Maybe you’re not feeling satisfied with your current job, or maybe you’ve been thinking about applying to VA and weren’t sure when to take that leap. Either way, we’re here to tell you that this is a great time to start a job search.
Why? Because every day is a great day to come work at VA.
Whether it’s part of your New Year’s resolution or you’re just ready to make a change, while other folks are recuperating from the holiday rush, now is your opportunity. However, before you dig into USAJOBS.gov, take a moment to consider what you’re looking for in a new career.
Get SMART with your job search
So, how do you know if a job is right for you?
This is when you have to get SMART with your job search. SMART is a common goal-setting acronym that stands for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.” For our purposes, your SMART job search should answer the following questions:
- Specific. What are you looking for in a new job?
- Measurable. What actions can you take?
- Attainable. What factors can you control?
- Realistic. What factors are out of your control?
- Timely. When is your deadline for a new job?
Whether you’re looking for a better paycheck, the potential for promotion, or a sense of satisfaction from the work you do (specific), your job search will require choosing a job, preparing your resume, filling out an application, and being interviewed (measurable).
Most of that list includes things that you can do yourself. You choose the job, you write the resume, and you fill out the application (attainable). Some things are out of your control, like being selected for an interview or getting offered the job, so it helps to keep that in mind if your job search hits a rough patch (realistic).
All of these will be, at least in part, dependent on some sort of deadline. If you’re out of work and need a new job quickly, your choices may be different than if you are currently employed and just looking for a change (timely).
How to prepare your application package
Now that you know what you want, you can find the job you want and just start applying, right? Well, keep in mind that you will need to customize your resume and cover letter to suit any job announcement.
For your resume, the job announcement tells you requirements for the position, which will shape how you present your resume. In addition to listing your previous employers and jobs, your resume should outline the work you have done, and how that work directly corresponds to the job you want.
Once your resume is ready, think about any gaps that you may want to fill or things you want to explain. That’s where a cover letter comes in. Again, review the job duties and requirements, and use those listings to pinpoint things you can discuss in your cover letter that aren’t included in your resume.
Finally, gather your references, as well as any paperwork you think you may need, like college transcripts or, for Veterans, your DD-214.
What to expect after your application
Once you’ve sent your application packet off to the recruiters and hiring managers, what happens next?
For every job announcement, there are official opening and closing dates. After the closing date, your application enters the review stage. At this point, the hiring team will examine your application to make sure you’re eligible and meet the job qualifications.
Qualified applicants will be classified either as “minimally qualified” or “highest qualified.” Only the highest-qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. If your application makes the cut, the hiring manager will do their own review of your application and start scheduling interviews.
That said, don’t despair if you don’t hear anything back right away. Federal jobs like those at VA often draw hundreds of candidates, and our hiring managers want to be sure they’re making the right choices. Be patient, and in the meantime, you can prepare for the potential interview.
When in doubt about your status, the first and best option is to check USAJOBS.gov, but you can also contact the hiring office listed in the announcement to inquire about your application. If you still aren’t sure what’s happening, the manager or director of the department (ER, food service, etc.) at the facility may also be able to help.
Work at VA
Start the year off right by applying to VA and find out how good a job can be when you’re part of an agency dedicated to serving Veterans.
- READ more about navigating the application process.
- WATCH our “Talk About It Tuesday” broadcasts for more application tips.
- LEARN about hiring initiatives available through VA.
- SEARCH for the VA job you want.
