Books by Russ Smith

No doubt about it. The key to getting a federal job is how well applicants write a job-winning application. But times have changed and so have applications federal agencies will accept for employment. As the federal government continues to decentralize hiring to the agency level, it also has adapted hiring methods similar to those used in the private sector. While only a few months ago most agencies required applicants to complete the Standard Form 171 (SF 171), today agencies accept two other application forms - OF 612 and federal-style resumes. If you want to get a federal job, you must understand how to put these unique applications together with maximum impact. Here's the perfect guide to understanding the federal hiring process as well as the key application forms now accepted by various federal agencies. Six chapters and eleven appendices outline what federal employers look for on the SF 171, OF 612, and federal-style resumes; major writing principles that grab the attention to evaluators; the best language to use (KSAO's) for each section of your application; how to customize your application for each agency; how to best prepare a "mail-in" packet and follow-up; and which resources can help you get the job you want. Federal Applications That Get Results includes several examples of completed SF171's, OF 612's and federal-style resumes; special chapters on putting together an application packet and distributing it to agencies; and treatment of applications and veterans preferences. Useful appendices include pay schedules, sample forms, critical sections from the all important X-118 Handbook, and addresses of the Federal Job Information Centers. Designed for both white- andblue-collar employees, this intelligent, well-written, nuts-and-bolts guide should be in every federal job seeker's library.