Article 2

The federal, state, and local job markets WILL bounce back and you need to be prepared to submit your resume. The federal job market is still one of the best sources for employment in the United States, and worldwide. At the current time, June 2011, the unemployment rate has reached a near all-time high. While the average unemployment rate is around 10%, some states such as Nevada, Arizona, and Florida have reached upwards of 15%. Nevertheless, the government is still a fully functioning group of agencies that require employees to function – that’s where you come in.

Whether you are seeking employment in the federal, state, or local government, there are opportunities if you know how to find it. First, make a strategy. Are you seeking full-time or part-time work? Are you willing to travel, and if so how far? What salary are you willing to accept? These are all very important questions that you must be able to answer before you start applying for jobs. Otherwise, who cares if a government agency is willing to hire you when the job is 30 miles further than you are willing to drive and pays less than half of your minimum base salary?

Another important factor to consider is what have been the hiring trends for the specific agency and geographic location you are targeting. If for example, the agency had laid off more employees than it has hired or is in the middle of a hiring freeze, it may not be the best strategic move to focus your job search in that direction. Conversely, if the organization is currently and actively seeking new employees, than it is crucial to strike while the iron is hot!

It is also important to note what the estimated start date is for the position. There’s no point giving notice to your current employer if the position you are seeking will not commence for another 8 months (The government is a bureaucracy, and bureaucracies move slow, so 8 months is a pretty accurate estimate).

Finally, be sure that your resume contains all the necessary information listed in the job announcement. Sure, KSAs are no longer required as SEPARATE documents, but most job announcements require information to be included in the resume that is similar, if not identical to KSAs. And, if your resume does not contain sufficient responses to these “KSAS,” you can can guarantee your resume will go to the bottom of the pile, if not the trash.

If you are having problems with the resume, it is always best to retain a certified resume writer that focuses on federal/government resumes to assist you with the process and give you the best shot at success.

Good Luck!

Matthew S. is a senior-level Certified Professional Resume Writer and Member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and National Resume Writer Association. He is a nationally renowned resume writer and has worked with top companies, Fortune 50 Executives and various Federal, State, and Local Government agencies. He is the owner of the http://www.newfederalresumes.com and http://www.TheBestResumeServices.com