anyone here have insights into the federal job application process?

[ima_sinnic]

Over the past couple of months I have developed what I think is a killer federal resume (they want every nuance of your life history and in many cases essays) and applied for 7 or 8 federal jobs--and every morning head to usajobs.opm.gov to check for new postings. I am looking in the GS-9 to 13 range and am getting IMPATIENT to hear something! Writing a PhD dissertation in entomology and barely getting by on subsistence technician and editing jobs and daydreaming about my big fed job with paid holidays and sick leave. (hey, I can dream, can't I?) My brother said it was a whole year from the time he applied till he got his, with 25 apps out at the time--I'm about a third of the way to 25--is a year pretty standard???

[demnan]

1. One time I waited a year and a half

before I got a response. They wanted me but by that time I was working in private industry.

Why don't you get a job with a contractor supporting the agency you'd like to work for. That way you can get some contacts in the agency. You won't be able to apply for a job directly with the division on the contract, but I think it's easier for you to get a job if you've got some agency experience.

[gardenista]

2. Great advice!

Having worked as a "temporary" technician at the Dept. of Ag. for about 5 years, I observed that many of the real jobs are filled before the call for applications goes out. It's just a formality to go throught the hiring process. Illegal as hell, but that's the way it is.

Get your contacts, get in the door, and then apply. You'll have a much better chance!

Best of luck!

[ima_sinnic]

3. hmmm--how would I find out who the contractors are?

also, I'm applying for jobs FAR from this despised state of Florida (anticipating civil unrest no matter the outcome of the election and focusing on more "progressive-friendly" areas, particularly the West Coast and Northwest), so not sure how I could connect with contractors in those areas.