Hello everyone.
Just wanted to know if any of you have ever had any luck getting into a GS civilian position without spousal preference or NAF preference or any other preference. My husband is retired so, I don't qualify for any points. I've been trying to get a GS civilian position for over a year now, and have only been called for one interview. I guess I'm just hoping that some of you have had luck getting in.
Thanks

WOW!! You're doing better than MOST believe it or not!!! I've been trying for about 10 years now and with 15 years of Admin and Mgt experience and can't even get a call! I've had to settle for PT retail jobs since that's all I could get despite my experience. I'm really believing at this point that it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know. I've seen it proven time and time again. The spousal preference is only (I believe) one point and you must meet a certain number before your resume is considered. It's all done electronically. If your resume doesn't "add up" to a certain number, the computer rejects you. I don't know if this website is valid to enter here, but USA Jobs has the official government employment website. (I'm sure you can figure out the web address--just be sure to use ".com" at the end) I know you can find more details there, or check your local base for details as well. Good luck!!

The people I have known to get regular old secretarial/administrative type office GS work have gone through with NAF preference. One worked at the Burger King on base for a year before getting her GS job. Not fun or pretty, but now she is in the "system". There should be an employment office for NAF on base somewhere where you can put in an application and see the list of NAF positions currently available and accepting continuous applications.

The only other GS people I know are formerly active duty and work in my dh's squadron and acquired the specialized skills needed for the particular job while on active duty.

I would suggest getting a NAF job for a year if you can afford the low pay, while at the same time continuing to apply for GS. There are keywords that they look for on your resume for certain jobs and I have no idea where to find them, but I have heard other people talk about them. Hopefully someone will chime in with information about them.

editing to add: I just did a google search for "GS resume keywords" and found a few articles on keywords and how to use them. It seemed to be helpful information.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mmt4,

Thank you for the info. It's nice hearing that actually working a naf position may help. I've thought about it, but have been afraid to give up my job to go naf and then never get offered a position as a GS. I know I can get into the child development center because I have years of Head Start experience both in teaching and administration. My husband was blessed with a GS position not even a full year after retirement from the AF, so once we get on our feet I can afford the pay cut. I believe I may even be eligible for some type of spouse preference because my husband is a DOD civ employee. Does anyone know anything about that?

There are many, many GS employees who have no military connection. However, when you're looking for a GS job at/near a military installation, you'll find the mil connection to play a much bigger role.

As far as a DOD spouse preference, in my 20 years of civil service I've never heard nor seen such a thing. If it's not on the application questions, it doesn't exist.

quote:

Originally posted by dena0206:
There are many, many GS employees who have no military connection. However, when you're looking for a GS job at/near a military installation, you'll find the mil connection to play a much bigger role.

As far as a DOD spouse preference, in my 20 years of civil service I've never heard nor seen such a thing. If it's not on the application questions, it doesn't exist.

The Military Spouse Preference most indeed does exist. For verification, I am copying an excerpt from the Defense Link website where the official info on Military Spouse Preference is shown:

"Military Spouse Preference Basics

Disclaimer

Section 806 of Public Law 99-145, "Department of Defense (DoD) Authorization Act of 1986," directed DoD to increase employment opportunities for spouses of active duty Armed Forces personnel. The spouse preference program derived from this law applies to military spouses who relocate to accompany their sponsor on a permanent change of station (PCS) move to an active duty location. By giving these spouses priority in the employment selection process, Congress hoped to reduce the impact of frequent relocations on spouses’ careers.

At DoD installations in the U.S., its territories and possessions, military spouses can exercise their statutory employment preference through the DoD Military Spouse Preference Program (Program S), an automated registration and referral system which operates as a subprogram of the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program (PPP). In foreign areas, eligible spouses receive preference under procedures administered by local DoD civilian personnel offices.

DoD Military Spouse Preference Program (Program S), DoD PPP

The Military Spouse Preference Program applies to competitive service positions in the U.S. and its territories and possessions."

It is usually part of your registration process when applying for Federal positions online. There is also a similar option called "Veteran Preference" that falls under the same basic rules.

There is a difference between the spouse of a service member, and the spouse of a DOD Civilian. It is NOT the same thing. If you are the spouse of a service member, then YES, there is preference, but can only be used in certain circumstances.

If you are the spouse of a DOD Civilian, which is what I believe the OP said she is, there is NOT a spouse preference for that.

OK from what munch posted, it looks like stateside AD spouse pref still exists. I was wondering b/c when I look at positions on USA Jobs (not wanting to work now but in a year or so so its time to start browsing) they mention overseas spouse preference as an eligibility (or something) but I have seen no mention of just plain old spouse preference.

Like I said, I have not applied yet so I have not gotten to the point of designing an online resume or application so I don't know if the question gets asked during the application process.

Anyone know for sure? and is there a time limit from PCS date or is it just that you can only use it once at each base?

Hey - just found this while checking my email

http://www.military.com/military-report/10-tips-to-get-...y-uncle-sam-06-02-08

Haven't read it yet, but wanted to throw it out there in case there is any new information in it. Hope it helps.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mmt4,

There isn't any "limit" on how often you can use the "Military Spouse Preference". You can select it with each and every one of the jobs you're applying to. It only equates to one extra "point" in the point system that auto-reads your resume and assigns a number to it identifying how "close" you came to being qualified. Apparently my account with USA Jobs has expired since I haven't used it in so long, so unfortunately I can't log in and tell you exactly where the option is to select Military Spouse Preference! I know it's there and I'm pretty sure it's part of the registration process and/or the actual application for the job itself. AD Spouses are whom they are referring to; not civilian employee spouses as another poster confirmed. I never had ANY luck with even getting considered for a GS position and don't know anyone that has either. It's extremely difficult to get in, but the benefits and job security make it worth it. Good luck!

Yay!
I got called today for an interview! This will be my second interview and I am remaining hopeful, but trying not to get my hopes up.

As for spouse preference. In usa jobs, when you do the job questionairre for each job, it asks you if you have any preference. The one's that I've applied for through the AF have an area for AD spouses as well as civ spouse. I never knew that until I did the questionairre but am still unsure as to how it is used. I don't qualify for the AD spouse part because my husband is now retired from AF and is now in a Civ position. I'm gonna keep trying!!!
And good luck to you all too!

quote:

Originally posted by munchichic:

quote:

Originally posted by dena0206:
There are many, many GS employees who have no military connection. However, when you're looking for a GS job at/near a military installation, you'll find the mil connection to play a much bigger role.

As far as a DOD spouse preference, in my 20 years of civil service I've never heard nor seen such a thing. If it's not on the application questions, it doesn't exist.

The Military Spouse Preference most indeed does exist.

MILITARY spouse does not equal Department of Defense CIVILIAN spouse. Apples and oranges....

mmt4 - From what I have been informed, the AD Spouse Preference for CONUS side depends on a few things: 1) You must already be married to your AD spouse prior to going to the next PCS location (ie your AD spouse can't be already stationed at current base/post and then you get married) and 2) You must already be a civil servant.

I'd been denied spouse preference because I was not already a civil service employee; without any preferences, it took me 3 1/2 years to get an interview, and I was able to get hired on as a GS.

As far as time limits, you need to check with the Civilian Personnel Office at the base/post you're at. From what I was recall when I last used spouse preference at Ft Rucker, I had to "sign in" to be registered on the spouse preference list. Also, I could only apply spouse preference to 1 job; if I was offered that job and rejected it, I lost my spouse preference (this applied only to permanent full time, not temporary or part time positions). I think I also only had 1 year to be registered on the spouse preference list, but if I didn't get picked up in a year, I was supposed to go back and re-register or get an extension to stay on the list. The lady also took down other information, like what type of job I could be qualified for, what my educational background was, etc., and she entered that into her computer database to help match me up with a job.

To the OP, you should also go in and talk with someone at Civilian Personnel. There might be other factors that you can explore as far as getting a GS job. Never know till you try. GOOD LUCK on your interview!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by dena0206:

quote:

Originally posted by munchichic:

quote:

Originally posted by dena0206:
There are many, many GS employees who have no military connection. However, when you're looking for a GS job at/near a military installation, you'll find the mil connection to play a much bigger role.

As far as a DOD spouse preference, in my 20 years of civil service I've never heard nor seen such a thing. If it's not on the application questions, it doesn't exist.

The Military Spouse Preference most indeed does exist.

MILITARY spouse does not equal Department of Defense CIVILIAN spouse. Apples and oranges....

You are absolutely right. This is why I further explained that this preference is regarding AD Spouses, not Civilian Federal Employee spouses. Congrats on your interview!!! It's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to even get that far, so your quals must be very good for the position you've applied for. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!

I indeed understand that there is a difference in military spouse preference and dod civ spouse preference.
I was a military spouse, got divorced lost my eligibility, got remarried to my current husband who was AF and recently retired. He got a job as a civ employee, and it is this that I was referring to........
(I copied the screen shot from the questionairre when I apply for AF civ jobs)

Personal Background Information

Military Spouse Preference
If you would like to claim Military Spouse Preference, please select the appropriate category for your sponsor and your relationship to them.
* Required Sponsor Category: Active Duty
Sponsor Category: DoD Civilian (Hired outside the local area)
Sponsor Category: DoD Civilian (Hired Locally)
Sponsor Category: Contractor Employed US Citizen
Sponsor Category: None of the Above
Relationship: Spouse
Relationship: Child
Relationship: Self
Relationship: None of the Above

I was just curious because it comes up every time I apply. I know that I can't qualify for the AD mil spouse preference. I regret not taking a job that was offered to me when I did claim it in Cali.
So now, I just have to keep trying. Sounds like everyone has had a hard time initially getting in. Well, hopefully it will all pay off in the end.
Again, good luck to all of you, and all of you who can still claim mil AD spouse preference DO IT!!!!!! Believe me, I had to learn the hard way.

One more thing. Does anyone have information on contractor positions?
Maybe a web link?
Thanks again!

I don't know if there is a better way but if I were looking for a contractor position on base I would look and ask around our base to see what companies are here. I can only name two, besides the national labs, but I am certain there are more.

There are certain companies that have positions at lots of bases (and for all I know they all do)- like there is one that staffs medical assistant positions on base around the country. The name eludes me right now.

I don't know how to find out who these companies are besides word of mouth. Maybe the base website for your local base mentions them.

I think I can post the names of the companies I know of that have contracts at our base, and most of the companies are worldwide. Try looking for Serco, General Dynamics, Zeiders, and Sierra Management. I work for Serco, and I have to say, they are an awesome company. They are worldwide, and in fact, if any of you are interested in a job at Fort Dix, Fort Belvoir, or Fort Meade, please contact me through my profile. (Hopefully I can say all of that!)

I usually went to either Civilian Personnel or ACS (Army Community Services) or the Family Readiness Center (as it was called while my DH was in AF) and got a list of base/post contractors from there. I started out as a govt contractor before I got picked up for a GS position, so I know it's not a bad route to go.

I don't know if you're looking at an Army post, but if you are, have you looked at your local ACS? The one here is really awesome and does its best with Resume classes, Interview classes, and Job Fairs (which are great places to network).

When you apply for a civilian position using spousal pref, is it not enough to check the box that asks if you have spousal preference in the application online? Or do you have to actually go somewhere and register to be in the system? I work for a contractor but we had a civilian job come open in my office doing my exact job, so I applied for it... from what I understand I have a pretty good chance since I have spousal preference and would obviously be in the "best qualified" pool since it's already my job (just as a contractor). I know there's another guy in the office (he also has this same job and is a contractor) that is the "bosses pet" and they'd prob pick him over me, but he doesn't have spousal pref or any other preference. I'm trying to make sure my spousal pref really counts since that would edge him out. Anyone know?

Thanks!!!

When it comes to Federal jobs, all that is required is to check the box indicating military spouse preference. In this system it is only equal to "one point" on a point scale that the computer tallies up; not an actual human. It scans the application for key words and that process is not divulged. As for civilian jobs however I am not sure if they follow the same process. If the application is online with a Federal job website it may just be the same process. Just because you currently hold the title that you are applying for does not mean the computer will "feel the same". This is because it is an automated process that is strictly done by computer. If you make the "count" to be considered, only then is your application actually submitted for personal review. This is the process with a Federal job website. I am not aware of any website that is strictly for civilian-based jobs on a Federal site. I would believe though that if the application is online with a Federal job website that the process is the same since they use the same computer system to sort through all applications, due to simply the intense amount of apps they receive.