How soon should I apply for GS Employment?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:06:12 -0400

For those of you that transitioned from military to GS. How soon did you start applying for employment before your ETS? Thank you !

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 12:58 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:58:06 -0400

I would begin applying. Some agencies can take FOREVER getting applications reviewed. I know I've been in the queue for a position at the local VA for 2 months. My inside guy says they may not schedule interviews for another month.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 21 at 2015 1:00 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:00:39 -0400

I did it immediately, upon retirement. But, I would suggest looking into the private industry at the same time and comparing the differences. However, the government is a good choice for security.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Sep 21 at 2015 1:26 PM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:26:28 -0400

I suggest start off by going to usajobs.com and start looking around at the resource center reading. Also start reading the federal job digest(should be at your BX bookstore). Does your MOS lend itself to any jobs ? Do you have a college degree? What certifications do you need? Can you get them inservice?

Please note after you know the basics and are looking for/at government jobs. Consider what contractor's work at those same area/ and jobs and find out the companies involved. It especially helps if you know people who are already there. Find out what qualifications you need and work towards them , much as you can while in.

GS may be the way to go, there are quite a few gravy jobs out there, but odds are a civilian job as a connected to defense contractor will pay more than most fed jobs. They can also often be connected to federal service and retirement if you ever actually get a GS later.

Chris- E-4/ WG-11/GS-9 at different points in my life

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 1:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:54:33 -0400

I would start looking about 2 months out. It can take some time before they will hire, but it never hurts to make sure everything is lined up before your ETS.

Response by CPL David Muir made Sep 21 at 2015 6:28 PM

CPL David Muir — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:28:48 -0400

6-12 months

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 7:18 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 19:18:04 -0400

USAJOBS, resume needs to reflect key words and requirements listed in the job announcements. All resumes get screened based on a points system for the department that is putting out the vacancy. If your resume isn't right generated properly, you won't even make it to the interview process. Good luck.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 11:16 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:16:08 -0400

As soon as you can.. It can be a difficult process. I am a WG and it took a while to get everything right. But no matter what don't give up. If you need any help writing your resume let me know and I will give you some tips.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 1:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:25:38 -0400

Just for an idea of the time-frame, I applied to my first GS job in a mid-February, interviewed in June and started work in August. It can be quick or take a while.

Response by SFC Stephen Smithers made Sep 22 at 2015 4:08 PM

SFC Stephen Smithers — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:08:26 -0400

Several agencies are looking for Veterans and will direct hire if you qualify for the job. The VA and Federal Prison System.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Sep 22 at 2015 6:14 PM

PO2 Nick Burke — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:14:44 -0400

Within 6 months prior to getting out. The process after hire takes a while. Up to a year if security clearance is required.
You should also seek help to ensure your resume and profile are spot on. If not you may never even be considered.

Response by SFC Bill Graham made Sep 22 at 2015 7:29 PM

SFC Bill Graham — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:29:27 -0400

Hi Mike. I applied 1 month prior to retirement, interviewed 3 weeks after retirement and started 3 weeks later. Hope that helps.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 10:35 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:35:41 -0400

About 6 months out. However, there are some factors that need to be considered.
1. What is the close out date of the job?
2. When are they looking for someone to start?
3. When would be the earliest you could start?
4. Is it a term or permanent position? A term means it is only going to be there for X amount of after which you may be looking for another job (i.e. not to exceed X months/years).
5. Type of position.
6. Time of year. Sometimes if it is getting close to the end of the FY, they wait until after 1 Oct to have people start.
Some jobs take a long time to fill while others it is a lot shorter. It also depends on the hiring manager and department that is hiring. There are also contractor jobs as well and one good source is http://www.indeed.com. But the down side is that it could be unstable. For example, the Government could cancel the contract. I check out your profile and noticed that you have a BS in Marketing and you have Healthcare experience. Have you thought about some civilian companies like Medline, Johnson and Johnson, Cardinal Health Inc.?

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Response by MSG Matt Inbody made Sep 23 at 2015 9:26 AM

MSG Matt Inbody — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 09:26:29 -0400

6 to 8 months out. Go to USAjobs.gov there are all kinds of areas with openings.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 23 at 2015 12:33 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:33:59 -0400

First, look at the position description, if the job hiring window is short, don't think anyone is going to wait around for you for 6-12 months. You are not available. If the job has multiple position nationwide and the job closing date is open till filled, or open till Sep 30 then you have a good chance at it. Depending on what agency you are looking to get into, be prepared to take a go at a lower grade then you think you are worth. You are competing against people in the system as well. Your 5 or 10 point preference doesn't automatically mean you get the job. If you don't fill out the KSA's right, you will most likely not even get a look at by a human being. Just the way it is, a computer will scan you application, if it doesn't meet what they are looking for, off to the electronic version of file 13. A year after you are in, you can look for a transfer to other things, but get in the door first.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 4:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 16:16:14 -0400

One thing most people don't know is that the resume you use to apply for a federal job can be much, much longer than a regular resume. There's no real restriction for how long it can be. Mine is 7 pages. A Google search for "Federal Resume" will take you to numerous guides on how to assemble a federal resume.

Response by Sgt Crena Lieb made Sep 23 at 2015 8:01 PM

Sgt Crena Lieb — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 20:01:59 -0400

I'm an HR professional and complete vacancy announcements that are posted on usajobs.gov. Each vacancy announcement will tell you what the agency requires. As a current military member you will need a statement of service stating your discharge status i.e. "Honorable" dates of service and any medals you are entitled to receive. It should be signed by a commanding officer. Not all vets receive veterans preference. You can see if you're eligible by looking at the Vet Guide. Make sure you're looking at jobs for status candidates if you have more than 3 years of military service. You will be eligible for a VEOA appointment. To answer your original question you're supposed to be within 120 days of separation in order to apply for federal positions. So agencies follow this rule but some don't screen you out if you aren't in that window. Good Luck!!!!