Table of Contents

FOREWORD BY CONGRESSWOMAN ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON OF WASHINGTON, DC

PREFACE: COMMON MYTHS ABOUT FEDERAL JOBS

SECTION I: GEARING UP TO APPLY

1. A Good Time to Go Federal
2. The Search is On: Finding Openings
3. Oodles of Internships, Student Jobs and Fellowships
4. Federal Agencies vs. Capitol Hill: What’s the Difference?
5. Those !#@! Vacancy Announcements
6. Think Like a Hiring Manager: How Applications Are Screened


SECTION II: CRANKING OUT YOUR APPLICATION

7. Your Bragging Writes
8. Mastering Online Applications
9. Crafting Irresistible Resumes
10. Writing Killer Application Essays (KSAs and ECQs)
11. Cover Letters That Open Doors
12. Waiting for a Response


SECTION III: THE TALKING STAGE

13. Interviews That Nail The Job
14. Commanding a Top Dollar Salary
15. Responding to an Agency’s Decision


SECTION IV: FED “GET AHEAD” GUIDE

APPENDICES:
   Appendix 1:  Tip Sheet for Veterans and Their Families
   Appendix 2:  Tip Sheet for Applicants with Disabilities
   Appendix 3:  Formatting Tips
   Appendix 4:  Glossary

INDEX

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DOCUMENTS ON THE CD:

  • Directory of Internships and Special Recruitment Programs for Young Professionals

  • Directory of Internships and Special Recruitment Programs that Are Specially Recruiting Minorities, Women and People with Disabilities
  • Directory of Fellowships for Experienced Professionals (Non-Feds and Current Feds)
  • Tip Sheets for Application and Interview Prep
  • KSA & Interview Prep Work Sheets
  • Resume Prep Work Sheets
  • Going Global In Government
  • “Get Ahead” Tip Sheets
  • Lily Whiteman’s Washington Post Articles on Federal Internships, Interview Skills, International Opportunities, and Networking in Professional Organizations