Table of Contents

FOREWORD BY CONGRESSWOMAN ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON OF WASHINGTON, DC

PREFACE: COMMON MYTHS ABOUT FEDERAL JOBS

PART I: GEARING UP TO APPLY

1. A Great Time to Go Federal
2. The Search is On: Finding Openings
3. Fast Track Into Management: Internships and Fellowships for Novices and Experienced Professionals
4. Location…Location…Location: Working in Agency Headquarters Offices vs. Field Offices
5. Into the Capitol Hill Power Vortex: Working for Congress
6. Those !#@! Vacancy Announcements
7. The Basics of Security Clearances


PART II: CRANKING OUT YOUR APPLICATION

8. Think Like a Hiring Manager: How Applications Are Screened
9. Your Bragging Writes
10. Mastering Online Applications
11. Crafting Irresistible Resumes
12. Writing Killer Application Essays (KSAs and ECQs): Who Needs ‘Em?
13. Cover Letters That Open Doors
14. Waiting for a Response to Your Application


PART III: THE TALKING STAGE

15. Acing Your Interviews
16. Commanding a Top Dollar Salary
17. Responding to an Agency’s Decision


PART IV: ACCELERATING YOUR ASCENT 

18. The 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:

  • KSA and ECQ Prep
    Includes: utlines, Cheat Sheets, Tips, and Essay Examples
  • Internships and Special Recruitment Programs
    For Young Professionals, Women, Minorities, and People with Disabilities
  • Fellowships for Experienced Professionals
    For Nonfeds and Current Feds
  • Going Global
  • Washington Post Articles by Lily Madeleine Whiteman
    Articles on Federal Internships, Interview Skills, International Opportunities, and Networking in Professional Organizations
  • Resume Prep
  • Interview Prep
  • Application and Interview Warm-Up Tip Sheets
  • “Get Ahead” Cheat Sheets