Are you a Federal Employee? Do you like it? Was it hard to get the job? Any advice for job seeker?

I'm looking for a job with the Federal Government. I'd like to get an economist position. If you're a Federal Employee; do you like it? What are some of the ups and downs? Was the application process difficult? Any advice?Are you a Federal Employee? Do you like it? Was it hard to get the job? Any advice for job seeker?
The hiring process at the federal government is incredibly slow (the only time it isn't is for summer jobs). You apply, say in July and you might get hired by November. If you really need a job, do not assume you will get it. Keep applying elsewhere.





Job applications are scored. Often this is done by someone reading the essay answers to questions and checking off reponses that reflect the job requirements (don't just regurgitate them back on the form--flesh them out). At the end, they add up your score and compare it to the score of everyone else. They then group them as not qualified at all, qualified and best qualified. Best qualified gets a further review and the interviews. To get to that BQ group, you need to shine on the application. Get someone to help review your forms before you submit them.Are you a Federal Employee? Do you like it? Was it hard to get the job? Any advice for job seeker?
I don't know where the info about 'scoring' applications came from, but it was not my experience at all--though I do agree the process is somewhat slow--but not like it used to be. I waited months to hear back about my position--but it doesn't take that long now.





I have worked for the Gov for 25 years. Yes, I like my job. And the benefits are wonderful--good health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision insurance, savings plans (401Ks) and other things.





The down side is that you have to wade through a lot of beaurocracy to get somewhere else--but once you're versed in it, it's not hard. It's just very time consuming. There is a new system for evaluations that is called NSPS and it's a pain in the tush--and takes up a lot of time and effort and may not even be worthwhile--but that's what we get.





Make sure you put down on your application all the responsibilities you've had. That's scrutinized well. And keep a daily ';diary'; of what you do and how you do it. When you need to write a self-assessment it will come in handy later.





I wish you luck.