The Create and Post a Job Opportunity Announcement including Identifying Career Patterns element is performed by the Human Resources Office [HRO]. This element takes two days to complete. During this time, HRO will identify the required items for a job opportunity announcement, optional items, security requirements, career patterns for the applicants, and the length of time needed for the process.
The first step in the Create and Post a Job Opportunity Announcement including Identifying Career Patterns element is to identify the required items for a job announcement. These items include:
- Agency name;
- Announcement number;
- Title of the position;
- Series;
- Grade[s] or equivalent and entrance pay;
- Open and closing dates, including cut-off dates, if any;
- Duty location;
- Number of vacancies;
- Description of duties;
- Qualification requirements, including KSAs/competencies;
- Basis for rating;
- How to apply;
- What documents to file;
- Agency's definition of "well qualified" [Career Transition Assistance Program [CTAP], Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program [ICTAP] and Reemployment Priority List [RPL];
- Information on how to claim Veterans' Preference;
- EEO Statement; and
- Reasonable Accommodation Statement.
The second step involves the HRO identifying items that are optional but not required for a job announcement. These items include:
- Recruitment/Relocation incentive opportunities;
- Alternative work schedules;
- Part-time employment and job sharing opportunities;
- Telework options;
- Employee benefits;
- Work/Life programs;
- Transit subsidies;
- Employee assistance programs;
- Incentive award opportunities; and
- Development and training opportunities.
The HRO must also identify the position's security requirements. HRO can do this by reviewing the level of security required to perform the duties of the position.
In the third step, the HRO must identify career patterns for the applicants based on workforce and the recruitment planning process. If HRO employees need help identifying the eligibles career patterns, they can use the OPM At this time, HRO must also identify the length of the process from application to entering on duty.
And finally, the HRO must create and post the Job Opportunity Announcement. To aid in creating a job opportunity announcement, HRO employees should use the job announcement templates on USAJOBS and review the agency's public notice requirement/policy. When the announcement is ready and they have reviewed the agency public notice requirement/policy, HRO employees should post the job opportunity announcement on OPM's USAJOBS website. HRO may also consider using an automatic staffing system that generates job opportunity announcements such as USA Staffing System.
For more information on creating a job announcement, check out Chapter 3, Section C of the Delegated Examining Operations Handbook [DEOH].
There was a time when people got a job right out of school and stuck with it until they retired. Those days are gone for good. Today, people have to be nimble about locating new job opportunities, preferably before they're forced to do it. Here are some new strategies to keep your career moving onward and upward.
1. Networking
It's known as the hidden job market: Many of the best jobs are never advertised. They are filled by candidates who learn of them by word of mouth from friends, former colleagues, and ex-bosses.
Key Takeaways
- Networking, online and in person, is one of the best ways to stay on top of what's happening in your field, including what jobs are open and where.
- Check in on job search sites frequently. For best results, look for one that specializes in your field.
- Don't snub temporary or freelance work. They often lead to full-time opportunities.
Networking is another word for socializing. You can join professional associations, attend events for graduates of your school, connect with professionals who work in your field, and take every chance you get to meet up, in person or online, with others in your field.
Various online sites such as LinkedIn allow you to broaden your network to include friends of friends. The bigger your network, the more likely you'll find out about new opportunities.
2. Referrals
Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful candidate to the company. It's a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for attracting a top-notch employee.
That's relatively rare, but there's nothing stopping you from asking a valued friend who works in your field to let you know about any openings. The working relationships you create at every job may open other doors years in the future.
3. Job Boards and Career Websites
Job boards used to be just that—a solid surface on a wall where vacancies were advertised for all to see. Job boards have moved to virtual format, and that's good news for all of us since their reach is far greater.
If you're just starting out, an internship or even a volunteer job can get you in the door.
Anyone can access federal and state governments job boards and job banks. You can also use job search engines or any of a vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as Monster.com, Google for Jobs, CareerBuilder, and Indeed. Many other databases specialize in freelance and contract work, including People Per Hour, Upwork, Simply Hired, and Crowded.
There also are specialized job search sites for particular fields, like Dice for tech professionals and ArtsThread for artists.
These websites function in a similar way to traditional want-ads, but they have a far greater reach and a much quicker turnaround time.
4. Job Fairs
Job fairs are often targeted toward specific industries, although some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. The promotional material will include a list of the organizations that will be represented.
Investigate any companies that interest you, bring a batch of resumes and business cards, and get ready to sell yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini-interviews that can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.
5. Company Websites
If you already have your dream employer in mind, go directly to the career section of the company's website. If you track openings on its site, there's a chance you'll find just the opportunity that you've been waiting for.
Create a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit their websites often. If you're really set on working for a specific company it may take some time to find just the opportunity that fits your skillset. But if you've got time, this might be the optimal method for finding your dream job.
6. Cold Calling
If you don't see any job listings posted for a company you're particularly interested in, you might consider making a cold call. Phone or email people in the organization after finding their contact details on the company website. Ask about upcoming vacancies, and attach a copy of your resume.
Keep in mind that this kind of contact may not always be well-received. You'll be lucky to get any response at all. But there is always a chance it'll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.
7. Headhunters and Recruiters
If you're looking for some professional help in your job search, headhunters and recruitment agencies can help.
Many organizations hire through recruitment agencies to streamline the hiring process. Head hunters actively recruit individuals to fill specific vacancies.
Payment is based on commission. Make sure you know up front whether you or the company is paying it.
Keep in mind that many high schools and colleges have job placement services that can help new graduates to develop their resumes and assist both current students and alumni with job searches.
8. Temping or Internships
Temporary employment and short-term contracts often lead to permanent positions. It's a great way to get a foot in the door or at the very least provide you with useful business contacts to call upon in the future.
Many recruitment agencies can assist with locating temporary or casual positions and contract work.
Internships are a great choice for students who are just graduating from college. The job placement services of many schools connect their students with opportunities.
If you're just starting out and you can afford it, volunteering can be a great way to gain valuable industry contacts.
9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics
In a competitive job market, some job seekers have pulled out all the stops. Billboards, chain letters with a copy of your resume attached, or even pasting your resume to yourself and walking around the city as a human billboard are just some of the methods job-seekers have used to get noticed.
These methods may actually work, but be cautious. Be sure that your creative tactic is appropriate for the industry you're trying to break into.