Why isn't the Federal Government hiring me?

2015-07-29T13:56:39-04:00

I've applied for over 35 Federal Government jobs in the past year and I keep getting the same answer, "We have carefully reviewed your application and determined that you are not eligible for this position....", "Ineligible for further consideration for this position and grade based on results of your referral."

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 29 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-07-29T13:57:41-04:00

Have some professional look at your resume`.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-07-29T14:05:54-04:00

Also, one problem w/ USAJobs is that you basically need to "firewall 5" your skills pages. It seems that if you don't put that you are an expert, you will not have much chance. SFC Mark Merino

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jul 29 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-07-29T14:44:53-04:00

One of 2 reasons: 1. You are being totally honest about your abilities and your resume doesn't perfectly match the job description. 2. Nepotism/Cronyism/Broken System - the people doing the hiring already have someone lined up and/or are hiring internally but they legally have to post the job, so in reality that job isn't available to you it just looks that way. There isn't much you can do about number 2 other than find a friend who already works there to help you get in. As for number 1 definitely do what SSgt Private RallyPoint Member has suggested as well as adding the job description to the end of your resume in 1 pt font and white font color (so it can't be seen even when printed but will be picked up by the computer). Hope that helps.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 29 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-07-29T14:55:57-04:00

Have you consulted VAforVets and contact a coach to help with your resume

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 29 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-07-29T17:07:11-04:00

Let's take these one at a time: "We have carefully reviewed your application and determined that you are not eligible for this position...." "Eligible" is the key word. That's different from "qualified or not qualified". The eligibility criteria is stated in the announcement. You didn't meet something there so it doesn't matter what your resume says. It could be area of consideration, degree, license, etc. That's the first screening criteria.

"Ineligible for further consideration for this position and grade based on results of your referral." "Referral" is the key word. That usually is your resume was forwarded to a selecting official (may or may not be a panel) and he/she//they deemed you lower ranked when compared to others. The only other thing that people confuse is "referral" is different from "reference" which is where the official calls a reference and gets a negative review. That can drive the result of the referral as well.

My experience in hiring lots of GS employees but not hiring 10-15 times more is your resume is likely mismatching with the Series/Grade and specific job criteria. I agree with other RPers that getting some help with it is advised. There's too much Urban Legend about other reasons. I've seen less than 1-2% of actions tainted with preselection, nepotism, etc. The HR review and their subsequent audits pretty much have driven that away 20+ years ago. There are exceptions but that as a standard knee jerk answer does more harm than good. I believe you need to find out what the 98% answer is. Oh, the system flags resumes that have "copy/paste" attributes. Nothing like telling HR you're trying to game the system. They have seen it all.

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Jul 29 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-07-29T20:12:22-04:00

Before I retired I applied for more jobs than that. It is a slow process but before applying make sure the following things are good. First, make sure your resume is detailed and not brief in what you have done. Also make sure your resume contains the keywords from the job announcement. Second, if you are a veteran make sure you have your points in USAJOBS.gov. Also remember you can apply for government that are just for government employees under VEOA, VRA and if you are 30% disabled. Third, patience is the key. For each job announcement agencies receive hundreds of applications. Also if you are a Christian, trust in God. If He has gotten you through tough times in the past He is not going to forsake you now.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Jul 30 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-07-30T11:13:59-04:00

Are you matching your resume to the job description? You should have about 35 versions by now.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-07-30T12:49:34-04:00

I feel your pain...been there, got the t-shirt.

I couldn't agree more with the other responders-the military does a great (perhaps too great) job of convincing us we're the best. The GS sector seems more pragmatic to say the least. As one person in the NPS told me, "Sir, I understand you've done some great things...Now tell me how your better for this position than the fifty other veterans of equal status who applied." Far from a taunt, she was seriously offering me that chance to "prove" I had what it took to go from being a naval officer to a park ranker.

Well, with a history degree, I didn't meet the minimum requirement of having a degree in some environmental science. Even though I had significant "field experience" for a sailor...hardly stacked up against the Army and Marine Corps applicants coming off their fourth deployment.

Ultimately, what I found, is that the civil sector has a broader interpretation of skills, and is less bound by sourcing regulations. Private companies are often desperate for highly motivated people who can "do anything". I wouldn't advise giving up on the continued benefits of staying with the Government...but it's not a bad feeling "hunting what you eat" out here in the deep water ;)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 30 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-07-30T16:01:37-04:00

You need to learn RESUMIX (sp). The system identifies key qualifying words. Go to a CPO and they might help you, or Google it.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 19 at 2015 4:00 AM

2015-08-19T04:00:31-04:00

Check your resume. If you have not been interviewed after applying 35 times, you should review it to make sure you are using the exact words in the job description/qualifications section. Your resume is computer scanned before it ever makes it to a hiring manager for an interview. The computer searches for the key words and if the resume doesn't match it, it's tossed out.