Find Your Federal Job Fit: How to Determine If You Meet the Qualifications for a Federal Job

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

Once you have identified the significant aspects of what you have to offer the federal government as an employee, you have the necessary information to demonstrate that you are the most qualified applicant for an identified position.

1. Conduct a job search on USAJOBS. USAJOBS is the federal government's primary source for federal job postings, although it is not the only source. It is probably the best place to begin your search because of the sheer numbers of job postings located there. Conduct a job search, using words that characterize your inventory of skills (obtained from your self-exploration in Part 1 of this series). On the search page, enter your primary skill or job title in the search box that indicates "what" and the geographic area in which you are interested in the search box that indicates "where". Note that the "what" box can be a job title (such as nurse) or a job activity (such as counsel). Clicking the "search jobs" box will reveal a list of jobs matching your criteria, with your search terms highlighted in yellow.

2. Learn about the job. Job titles are hyperlinks, which, when clicked, will open the specific job vacancy announcement. This is where you will discover the specifics of the position (salary, location, duties, qualifications, how to apply, etc.).

3. Study the vacancy announcement. A federal job posting is organized into five sections. Thoroughly read each section to determine whether this is a position that you wish to apply for and if you meet the qualifications.

a. Overview: provides a summary of the job, including salary, location, job title, who may apply for the job.

b. Duties: lists the performance expectations of the position.

c. Qualifications and Evaluation: lists information relative to an applicant's qualifications for the position. An important part of this section is "Specialized Experience" which defines the background an applicant must have.

d. Benefits and Other Information: describes federal benefits and other information not included elsewhere in the announcement.

e. How to Apply: this section provides step-by-step instructions for how to apply for the job. The name of the Human Resources professional who serves as the point of contact for the particular position is listed for applicants to contact with questions about the job.

4. Apply for the position. Upon completion of your analysis of the vacancy announcement, and you have determined that you are:
(1) eligible to apply (in the Overview section);
(2) meet the qualifications for the position (in the Qualifications and Evaluation section),
(3) are willing and able to perform the job duties (in the Duties section) then you can
(4) follow the instructions to apply for the job (in the How to Apply section).

In Part 3 of the series, we will explore the steps to create your federal resume so that you present yourself as the most qualified applicant for the position.

Janet M. Ruck is a career consultant who has co-authored two federal job search books "Find Your Federal Job Fit" (Jist, 2011) and "Guide to America's Federal Jobs" (Jist, 2009).

The Best Questions to Ask During an Interview

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

Interviewing for a new job can be quite intimidating. Often times, we worry about the kinds of questions the potential employer will ask and how we'll answer them. However, while you're preparing your responses, it's important that you also think about what questions to ask in an interview.

Towards the end of the meeting, the interviewer will typically give you a chance to ask some questions of your own. This will provide you the opportunity to find out if the company will be a good fit for you. Here are some appropriate questions to ask, and why you should be asking them.

8 Questions to Ask in an Interview

What did the person that previously held this position go on to do?

Purpose: You want to find out if there were any problems associated with the position. Was the previous employee promoted, fired, or did they leave the company on their own?

Is there room for growth in this department?

Purpose: It's good to have an idea what the prospects are in the department. If there is not much room for growth, the company may not be a good fit for you.

What responsibilities does this position entail?

Purpose: You want to have a clear understanding of exactly what the position requires.

Are there any skills this department is lacking in, but would like to find in a new hire?

Purpose: If the department is in need of a certain skill, it would be beneficial for you to know what it is. This can give a little insight into how the department runs. If the skill is something you already have, you can use that to your advantage. Otherwise, you can take the initiative to gain that skill should you be offered the position.

What are the greatest challenges to be expected in the first few months of this position?

Purpose: You want to know exactly what you're getting into. This will allow you to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. If the challenges are something you're unsure you can handle, you can choose to walk away before even being hired.

What is the structure of this department?

Purpose: You want to have a better understanding of how the department is run. What is the culture like? Who answers to whom?

What do you enjoy about working at this company?

Purpose: By asking this question, your interviewer will be prompted to give a more personal response. You'll find out some of the benefits to working at the company. There's no better person to ask than your interviewer! If he or she is hard pressed to answer, this could be an indication that it's not an enjoyable work environment.

What's the next step in the interviewing process?

Purpose: This question acts as a closer to the interview, but also gives you information on what to expect after you leave.

Remember, the questions you ask your interviewer should be appropriate. Try to avoid asking about vacation times, changing schedules, or whether or not you've earned the position yet. Be professional and courteous. By asking the right questions, you will be more prepared to make a decision on which company you'd like to begin working for.

All About Physiotheraphy, OT and Rehabilitation Jobs

IP is over the quota
IP is over the quota

Introduction Rehabilitation is a vast term that comprises of various sub sections. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy (OT) along with the speech language therapy and audiology are the main constituents of the 'rehabilitation processes'. The primary focus of the rehabilitation therapy is to help the patient to regain the strength and movement of the body, enabling him to lead a normal life style.

After a serious surgery, illness or injury, sometimes, the patients find it hard to recuperate. There are some congenital anomalies also in which the newborn is disabled and require assistance to perform routine chores. Helping such patients to regain the normal or near to normal life style is the main aim of rehabilitation therapy. The process helps not only in improvising the physical aspect but have positive effects on psychological, social and emotional spheres of the patients.

Job Profile of Physiotherapy, OT and Rehabilitation Assistants There are various study programs and courses that give certification to work as assistants in respective fields. Possessing a degree and relevant work experience helps in fetching lucrative jobs in physiotherapy, OT and rehabilitation sector. Generally, the 'rehabilitation assistants' work as a team in collaboration with other health care professionals like physicians, nurses etc. So, an attitude that is patient friendly and exhibits the qualities of a team player is best suited for the job. The job profile is quite vast and includes various kinds of physical and technical manoeuvres. The rehabilitation process comprises of various stages. The work area also differs as per the condition and requirement of the patient. Some patients are called to gyms or private clinics for carrying out exercises under professional supervision, while, some are advised a set of physical exercises which they can perform at home also. In some patients learning has to start from scratch like assisting them in bathing, eating, dressing etc. And there is also a section of patients that is unable to move, home visits are paid in such cases.

Remuneration and career scope There physiotherapy jobs are available in varied roles. Besides dealing directly with patients in various health establishments, rehabilitation assistants can also work in administration and programme conducting teams. This may include preparing and managing schedules for patients, dealing with proper maintenance of medical equipments and technical support, etc. The rehabilitation jobs are diverse.

They can start their career by joining hospitals, orthopaedic clinics, rehabilitation homes, nursing homes, residential care etc. Establishing private clinical practice is also an option but it usually covets higher investment. Young professionals can also choose to work on part time basis for various health functionaries.

The physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation assistants' career options are vast and qualified professionals are in high demand in the medical world. Functional area can be chosen on the basis of personal interests and inclinations, e.g. newborn care, paediatric care, orthopaedic care, geriatric care etc.

Conclusion Possessing a basic instinct to serve people is an essential personal quality required for a successful rehabilitation professional. Flexibility and adaptability to long working hours is also required to survive in the challenging and competitive health care profession. Those who can work efficiently as team and find satisfaction in serving people have a bright future waiting ahead as rehabilitation assistants.

Check out the Medepage Healthcare community site for Health Care Jobs Australia, information and meet healthcare professional from across the globe.