2008 Survey of the Senior Executive Service

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today issued the government wide results from the 2008 Survey of the Senior Executive Service (SES). The Survey was administered on-line in January and February to all SES and focused on the new SES pay-for-performance system, executive development and general attitudes toward work. The survey had a 65 percent response rate.”The results of the survey show the SES is a committed and qualified group of people dedicated to their work on behalf of the American people,” said OPM Director Linda M. Springer. “It also points out that the federal government has work to do in order to continue to develop and attract a highly qualified executive workforce.”

Findings from the Survey include:

• Senior Executives as a group are proud to be in the SES, they feel a sense of accomplishment through their work, and feel their talents are well used. These are some of the highest rated items on the survey (87-97% favorable).
• SES respondents believe their pay should be based on performance and feel they are held accountable for achieving results, as well as the fact that they participated in the development of their performance plan (89-93% favorable).
• Most believe their appraisal fairly reflected their performance (68%–down from 74% in 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS).
• However, communication with executives needs attention: 63% of respondents received a briefing or training on the performance management system, and only 35% of respondents received the overall results of agency ratings, awards and pay adjustments.
• On the plus side for executive development, it appears that executives are open to the prospect of continuing learning and networking, and many believe in the benefit of job changes (55% – 75% favorable based on questions 31, 32, 33).
• Most respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their pay (61%–down from 73% in 2006 FHCS).
• Just over half (55%) are satisfied with developmental opportunities.
• Over one-third (35%) of executives indicated that their developmental needs are not assessed, and over a third (37%) have not engaged during their SES tenure in any of the six activities commonly used for developing executives.

The Survey may be found online at www.opm.gov/surveys/results/index.asp.

OPM Initiatives Will Improve Hiring/Recruitment Process

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Associate Director for Talent and Capacity Policy Angela Bailey today outlined for Members of Congress actions OPM is taking to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. Testifying at a hearing coinciding with Public Service Recognition Week, Bailey told the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia about initiatives to improve the hiring process, streamline job announcements for entry-level positions, and selection methods for the Senior Executive Service (SES).

“We are well aware the Federal hiring system has evolved over many years into a cumbersome process and hiring takes far too long,” said Bailey.  “That is why we have expanded our efforts by partnering with several agency Chief Human Capital Officers to launch a new, holistic and systemic view of the hiring process.”

This initiative focuses on five interrelated components – workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, suitability and security, and orientation – that work in concert to create an efficient and effective hiring process.  By September, OPM will issue a Governmentwide standard for the hiring process, along with a “how to” guide that includes successful practices, templates, and scripts for communicating with applicants.

As a subset of this initiative, OPM is also streamlining job announcements and creating templates agencies may use when advertising for entry-level positions.  “We have replaced the legalese and pages of extraneous information that were not necessary to announce a job,” said Bailey.  “It also advertises upfront two of the most important issues of concern to new professionals – pay and benefits.”  Pilot projects are also underway to attract seasoned executives in the Senior Executive Service SES whose resumes clearly demonstrate the extent of their experience and accomplishments.

To help agencies better address their hiring needs at both ends of the employment spectrum, OPM sent Congress a legislative proposal to allow agencies to rehire annuitants on a part-time and/or time-limited basis, without a salary offset.  These experienced workers, with their institutional knowledge can help the next generation of employees integrate into an agency’s workforce by serving as mentors and knowledge management facilitators, thus providing a seamless transition from generation to generation.

Bailey concluded, “If anything, OPM believes these efforts will prove it is possible to challenge difficult and esoteric processes, and, more importantly, create solutions that do not compromise our principles.”

OPM Launches Enhanced Telework Website

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Linda M. Springer today announced the launch of an enhanced interagency telework website, www.telework.gov. The updated site features a series of user-friendly improvements designed to make telework information more accessible and understandable to Federal employees.”The launch of this updated website will allow Government employees and managers a greater understanding of telework,” Director Springer said. “This user-friendly site provides an abundance of information, and allows users to get direct access to questions from telework experts. This site will certainly contribute to continued growth of telework in the Federal Government.”

The updated website was developed in partnership with the General Services Administration (GSA), OPM’s telework.gov partner. Users can read and download recent telework guidance and legislation, reports, and studies. A search database allows users to input telework-related questions, and if answers are not found onsite the questions can be routed to experts who will respond via email. The site offers telework guidance and direction to employees and managers, as well as telework coordinators.

Additional features of the updated site include quick links to key pages, online telework training, and easy access to telework-related policies such as reasonable accommodation and emergency closure. Finally, the site displays a green color scheme throughout, chosen to reflect the environmentally friendly aspects of telework.

Telework in the Federal Government has increased significantly since 2001, 110,000 employees currently telework according to OPM’s latest report to Congress. The report also found that while overall telework numbers were down slightly from 2005, a majority of agencies increased telework over the previous year, and that 42% fully integrated telework into their emergency planning.

OPM Issues Standardized Federal Vacancy Announcement Templates for Certain Positions

Today the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) demonstrated to the Chief Human Capital Officers Council standardized vacancy announcement templates for three of the top 30 ranked occupations. These announcements will be easy to understand and use by applicants seeking entry level jobs.”We expect that as agencies begin announcing their positions using these templates the quality and number of applicants will increase,” OPM Director Linda M. Springer said. “By standardizing the vacancy announcements, applicants will be able to submit the same application for multiple positions within these occupations, making the application process less onerous for prospective employees.”

The templates are streamlined, easy-to-understand, standardized vacancy announcements agencies can use to help attract a broader pool of qualified applicants for secretarial, accounting and accounting technician positions. Use of the templates will also be easier for agencies since they will now simply need to insert limited information concerning their specific jobs such as the name of their agency, what the specific duties of the position are, and where to send the application.

Written in plain language, the vacancy announcements include basic qualifications requirements for the position up front and standardized ksa’s.

Federal HR staff will be able to access these templates through USAJOBS (Employer Services tab) and USAStaffing. Use of the templates is optional; however, OPM believes such standardization should reduce applicant frustration and improve the federal hiring process.

Free Tax Help for the Military

If you, or your spouse, are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free assistance with the preparation and filing of your federal tax return. The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.

Military-based VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families. The volunteer assistors are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

Military commanders support the program by detailing members of the military to prepare returns and by providing space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS supports these efforts by providing tax software and training.

To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to your military VITA site:

• Valid photo identification
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
• Current year’s tax package, if you received one
• Wage and earning statement(s) — Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
• Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
• Total amount paid for day care
• Day care provider’s identifying number
• Other relevant information about income and expenses

If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it isn’t possible for both to be present, a valid power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the return.
For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don’t be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is www .irs.gov.

Link – Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide (PDF 1010.5K)

The SES Federal Job Market is Heating Up as Candidates Race for the White House

The race is on as candidates make their plea to be the next President of the United States in the upcoming election. As the candidates scurry to appeal to the votes, the SES federal job market is heating up because executive realize the opportunity to secure employment at the commencement of a new administration.

An SES position means Senior Executive Service, which represents high level employment in an executive capacity with the Federal government. Currently the Federal government is the largest employer in the nation because of the job security, superior salary and outstanding benefits given to their employees. Because jobs with the Federal government offer a myriad of advantages to their employees, the number of applicants for these positions always exceeds the number of available positions.

To get the edge in the competitive Federal job market during a time when there will be more applicants than ever, consider hiring a professional resume writer. When you apply for a coveted Federal position, it is essential to follow all the specifications for application, format your resume properly and use relevant keywords or you may not even qualify for that dream job. Hiring a professional SES resume writer who is familiar with the Federal job application process can mean the difference between landing a lofty SES position or just wishing you did.

Well Written and Focused KSA Statements are Your Key to the Locked Interview Door

If you feel that the interview door is locked when it comes to applying for a coveted Federal position, well-written and focused KSA statements are your key to opening that door.

A KSA statement actually stands for Knowledge, Skills and Abilities and outlines the qualities you possess that make you an ideal candidate for a certain Federal job.  KSA statements are not questions but each one posed requires an answer because that lets a prospective employer know if you are a viable candidate for the position.  Because your KSA statements show what you can do, well-written statements can get you the interview while poorly constructed responses will disqualify you immediately.

To write great KSA statements, you need to:

• respond completely to the statements, relating in detail how your skills relate to what is needed for the job;
• give specific examples of how and where you gained relevant experience;
• respond simply and in understandable language incorporating the keywords used in the job posting;
• incorporate all your pertinent experiences into your KSAs to maximize your potential and sell your best qualities; and
• make sure to proofread your KSAs so they are free of errors.

Hiring a professional resume writer who is familiar with Federal specifications can help you to construct effective KSA statements that mean the difference between opening doors or keeping them closed.

The Top 5 Mistakes Most Federal Applicants Make When Writing Their Own Government Resume

Writing a federal resume is much different than preparing a resume for submission to the private sector. Consider the top 5 mistakes most federal applicants make then they try to write their own government resume:

1. Your resume is not the proper length and fails to provide sufficient details – a federal resume is 2-3 pages long while most private industry resumes are crowded onto 1 page;
2. Your resume does not include the right keywords to be considered for the position – it is essential to carefully review the job vacancy announcement for the keywords that describe the position you are applying for so you can use those keywords throughout your application;
3. Your resume does not contain necessary compliance details such as your social security number, citizenship information, military experience, federal government experience or pertinent background about your work experience;
4. Your resume is grammatically incorrect or contains spelling errors; and
5. Your resume fails to comply with the requirement for Federal submission as detailed in the job vacancy announcement.

If the Federal job application process seems overwhelming, you can make a solid investment in your future by hiring an experienced resume writer. A professional Federal resume can mean the difference between landing your dream government job or continuing to rewrite your resume to try to get it right.

Part 5: The Components of a Federal Job Vacancy Announcement – HOW TO APPLY

The final component of a Federal job vacancy announcement is the section that outlines how to apply for the position. Once you decide you are interested in and qualified for a particular Federal job, this section provides the specifics required to apply and try to get an interview.

The how to apply section lets you know if you can send applications via email or facsimile as well as the deadline for applying. For people who are unable to electronically submit their resume or the hearing impaired, information is supplied about how to contact personnel for additional assistance. This section will also let your know what supporting documents are required to apply for the position such as a formal application and resume as well as responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in the vacancy announcement. For those submitting with a veterans preference, additional documentation for submission may be outlined. The how to apply section also lets you know the addresses and numbers where you should send your application paperwork and who to contact if you are disabled and require reasonable accommodations to apply for the job.

When you are ready to try to get that dream job with the Federal government, the how to apply component of the job vacancy announcement gives you all the instructions you need to get the interview you want. Carefully following the directions will ensure you have an opportunity to be considered for a coveted Federal position.

Part 4: The Components of a Federal Job Vacancy Announcement – BENEFITS & OTHER INFO

Now that you have reviewed the overview, duties and qualifications for a Federal position you are ready to consider the fourth component of the Federal job vacancy announcement – Benefits and Other Info.

The Benefits and Other Info section clearly defines the benefits you would be entitled to if you secured the Federal position you are considering.  Health insurance benefits are specified as well as any costs that would be shared with a prospective Federal employer and the coverage you would receive.   This section also provides information about life insurance, long term-care insurance and any other type of insurance you may qualify for as an employee.  This section also gives you the facts about retirement benefits and the type of savings and investment programs you are entitled to participate in for retirement planning.  Other possible benefits outlined in the Benefits and Other Info section of the Federal job vacancy announcement include transportation expenses, annual vacation time, sick leave, holidays, possible advancement opportunities and pertinent facts about relocation for the position.

To ensure the Federal position you want also provides the benefits you need, it is important to review the Benefits and Other Info section of the job vacancy announcement.  Most Federal jobs offer outstanding salaries with a comprehensive benefits package that is truly impressive.

Is Your Resume Ready?