centers.

Electronic bulletin boards allow you to download job

listings on your personal computer. OPM's bulletin board is

free (except for the price of the phone call). You can access

it by dialing (912) 757-3100 via a modem. There are also six

OPM regional bulletin boards.

If you have found only a listing and not the announcement

itself, contact the agency advertising the opening, asking that

the announcement be sent to you.

For many vacancies, applicants are given only 1 or 2 weeks

to submit forms. Be advised that the closing date generally is

the day your paperwork must reach the hiring authority, not the

date materials must be postmarked by.

Applying to Agencies

Because not all jobs are listed in any one place, you

should plan to contact agencies on your own. Each agency's

personnel office has the most up-to-date information on its

needs and hiring procedures.

You can start your search with a check of U.S. Government

listings in the blue pages of the phone book. Call the agencies

you think are likely to hire for your occupation. Of course,

not every occupation is employed by every Federal agency. On

the other hand, you might be surprised at the range of jobs

within an agency. For example, you know the Army Corps of

Engineers hires engineers, but it employs many other kinds of

workers as well. Don't assume that all educators work for the

Department of Education or that every librarian is employed by

the Library of Congress. Education majors are employed by the

Departments of Defense, Interior, Justice, Agriculture,

Transportation, and Treasury, among others. Library science

majors work in such offices as the Executive Office of the

President, Government Printing Office, and Patent and Trademark

Office--not to mention the departmental libraries throughout

the Government.

Look over the table beginning on page 18. It gives the

number of workers in different occupations employed by the

largest agencies. These are the places to begin your job hunt

for these positions.

Consider visiting Government offices in person to ask

about openings. In some Federal buildings, you won't be allowed

past the guard desk (though there might be a dropoff box for

applications). But in other offices, especially in smaller

cities, you might get a chance to meet with someone. Each

personal contact you make increases the probability of your

getting hired. After all, often the only way you find out about

a vacancy is if you're in the right place at the right time.

You might also learn about openings for positions other

than the one you're looking for, including clerical and

technical jobs. Don't eliminate these outright just because the

starting salaries are below those usually offered to college

graduates. You may think you're overqualified for some jobs,

but they may be good stepping stones to your desired career.

Mobility is often easier from within, where you learn more

about the agency and have more access to job vacancy

information. Many agencies also offer training programs for

employees, which can help you gain experience and advance to

more responsible positions. Before making a commitment, check

out the situation at the agency you are considering working for.

Exceptions, Exceptions

Not all occupations require that you get on an OPM

register. In fact, for some occupations, such as those in

public safety, you apply directly to the hiring agencies. OPM

also grants special authority to some agencies that allows them

to hire applicants without prior referral from a register. These

special authorities are called delegated case examining, shared

case examining, and direct hire authority. There are also excepted

positions and agencies that OPM has nothing to do with.

Delegated case examining permits agencies to advertise,

evaluate, and hire applicants independently of OPM. In shared

case examining, an agency recruits and screens applications

before sending them to OPM for final evaluation; OPM then sends

a list of the best qualified candidates back to the agency, and

the agency makes its selection. Direct hire authority is similar to

delegated case examining but applies only to occupations for which

shortages exist.

Public safety occupations, which include air traffic

controller--deputy U.S. marshal, treasury enforcement agent,

and U.S. park police officer--are filled by delegated examining. You

must apply directly to an agency to take a written test for one of

these occupations. Delegated examining allows the agencies to

develop and give their own tests, as well as evaluate applicants and

set hiring standards. Treasury enforcement agents, for example,

cannot be older than 37 at the time they are hired. The screening

process also includes a series of interviews, a polygraph test,

background investigation, and drug testing.

Delegated or shared case examining is used to fill most

ACWA group 7 occupations. For public safety and group 7

occupations, there is no national register; evaluation methods

vary by region and agency. Some agencies accept applications

continually and maintain registers to fill openings as they

occur. But most accept applications only when they have

vacancies for these positions.

OPM grants direct hire authority to agencies for hiring in

occupations for which shortages exist. This authority varies by

location, occupation, and agency. To find out which agencies

have the authority for which jobs, contact your nearest OPM

office or Federal Job Information Center. Ask for a list of

agencies that have direct hire authority for your field. You

can then contact the personnel offices of the agencies on the

list to find out about their application procedures. When you

call, ask to speak to someone who handles entry-level hiring in

your field. If no phone numbers are given on the list of

agencies, check the U.S. Government listings in your phone

book's blue pages.

Exceptions to the merit system have been established over

the years by law, executive order, and regulation. OPM is not

involved in any way with the hiring of people for these

occupations and agencies.

The excepted positions include the following:

* Doctors, dentists, and nurses in the Department of

Medicine and Surgery of the Department of Veterans

Affairs,

* Scientists and engineers in the National Science

Foundation,

* Attorneys,

* Chaplains,

* Teachers and many other workers overseas,

* Drug enforcement agents doing undercover work,

* Part-time workers in isolated areas,

* Many seasonal workers.

The excepted agencies include such large, well known ones

as the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of

Investigation, and Tennessee Valley Authority, as well as

several lesser known or smaller agencies. In some agencies,

certain occupations are excepted, such as health occupations in

the Department of Veterans Affairs and foreign service

occupations in the Department of State. Excepted agencies set

their own hiring procedures. The names and addresses of some

excepted agencies are listed in the "For More Information"

section at the end of this article.

Don't Give Up

Federal hiring procedures are constantly changing. but

each agency's personnel office should have the most up-to-date

information. If there is a best way to look for a Government

job, it is to try every method you can for getting a foot in

the door. Know your own qualifications and make sure you meet

the requirements for getting hired. Visit as many agencies as

you can and find out if they're hiring. Leave copies of your

SF 171 if possible, even if they're not accepting applications

for a specific opening. Keep adapting your strategies to the

ones that seem to work best.

And never underestimate the power of your personal

network. Ask family members and friends about opportunities

that crop up in their offices. Talk to people you know who work

for the Government and find out what they do. Meet with people

who may have lots of contacts, such as your college professors,

and talk to the people they know. Networking is an important

tool in the vast Federal work force.

Above all, be flexible. No matter where you look for a

job, you can expect setbacks along the way. You're guaranteed

to get the run-around more than once, but don't get discouraged.

If you are qualified, your persistence will pay off.

For More Information

Reading this article is just the start of your Federal job

hunt. Now you're ready to move on. Below is a list of resources

to provide you with specific information about tests, job

vacancies, and application procedures.

OPM publishes the Federal Career Director, containing

general employment and special hiring program information,

profiles of Federal agencies, and an index of college majors.

You can find the Directory at libraries, OPM offices, and

Federal Job Information centers. OPM also publishes brochures

on topics ranging from the Federal Cooperative Education

Program to the summer Employment Program. To receive them,

write

OPM

Career Entry Group

1900 E Street NW.

Washington, DC 20415

To receive Qualifications Information Statements for ACWA

positions and information about job vacancies, special hiring

programs, salaries, and benefits, call the Career America

Connection, (912) 757-3000. You can call this automated message

service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Material requested by

telephone is usually mailed within 24 hours. Or, write

Office of Personnel Management

Staffing Service Center

P.O. Box 9800

Macon. GA 31298-2699

You can also visit any OPM office or Federal Job

Information Center.

If you live in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, call

the Washington Area Service Center's automated phone system at

(202) 606-2700 for testing schedules and application materials.

The Office of Washington Examining Services schedules most

tests on a walk-in basis, and the automated message gives the

schedule. You can also follow the instructions on the message

to receive the sample questions and Form B for the group for

which you would like to take a test.

For exams in groups 1 and 2, and for exams in all groups

in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,

contact the OPM office in those regions for information and

applications. Positions are filled locally, and you may have to

file separate applications in each area you want to work.

Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) numbers are also

available in each region. They are listed on information sheets

available through OPM's Federal Job Information Centers.

If you have a personal computer, modem, communications

software, and telephone line, you can access the Federal Job

Opportunities Bulletin Board, (912) 757-3100. Information about

examinations currently open and vacancy announcements

nationwide can be scanned on line or downloaded to your

computer. Although not as comprehensive, OPM regional bulletin

boards are available in six areas. They, are

(202) 606-1113 Washington, DC, area

(404) 730-2370 Southeastern States

(215) 580-2216 Northeastern States

(313) 226-4423 North Central States

(214) 767-0316 Mountain and Southwestern States

(818) 575-6521 Western States

Many agencies also publish information about themselves

and occupations that are especially important to them. Contact

agencies directly to receive these brochures.

The Largest Agencies

The following executive departments and independent

agencies employ the great majority of Federal workers.

Agriculture Department

Office of Personnel, Room SM-7

AG PROMENADE

12th Street and Independence Avenue SW.

Washington, DC 20250-9650

Air Force Department

NCR-SPTGDPC, CPO 1100

The Pentagon. Room 5E871

Washington, DC 20330

Army Department

Hoffman Civilian Personnel Office

Hoffman Building II, Room 1S39

200 Stovall Street

Attention: ANCP-HPR

Alexandria, VA 22332-0800

Commerce Department

Office of the Secretary

14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Room 5001

Washington, DC 20230

Defense Logistics Agency

Staff Director, Civilian Personnel

Cameron Station

Alexandria, VA 22304-6100

Education Department

Personnel Office, Room 1156

400 Maryland Avenue SW.

Mail Box 4645

Washington, DC 20202

Energy Department

Office of Personnel

Forrestal Employment Branch AD114.2

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington, DC 20585

Environmental Protection Agency

401 M Street SW.

Washington, DC 20460

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Room G-4000

550 17th Street NW.

Washington, DC 20429-9990

General Services Administration

18th and F Streets NW.

Washington, DC 20405

Health and Human Services Department

Office of the Secretary Personnel Office

Cohen Building, Room 1037

330 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington, DC 20201

Housing and Urban Development Department

Employment Office

Room 2258

451 7th Street SW.

Washington, DC 20410

Interior Department

Personnel Office

Office of the Secretary

Room 5456

1849 C Street NW.

Washington, DC 20240

Labor Department

Frances Perkins Building

Room C5516

200 Constitution Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20210

Justice Department

Personnel Office

Room 603

633 Indiana Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20531

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Room 5017 FOB6

400 Maryland Avenue SW.

Washington, DC 20546

Navy Department

Secretariat/Hq. Civilian

Civilian Personnel Branch

Pentagon Division, Room 4D-434

Washington, DC 20350-1000

Office of Personnel Management

1900 E Street NW.

Room 1447

Washington, DC 20415

Small Business Administration

Personnel Office

409 Third Street, SW., Suite 4200

Washington, DC. 20416

Smithsonian Institution

955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 2100

Washington, DC 20560

State Department

(Civil Service positions)

Employment Information Office

Room 2819

22nd and D Streets NW.

Washington, DC 20520

Transportation Department

Central Employment Information M-18.1

Room 9113

400 7th Street SW.

Washington, DC 20590

Treasury Department

Departmental Offices

Personnel Resources, Room 1318

Main Treasury Building

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Washington, DC 20220

Veterans affairs Department

810 Vermont Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20420

Excepted Agencies

The following is a partial list of excepted agencies and

excepted occupations within agencies.

Agency for International Development

2401 E Street NW.

Room 1127

Washington, DC 20523

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20551

Central Intelligence Agency

Office of Personnel

P.O. Box 12727

Arlington, VA 22209-8727

Defense Intelligence Agency

Civilian Staffing Operations

Division (DPH-2)

3100 Clarendon Boulevard

Arlington, VA 22201-5322

Department of Veterans Affairs

(Health care occupations)

Veterans Health Services and Research Administration

Recruitment and Examining Division (O54E)

810 Vermont Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20420

Federal Bureau of Investigation

10th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Washington, DC 20535

National Security Agency

9800 Savage Road

Fort Meade, MD 20755-6000

Attention: M352

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Office of Personnel

Washington, DC 20555

Postal Rate Commission

Administrative Office, Suite 300

1333 H Street NW.

Washington, DC 20268-0001

Tennessee Valley Authority

Employment Services, ET 5C 50P-K

400 West Summit Hill Drive

Knoxville, TN 37902

State Department

(Foreign Service positions)

Recruitment Division

P.O. Box 9317

Rosslyn Station

Arlington, VA 22209

The Other Branches of the Federal Government

The Judicial Branch

(except the Administrative Office of the United States Courts

and the United States Claims Court)

Personnel Office

United States Supreme Court Building

One First Street NE.

Washington, DC 20543

The Legislative Branch

(including senators' and representatives' offices, Library of

Congress, and the Capitol) For inquiries about employment at the

House, Senate, or Capitol, contact either the House or Senate.

U.S. House of Representatives

Placement Office

Washington, DC 20515

U.S. Senate

Placement Office

SH-142B Hart Building

Washington, DC 20510

General Accounting Office

Office of Recruitment

Room 1050

441 G Street NW.

Washington, DC 20548

The Library of Congress

Employment Office, LM-107

James Madison Memorial Building

101 Independence Avenue SE.

Washington, DC 20540

Who Is Being Hired by the Federal Government --

The Word from OPM

The kinds of workers hired by the Federal Government

reflect the kind of work it has to do. According to Civil

Service 2000, developed for the U.S. Office of Personnel

Management (OPM), Federal jobs are much more likely to be

white-collar and professional/administrative than those in the

economy as a whole.

Among Federal workers, the share of professional,

administrative, technical, and management-related jobs is about

48 percent. nearly twice the rate for the labor force as a

whole. Blue-collar jobs make up only about 19 percent of the

Federal work force, compared to 28 percent for the country as a

whole. And marketing and sales jobs, which account for more

than 10 percent of the national labor force, are almost

entirely missing from the Federal job mix, making up a

minuscule one-half of 1 percent.

Because of their job requirements, Federal workers have

higher language and math skills, on average, than does the

labor force as a whole. For example, some 16 percent of all

Federal jobs--more than three times the national rate--require

employees to read scientific or technical journals, financial

reports, legal documents, or other materials. Algebra,

statistics, trigonometry, and calculus are also required for a

large proportion of Federal jobs. About 31 percent of Federal

workers are college graduates, compared with less than 25

percent for the labor force as a whole.

The majority of Federal workers are in the competitive

service, but large numbers are in excepted agencies or

occupations, as explained in the article, and even larger

numbers work for the Postal Service. (See chart 1.) These

workers are employed throughout the country and around the

world, although about 12 percent of the jobs are in or near the

Capital.

Competition for jobs is extremely keen. Best bets for

Federal employment are found among the hard sciences, financial

management, health occupations, and some engineering

specialties. Chart 3 shows which agencies hired the largest

numbers of college graduates in fiscal 1992. OOChart, on page

40, shows the occupations of the college graduates hired.

In general, the Federal Government does very little hiring

at salaries above $40,000. In 1987. for example, only 3,000

full-time workers were hired at that level. In contrast, 10

percent of the people in the entry-level professional and

administrative positions (at grades GS-5 through GS-8) were new

hires that year.

Over the next decade, Federal employment, especially in

the Defense Department, may decline. Nevertheless, the number

of workers in some occupations will increase. Likely areas of

growth are health: law: contract, procurement, and management:

and Internal Revenue Service agent.

Chart 1.

Distribution of Federal Civilian Employment by Service,

January 1993

Chart 2.

Distribution of Federal Civilian Employment by Geographic Area,

January 1993

SUCCESS ON THE JOB

SUCCESS ON THE JOB

INTRODUCTION

This book will prepare you for the difficult task of job hunting.

Not only will it show you how to get a job but it will show you

how to keep your job and get the most out of it. You will be able

to use the most modern psychological measures in dealing with

other people so that you are always ahead. Follow the instruction

in this book and see yourself go to the top.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR JOB HUNTING

Know What You Want

You should be perfectly clear of what you want. Don't give

yourself vague objectives such as "any job that pays." Make your

objectives and goals very definite and specific. Your first step

to getting a successful job is knowing precisely what you want.

Ask yourself this question and write down the answer on a sheet

of paper.

Expect The Best But Prepare For Adversity

Always expect success, but prepare for the bad things in life.

Adversity happens to the best of us. Our challenge is to conquer

adversity. Adversity is a great teacher; learn its lessons well.

Remember, if you haven't been through bad times, you are far from

success.

Be Positive

When you create a "win,win, win" attitude, you will start to win.

When you start to think positively, everything around you will be

positive. Whatever you expect to take place will take place. If

you want things to be good, they will be good. You are the master

of your destiny. Destiny DOES NOT rule you.

Be Confident

You must have confidence in yourself. If you are not confident in

yourself, people will not be confident in you. People admire and

respect confident people. You will even admire and respect

yourself more. If you have doubts about yourself, other people

will have doubts about you, also.

Action Is The Key

Do whatever you have to do to get where you want to. Commit

yourself to action. Don't put off your plans, start today. The

only way you will achieve success is if you act now. You must act

now with full force if you want to achieve your dreams. Plan to

act out your ideas today.

Visualize Your New Job

Look ahead and visualize the job you want. Tell yourself how much

you want the job and what you are willing to do for it. Your

dreams will become your reality if you let them. Know what your

dreams are. Visualize success in your mind so well that it is

almost real.

Be Persistent

Be persistent to do better. Anything worth doing is worth doing

again and again and again. Don't let rejection stop you from

reaching your goals. Keep trying and you will succeed. Nobody

makes it the first time. Try over and over again and don't stop

until you get what you want. There is no going back.

It's Going To Cost You

Nobody gets a free ride. If you want something, you must pay for

it. It is going to be hard to get what you want, but it will be

well worth it when you are successful. The best things in life

are the hard things.

Other People Can help You

People will help you to get where you want to go. You will never

make it alone easily. People can teach you and help you become a

better person. Listen to other people--you will learn from them.

If someone helps you, don't forget to reward him.

Demand A Lot

When you demand a lot, you get a lot. Your expectations of others

and yourself will become a reality if you expect them to be real.

What you expect to happen, will happen. If you push yourself

hard, you will start to see results. demand and you will receive.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB

Look through the help and want ads of newspapers and

professional and trade journals. Find out where government jobs

are listed and then try out for a state, local or federal job. Check with

your state employment center--it may be able to get you a lead.

Most schools have job placement centers, check with them. The

secretaries of civic organizations and the Chamber of Commerce

may have some leads for you. You may be able to get a job by

going to a job fair. If you are a minority or need special assistance,

you may be able to get help finding a job from special interest

groups. Check at your public library for further information.

Where You Can get Job Leads

Trade conventions and organizations that relate to your field may

be able to get you job leads. Ask relatives and friends if they

can furnish you with any leads in your field. Place a job ad in

newspapers or professional journals.

YOUR RESUME

A resume is helpful for any type of professional job you are

trying out for. A good and effective resume will lead you to

personal interviews.

Preparing Your Resume

You must write down a collection of all the information about

yourself on a sheet of paper. After all of this information is

organized, transfer it to a resume. Only use the training and

experience that are relevant to the job which you are applying.

Write down all the information that relates to your goal on your

data sheet. When you are mentioning jobs that are unrelated to

the job you are applying for, be brief. Tell your prospective

employer anything and everything that's in your favor and will

interest him. Arrange the information so it catches your

prospective employer's attention.

To determine what you should put in the beginning of your resume,

think of what your potential employer will feel is important. You

can organize your experience by job or by function. Your resume

should be detailed enough to give an employer all the important

facts on you, but it should not be too long or an employer may

not read it. Employers are busy people and they want the facts in

a few words as possible. When writing out your resume, don't

mention anything negative about yourself. If you have never had

any work experience and the job calls for work experience,should

you put "none" in that section of your resume? No. If you have

never had nay previous work experience, don't even include work

experience.

Make Your Resume Impressive

Your resume must be typed on a good typewriter. Remember, when

a prospective employer looks at a resume he subconsciously

relates the quality of your resume with the quality of your work. It is

the only thing he sees of you. The most impressive resumes are

not five-color jobs on 20-cent paper. If your resume is too

flashy, your prospective employer may not be too impressed. Don't

pass out carbon copies of your resume because they look cheap

and they tell an employer that you gave the original to someone

else. Research has shown that resumes printed on yellow paper

with brown ink are the most effective. If you don't want to print your

resumes, just photocopy them on fancy yellow paper to give them

that quality touch.

THE INTERVIEW

What You Should Bring To The Job Interview

Organize and prepare all the papers you will need with you at

your job interview. Your main document is your resume. If you

don't have a resume, take instead your school records, Social

Security card, work records, licenses, military records, dates of

employment and names of your employers.

Your References

It is also important to create a list of references. Be prepared

to give an employer the names and addresses of three people who

are familiar with you and/or your work. You should ask your

references for the use of their names in advance. If you think it

appropriate, ask a professional friend or former employer to

write you a letter of reference, and include it with your resume.

If your work is the type of work you can show, take samples of

what you have done in the past.

Know The Company And The Employer

Learn all you can about the company that is interviewing you. Go

to the library or your Chamber of Commerce to find out all you

can about it. Try to find out exactly what they do and what they

have in store for you as far as jobs are concerned. Find out who

you will be working for. The person you will be working for will

be very influential in your life. Make sure you really want to

work for this person. If your future boss doesn't tell you about

himself at the interview, don't ask.

Know How Much You Should Earn

Know how much you should earn with your talents and skills. Make

your estimate a little higher so the company benefits when they

bid you down. Don't go too high or you won't get the job. Know

approximately what the salary scale is for the job and be ready

to negotiate the salary.

Know Yourself

It is important that you know yourself. Evaluate what you can

offer this company, whether it is education, training or special

skills. Always tell them what you can do, not what you can't do.

Know exactly what type of job you are applying for and what type

of job you want.

Know Your Interviewer

Prepare yourself for the questions for the questions the

interviewer is going to ask you. You should rehearse answers to

the most commonly asked questions. Have some one ask you

these questions to practice your answers:

Why do you want to work here?

how long do you want to stay with this company?

Why did you leave your last job?

Tell me about yourself.

Why aren't you working now?

How long do you think you would stay in this present job without

a promotion?

Why should we hire you?

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

What did you like/dislike about your last job?

How much did you earn?

How much do you want to earn?

Why do you think you can do this job without experience?

Your Time

Make sure you are at least 10 minutes early for the scheduled

appointment. Don't come too early or too late. Give yourself

enough time to spend with the interviewer--don't arrange another

appointment 15 minutes after the first appointment. Your time

with the interviewer should be uninterrupted.

Your Appearance And Dress

Don't wear too casual or too formal clothing to the interview.

Dress conservatively without flashy colors. Be well groomed and

shave for your interview. Women should make sure they look very

neat. Hair should not be in the face, it should be up or tied

back. Makeup should be subtle. The way you look is very important

to your interviewer. If your appearance is bad for the interview,

that is the impression an employer will have of your job

performance. Neat appearance is always a must.

What To Do At The Interview

When you shake an employer's hand, shake it firm, solid grip.

Don't shake his hand passively. Be businesslike but pleasant and

friendly. Smile throughout the whole interview. Make sure your

smile does not look fake. Good eye contact is very important. If

you can't look into his eyes, look at the bridge of his nose.

This will seem as if you are looking into his eyes. Sit straight

up but toward the interviewer. This will make it seem as if you

are very interested in what the interviewer has to say. Don't

smoke or have poor posture during the interview. If you are under

stress, try to act calm.

What To Say At The Interview

Let the employer take charge of the interview. Answer his

questions briefly but completely. Don't ramble on about

unimportant things and waste his time. Dogmatic statements should

be avoided. Tell the employer exactly what you expect from your

job and from him. Also tell him exactly what he can expect from

you. Stress your qualifications in a positive, affirmative tone.

When the employer tells you what type of person is wanted, use

this information when telling the employer about your

qualifications. It is very important to tell him what he wants to

hear. When you tell people what they want to hear, they start to

agree with you. Don't over do it and exaggerate with lies. Use

your resume or records to support any claim you make about

yourself. If you don't understand a question the interviewer asks

you, repeat it back to him to see if you understand it. Try to

see what the interviewer wants to find out about you. If you know

what he wants to find out, make you answers fit his needs.

What Not To Say And Do At The Interview

Talk about previous jobs if they are in your favor. Don't say

anything bad or criticize previous employers or fellow workers.

If you say anything bad about anyone, your future employer can

expect trouble from you. Don't say anything negative about

yourself. Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or

domestic unless you are specifically asked. If the interviewer

questions you at a quick pace with confusing questions,he is

doing this to put you under stress. Stay in control and answer

calmly. Don't be overly impatient when an employer asks you a

question. Wait for him to finish the question and then answer it

completely and in a relaxed manner. You don't want an employer to

think you are desperate for the job. Don't take anyone with you

to the interview--this makes you seem insecure.

At The End Of The Interview

If the employer does not offer you the job at the end of the

interview, ask him when you will hear from him or when you can

call to find out his decision. If you are asked to come back,

write down the time and place you are to attend. After the

interview thank the employer for spending his time with you. Ask

him if he knows of any other company that may need a person with

your qualifications. A good practice is to also thank the

employer by mail with a "thank you" letter. Many applicants don't

do this, so this may give you an edge on the job.

If You Are Hired At The Interview

Make sure that you understand what your duties will be. A good

understanding of what your employer expects from you and what

you expect from your job will prevent conflicts in the future. Make

sure that you are very clear on both of them. You should also

find out what advancement opportunities are open for you. Tell

the employer what salary you want, but only bring up money when

the employer brings up your salary.

If, at the end of the interview, you are not offered the job,

tell the interviewer that you really want the job. Follow up with

a thank you letter to the interviewer. Tell the interviewer again

in the note that you really want the job. If you forgot to

mention something in the interview that you thought was

important, don't hesitate to mention it in the letter. If the

company hasn't contacted you in a week or two,call. If somebody

else is hired for the job ask the interviewer if he has any other

openings in his company or if he can give you any leads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THAT RAISE

Make The First Move

Don't wait for someone else to tell you what to do. Upper

management admires an individual who takes initiative. Develop

your individual talents. Educate yourself with new skills and

knowledge. Show them that you are a real "go getter."

Make Quick Decisions

Teach yourself to make quick, intelligent decisions. Being

indecisive will hurt you. Anyone can make good, quick

decisions--it is just a matter of training yourself. Intuitive

instincts must be developed.

Seek More Responsibility

Take on the tougher assignments. Actively seek more difficult

work with added responsibility. Take on all the responsibility

you can handle. Try to take the added responsibilities in

addition to your assigned work, The greater your

responsibilities, the more you are an asset to management.

Increase Your Interests

The more you know, the more valuable you are to the company you

work for. Go to night classes or just read books that will give

you that added education. Increase your interest in things that

will help your company. Specializing in as many things as you can

will help you move up in a company.

Take The Risk

Nothing comes easily. Moving up in a company is going to be hard

but rewarding. If you expect to move up, you must take chances.

It is the little risks in life that give us the most advancement.

If you don't stick your neck out, your chances of moving up are

slim.

Know Your Company

Find out everything you can about the company you work for.

Understand and know your company. Study and learn the jobs of

your fellow workers. Understand what they do and why they do it.

Always try to increase your knowledge.

Know Your Boss

Find out what type of qualities your boss and upper management

are looking for in employees. Try to develop those qualities.

Be Good At Your Job

Management always admires people who are efficient at their jobs.

Keep the highest possible level of production and quality every

day. Be so good at your job that you can do it without close

supervision. Don't fool around on the job, regardless of what

other employees do.

Know Your Goal

You Should know exactly what position you want. Be the person

they want if you want that position. Make sure you can do all

that is required.

Devote Yourself To Your Company

You should have a strong sense of loyalty and devotion toward

your company. Show the company that you care about its well

being. Don't disagree with company policies. Even if you disagree

with them, obey them. The best that you can do is to agree with

the policies and tell management diplomatically how you feel

about them.

Be Reliable

Being reliable is very important. A company wants to fell secure

with your contribution to the company. Don't be late or absent

from work without a very good reason.

Make Sure Your Accomplishments Are Seen

There is nothing wrong with letting others know what you have

accomplished, as long as long as you don't brag. If the

opportunity arises for recognition, take it. Make sure others

know what you have done. A good suggestion is to jot down your

accomplishments in a dairy. When you asks for raise, refer to

your dairy. Keep all your recommendations and awards in a file.

Be A Problem-Solver

Look for problems in your company. Devise practical and

intelligent solutions to these problems. Bring the problem to the

attention of your boss only after you have solved it and have all

the details of the solution.

After-Work Activities

If overtime work is needed, don't ever decline or avoid it.

Volunteer for committees, and then work hard for them so they

meet their objectives.

Voice Your Opinion

When you speak up, make sure that your opinion is well thought

out. Don't whine to your boss. Talk things out with him. Tell him

what you have to say and then listen to him. Speak to your boss

loudly, clearly and specifically. Don't voice a vague

opinion--tell him in specific terms exactly what is bothering

you.

Ask For A Raise

When you feel you are ready for a raise and you have fulfilled

all the requirements I have pointed out, ask for one.

HOW TO GET A RAISE

Know Company Policies

Understand your company's policy on salaries and raises. You may

have to be with the company a specified length of time to get a

raise. Find out how long and act at the right time. If you are

getting the maximum salary for your position, you may ask for a

promotion or a re-classification. Do everything you can after

studying the company policy book.

Know The Decision-Maker

You have to convince the person who has the authority to give

raises that you deserve one. If that person is above your boss,

prepare to convince your boss and his superiors that you deserve

a raise.

Do You Deserve A Raise?

You must find out if you deserve a raise. Only after you are sure

you deserve one will others be sure you do. Rate yourself. Try to

look at yourself through your boss's and your fellow workers'

eyes. Do they think you deserve a raise?

How To Justify A Raise

Tell them about your accomplishments that helped the company.

Show them how much you saved the company through your actions.

Get to know what your skills are worth for another company in the

same area. Present your company with that information. Present it

to them in a very non-aggressive manner. tell the company what you

will be able to do for them in the future. Tell them how you will

benefit the company with your new raise. tell them how your value

has increased since you have been with the company. Don't

mention anything about your personal needs for the money.

Be Able To Handle Rejection

If you are rejected for a raise, be able to cope with it. Deal

with the rejection before you ask your boss for a raise so you

will know how to handle the situation. Remember, expect the best

prepare for the worst.

Know What You Want

Before you speak to your boss know exactly how much more money

you expect, both in terms of dollars and percentage. If you know

your boss will negotiate with you, ask for more than you actually

want. In this way you will get what you want or more.

When Should You Ask For A Raise?

Make an appointment with your boss. Don't ask him for a raise as

he is passing in the hallway. Don't ask to see your boss on busy

Mondays or Fridays.

Be Prepared For Criticism

You may be criticized for not performing "up to par" now. Don't

let this criticism upset you, let it help you. You can learn from

this criticism by asking for more feedback from your boss. Ask

your boss how you can improve yourself. Ask him for suggestions.

Always be willing to negotiate with your boss. He may only give

you a bonus instead of a raise. Take it and ask for a raise

later.

Handling Your Boss's feedback

Get an immediate answer from your boss if he has the power to

give you the raise. If he can't give the answer to you now, ask

him when he can. If he tells you he can't give you a raise ask

him why. Ask him what he would require from you before you got a

raise, his suggestions, what needs improvement, etc. Do what he

tells you to do for a raise and, when you have satisfied his

needs, ask him again. If you plan to quit if you don't get a

raise, don't threaten your boss. You want your boss's good

reference later if and when you do quit.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF COMPROMISE

In many cases all you will be able to get by being persistent is

a compromise. Compromises are good. They get you one step[

further that you were in the first place. If for some reason,

such as self-respect, you can't accept a compromise, then don't.

Give whatever you can offer. If you do this you may not get any

type of settlement in your favor. Here are steps that will show

you how to compromise so that you get the best of the bargain:

Tell The Person Exactly What You Want

Tell the person exactly what you want in terms he will

understand: "I want more..."

Persist

You must get past the other's person's excuses and alibis. You

must be persistent until you fell you have hit the other person's

bottom line. You may find that the other person is trying to

manipulate you. Be persistent until that person has stopped all

his manipulation.

If You Are Unsure

If you don't know what they want, then don't make a decision. You

must think the situation over before you make a compromise. If

you need more time, tell the other person that you need more

time. Make sure that you can live with the compromise you have

made before you make it.

HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISM

Some criticism you get is in poor taste. We must know how to deal

with criticism such as: "You look terrible today" or, "You left

this in my way, you idiot." Make sure this kind of criticism

useless, follow these steps.

Agree With The Facts

Agree with the facts the other person presents. For example, in

response to "You look terrible today," say, "I haven't been

feeling too well lately"; in response to "You left this in my way

you idiot," say, "Yes, I did leave it in your way." Answer only

what was actually said, not what was implied.

How To Answer

Stay calm and collected during the whole conservation. Don't lose

your temper. The only way a person will make you feel degraded is

if you degrade yourself. You don't want to waste your time which

this type of person, so don't defend yourself or attack him.

If You Made A Mistake

If you made a mistake, accept that fact. Don't accept the quilt

for the mistake. If you were in error, then apologize. If you

apologize, don't make a big thing out of it. Don't tell them how

dreadfully sorry you are, etc. Just give them a plain "I'm

sorry."

HOW TO DEAL WITH IMPORTANT CRITICISM

When you get important criticism, you want to know how to get the

best out of it. Useful criticism is one of the best ways to make

yourself into a better person. Follow these steps to get the most

out of useful criticism.

Ask For Feedback

Find out exactly what others object to about you. If someone

tells you "You are bad," that's not good enough. Find out exactly

why that person thinks that way. Be very persistent--find out why

the other person feels the way he does. Vague criticism is

worthless to you.

Guess At Reason

If a person refuses to give you reasons for criticizing you, keep

guessing at your faults until you get the right one. This may be

the only way to find out what displeases the other person.

Don't Be Defensive

If you act defensively, you may not be able to benefit from

useful criticism. Don't be sarcastic or intimidate the other

person. You want to learn how to become a better person from the

criticism.

Ask the person how you can change your objectionable behavior;

be open to reasonable suggestions.

HOW TO GET YOUR CO-WORKERS AND YOUR SUPERIORS

TO LIKE YOU

Good relations with your co-workers and your superiors will not

only help you but will make work more enjoyable. Every employee

wants to be liked by other employees. If you treat people the way

they want to be treated, they will like you. Some of us don't

know if what we do is objectionable to others. I am going to give

you a list of things that attract other people to you and things

they find objectionable. When you move up in the company, you

will need all the support you can get.

Praise People

Everybody enjoys being praised. People look for approval of

themselves in others. But you should praise people only when they

deserve it. If you praise people when they don't deserve it, or

if you praise too much, you lose your credibility. Don't

exaggerate your praise. Make the praise as warm and sincere as

you can.

Don't Put People Down

Putting down a person can be very damaging to you and the other

person's relationship wit you. People don't want to feel degraded

by being called stupid, crazy, weird, etc. Don't put down anyone

even if they are not present. If you do, the word will get back

to them and you will look bad. Always talk positively about

people. Even if you don't like them, still speak highly of

them--you will be amazed at what this does. If you must say

something bad, don't say anything at all.

Don't Be Concerned With Your Interests Only

There is nothing wrong with caring and looking out for yourself.

Just don't make it noticeable to other people. You will be

resented by other people if you seem selfish. Make sure others

know you look out for them as well yourself.

Share The Credit

When others have helped you accomplish something, share the

credit with them. Even if their contribution was not as great as

yours, still share the credit with them. You will be surprised

Don't Ask Others To Do For You What You Won't Do For Them

If you are unwilling to go out of your way for people, don't

expect them to go out of their way for you. Set the first

example--if you help them, they will help you.

Always Show Appreciation

Everyone wants approval and recognition for what they have done.

If someone helps you in any way, tell him how much you appreciate

his actions. If you don't, he may not help you again. This is

what you should tell people when you show your appreciation: "I

really appreciate the way you..."; "Thank you very much for...";

"You are very good at...": "I really want to tell you how much I

appreciated..."; "You were very nice to..." Don't show too much

approval and recognition or it will lose its credibility.

Don't "Show Up" Others

When you "show up" others you do it at their expense. "Showing

up" people in front of others takes away their self-respect. If

you are better than others, they will know it--you don't have to

degrade them.

Treat Small Things With Importance

Some things that seem small to you mean a great deal to others.

Don't ignore small problems; help people solve them. Treating

small problems with importance shows other people you care.

Care About People

Everybody is concerned about themselves and it is important for

them to have someone to care for them. They are touched when you

care about them. Helping people cope with life makes people feel

that you care about them.

Don't Criticize A Person In Front Of Others

If you criticize someone in front of others, he will always

resent you. It is one of the most degrading things you can do. If

you criticize someone, criticize him constructively and

privately.

Give People Your Undivided Attention

All people want to fell important. To make a person feel

important you must give him your undivided attention when

communicating with him. Get rid of all interruptions. Make sure

you have good eye contact and that you are not playing with

objects.

Be Courteous, Tactful, Polite and Diplomatic

Everyone appreciates people who are courteous,tactful, polite and

diplomatic. The best way to learn these qualities is from others.

Study someone you would like to be like and learn how he conducts

himself.

Be Confident

If you don't have confidence in yourself, others will not have

confidence in you, either. People admire and respect confident

people. If you show others doubt, they will treat you with doubt.

Be sure of yourself and play down your insecurities.

Conclusion

Getting a job can be very easy if you look for it the right way.

Knowing exactly what you want and then going after it will always

get you what you want. Be positive, determined and persistent so

that you will benefit, be rewarded and prosper.

PRIMER FOR PROSPECTIVE POLICE

PRIMER FOR PROSPECTIVE POLICE

APPLICANTS

REQUIREMENTS **

** Will differ from agency to agency and state to state, but these

appear to be the most common.

* Applicants must be at least (18-35) years of age.(Most require

21 years of age for entry, and a maximum of 35. Some hire as low

as 18, and some have no maximum age limit for entry.

* Must have a high school diploma or GED.

* Must have a valid driver's license.

* Must be free from defects in color vision and hearing.

* Weight/Height proportionate.

* Must pass a physical examination.

* Must complete a background investigation.

* May be required to pass drug screen.

* Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions

involving moral turpitude.

* Veterans must have a honorable discharge.

* Must not have excessive traffic violations.

* No DWI/DUID convictions.

* Must have stable employment history.

The Application and Testing Process

Provided below is a brief description of the testing process

used by many agencies.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Usually a test of basic reading comprehension and writing skills

necessary to perform police tasks.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Used to verify information provided on the initial application

and personal history questionnaire.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Used to eliminate applicants with medical conditions or

limitations that would prevent them from safely performing

police duties. Drug testing will probably be included in the exam.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A check of the information you provided on the personal

history questionnaire. It will include a check of your

criminal history and driving record. May also include a check

of your employment history, credit history, personal/business

references and educational background.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Used to evaluate your psychological and emotional health as

it relates to the position you are seeking.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

This test will include such events as:

Running a pre-determined distance. You might have to run in

order to catch a suspect. Climbing flights of stairs. You

may have to answer calls for service or pursue suspects in

multi-story buildings. Dragging a dummy. You may have to

drag an unconscious person to a place of safety at an

accident scene or other disaster. Climbing over walls or

obstacles. You may have to climb over fences or walls to

check buildings or pursue suspects. Negotiating an obstacle

course. You may have to avoid different types of obstacles

quickly while running, such as if you are pursuing a suspect

through a crowd of people. Broad jump. You may have to jump

across a ditch. Walking a beam. You may have to walk on a

log, etc. to get across a creek or ditch. Weight lifting.

You may have to lift heavy objects or push people or objects

off of you. (usually demonstrated with the bench press and

leg press and other exercises) Most of these events are

timed.

ASSESSMENT CENTER

More departments are utilizing this form of "hands on" type

of test. Assessment centers subject the applicant to a battery

of job related reasoning and decision-making exercises. This

procedure may also include group discussion exercises with

other applicants and an oral interview. The applicant usually

participates in most of these events before a panel of

"assessors".

ORAL INTERVIEW

Finally, there is usually an oral interview conducted as part

of the assessment center, or before the department head, or

both. You are certain to be asked questions such as: "Why do

you want to be a police officer? or "Why do you feel you are

more qualified than the other applicants to be a police

officer?" or "Describe your strengths and your weaknesses." You

may also be asked to give the interviewer(s) a short history of

your background, etc. You could be asked to give your opinions

on current events in the field of law enforcement.