The federal hiring process has been under much scrutiny in the past, and continues to be the focus of some government reforms today. Applicants in the past have basically had to submit their cover letters, resumes — and an arm and a leg to be considered for a federal job. The contemptible hiring process provides little feedback, and much waiting for applicants.
Luckily, with urging from the Obama administration, that process is under reform. According to Director John Berry, the launch of President Obama’s hiring reform initiative is the “biggest step toward fixing Federal hiring in over three decades.” Each agency began implementing these reform initiatives in November 2010.
The new reform makes strides to make the process easier for job seekers, beginning with the application itself. In the past, there were time-consuming KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) essays, which were a reflection of your past experience and application of knowledge to job situations. These essays have been eliminated for now, and applicants are able to submit simple resumes and cover letters.
Once the application is complete, the new reform will allow applicants to be aware of the status of their application at important stages in the process. There will be no “black hole” in which applications disappear.
In the past, the hiring process was left only to human resources — not the program manager to whom applicants would report if they received the job. Job managers are now able to take a more active role in the recruitment and hiring process.
The new federal hiring process reform will increase flexibility and efficiency for applicants. Lawmakers are hoping to reduce the aggravation and waiting time associated with the federal job process.
Now there are rumors that this new reform won’t have much affect. In mid-February 2011, a House lawmaker reintroduced a bill that supported a federal hiring freeze. The freeze would be in effect beginning in 2012 and require the government to hire only one new employee for every two federal employees who retire or leave their federal position.
However, for those people interested in federal positions, you can rest easy for now with the simplified application process.
Have you ever applied for a position with the federal government? What was your experience with the process?
