There is a right way to land a federal job

Applying for a federal job can be extremely difficult. That is why my profession exists in the first place. This is even true in El Paso where there is an abundance of federal jobs available due to Fort Bliss, ICE and Customs nearby. 

My team of career advisors have helped jobseekers out there that apply to hundreds of jobs before getting any results and sometimes without any results. So, I understand that it can be a frustrating process. However, this is simply because there is a right way to land a federal job.

First Identify Your Problem with the Federal Job Process

You are not getting referred – If you are not getting referred your job search process and your federal resume are not up to par. You are missing the mark on what your qualifications match up with on USAJobs and your resume is not representing you well.

Your resume isn’t tailored to match USAJobs qualifications.

You’re applying for jobs you don’t fully qualify for.

You’re not ranking high enough on the USAJobs scoring system.

How to fix it:

Apply only to jobs you 100% qualify for – Agencies score applications based on strict qualification criteria.

Tailor your resume to each job posting – This is the #1 strategy to land a federal job.

Want hands-on help? Sign up for our upcoming federal resume webinar where we’ll walk you through how to do this.

You are getting referred but not landing interviews – If you are not landing interviews, you are either not applying to jobs you qualify for or you are not scoring high enough on your application questionnaire.

You may be applying for jobs you don’t fully qualify for, which lowers your score.

Your occupational questionnaire answers aren’t high enough to make you competitive.

Your resume isn’t reinforcing your qualifications, leading hiring managers to overlook you. This information can be helpful to gaining a fuller understanding.

How to fix it:

Use the filters in the job search tool on USAJobs so that your job search is honed in. Instead of wasting time scrolling through thousands of federal job listings, narrow your search using USAJobs filters. This allows you to focus on realistic opportunities that align with your skills and qualifications.

Only apply to jobs you fully qualify for. If you’re not scoring high on the occupational questionnaire, it likely means you don’t meet all required qualifications. Federal applications are ranked—if you can’t confidently select “Expert” on most items, your score won’t be competitive.

Need help figuring out where you qualify? Our El Paso career advisors help job seekers locally and virtually navigate USAJobs and apply strategically. Sign up for a free consultation if you need assistance!

Answer your questionnaire with confidence. Don’t second guess yourself. If you have the skills and you conduct them on a daily basis, if these skills are the meat of what you do, if others come to you for help, answer expert.

You have attended several interviews but haven’t landed the job –

You are not representing yourself well in the interview. This can be a multitude of issues.

You struggle with nerves, leading to unclear or weak answers.

You underplay your skills and experience, making you seem less qualified.

You lack structured responses, which can make your answers feel scattered.

How to fix it:

Practice, practice, practice. The best way to combat interview anxiety is through repetition and preparation. When you’re comfortable with your answers, you’ll be able to speak clearly and confidently in the moment.

How to do this:

Conduct mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or career coach.Record yourself answering questions and analyze your tone and delivery.

Work with a Career Advisor Near You (or Virtually!)Struggling to land a federal job? A career advisor near you can give you personalized guidance to help you break through the hiring process. If you’re in El Paso, our team is here to help, but we also work virtually with job seekers nationwide. Our expert coach, Heidi, specializes in helping job seekers fix their biggest pain points.

Need interview coaching? Resume guidance? Let's get you hired. Book a free consultation today!

Research common interview questions. This goes along with the practice answer. Being prepared can be your best secret weapon.

Stop Spinning Your Wheels Let’s Get You Hired

If you are tired of wasting time applying with no results we are here to help. Our team has helped countless job seekers land federal jobs by fixing their applications, boosting their scores, and nailing interviews.

Book Your Free Consultation Today – Let’s find out what’s holding you back and get you on the right path. Our calendar fills up quickly, so don’t wait!