Getting into the GS system

ProudArmyWife84

Does anyone know how the GS system works? I was just told today taht my resume would have to be in a certain format to be considered for any position I apply for. Also has anyone gotten a job using their spouse preference. Ive been looking honestly since we got our duty station in nov of 09 and I believe Ive gotten two calls back, and those where both flex positions. Im not sure what I am doing wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LuluP82

I don't know that much about the GS system, but I looked into it for awhile. First of all, the spouse preference only works for lower-paying jobs, from what I understood when I was checking it out (I can't remember where I read this, but I was definitely over-qualified for the jobs that the spouse preference would help me with; I do have a graduate degree, however). Secondly, you're likely not doing anything wrong; the government just isn't hiring that much due to budget cuts and such. 

Plus, a lot of times, jobs that you see posted on government job sites are clearly written for someone already in the system-- they are just so specific,. Government has to post jobs that are open; so if they create a position and have someone already in mind for it, they have to post it and accept applications for it, however, they write it in such a way that the person they have in mind for the position is the only person who would ever fit the qualifications. Does that make sense?

My mom works for a state university. She used to work there as an instructor while she was getting her graduate degree. Once she graduated, they wanted to offer her a tenure-track professorship. Well, they had to post the job and open it to the public to comply with the law, but the description was written in such a way that it would be nearly impossible for someone to be more qualified than my mom.

If you browse on USAJobs.com for a bit, you'll see what I'm talking about I was laid off in '09 and looked for government jobs for awhile before I got my current job, and I was always astounded at how obvious it was that it wasn't a real job opening (ie. how could I possibly have made presentations for that particular agency if I wasn't employed there?)

ProudArmyWife84

Makes total since, I was really getting discouraged, but now I see what your saying. I interviewed for a flex job (on call) but I have a lo and theirs no daycare on base and it would be hard for any spouse with little children to work. But if they have someone in mind already than ya it makes since, they can interview but they already have their guy!!! I appreciate your help.

 

Temp76535187505890

If you haven't checked out usajobs.gov then you definitely need to.  That's where you'll need to input the information from your resume and search for open positions.  One hint that I was given is that when you find a job opening that you want to apply for you need to tailor the information within your online resume to fit their criteria.  The website uses a computer formula that keys in on certain words within resumes to filter out those people qualified for the opening.  Then those resumes are sent on to the selection panel.  Sometimes there can be hundreds of applicants but only a handful that have those key words might ever get forwarded on.  Then, if you don't get that particular job and you want to apply for another one you'll need to redo your resume.  Its a tedious process but once you break into the GS system, its much easier to find other/better jobs. 

preppymama

i had a biitch of a time getting into the GS system & eventually just gave up and found a state job instead. same benefits, just as stable and we don't plan on transferring anywhere for a while. i feel like the system is very picky on formatting and uploading documents and there is a HUGE demand for GS jobs; sadly, lots more people get preference over spouses, too.

tlalli7106

I've been wondering all of this too for some time. It just seemed so overwhelming!

Emilia0101

Getting into the GS is almost impossible. It seems like most of the time they know who they want to hire, and they have to post and disqualify people until they get who they want. I worked the non-appropriated funds side of the house and watched them do this all the time. I would get rated eligible in the score of 95+ out of 100 but still it is possible to score over 100 with vet points etc. My last straw was when I was passed over for a job that I was qualified for I had a master's the position required as BS, I had 5 years experience it required 3. The person they hired was a friend of the hiring official that was prior military with a food service background. Needless to say I was upset. Anyways all that being said. If you want to try I would go to the Family Readiness Office and see if someone will help you with your resume and show you the correct format. On usajobs it shows you how to build the format as well. Good luck!