FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- In today's ever changing and competitive workforce it is important to be prepared when applying for a new job. A strong résumé is the foundation to that application process, especially when applying for a federal position.
For the last six years, members of Army Community Service's Employment Readiness Program have helped Soldiers, spouses, retirees and qualified civilians with a monthly two-day block of instruction, 10 Steps to a Federal Résumé Writing Seminar.
The course is held on a monthly basis and rotated between both Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter. The course focuses on what an individual will need to successfully apply for a federal position, which differs from the application process of an average civilian job.
"Prior to their attendance in our class, they had little to no knowledge on the federal government hiring process," said Jeanne Sablan, an instructor for the seminar, "The key issues that military spouses and civilians face as they try to enter the federal workforce is the lack of understanding of the federal process. It is the ERP's hope that through this two-day seminar, we can enhance their knowledge."
The seminar breaks the application process into ten steps, which includes networking, identifying your core competencies and interview practice. As part of this ten step process, class members are encouraged to develop confidence and self awareness.
"You may be shy, but you are going to want to learn to communicate effectively if you want to get ahead of your job competitors," said Sablan. "You not only must communicate when you network, but you have to communicate to your potential employers why you are the best person for the job."
Sablan also equipped class participants with federal-job focused websites and search engines to help facilitate their job search.
"After I came to this class I realized why I wasn't having any success finding a job," said Marilyn Rodgers, who recently completed the course. "I didn't have a federal résumé and I didn't know what all was out there. I went on USAJOBS.org, a search engine for federal jobs, and that helped me to see what I could try to work towards."
All participants expressed similar sentiments about the relevance of the course material. Amanda Cramer, an Army Reservist who recently returned from Afghanistan and active duty spouse, was especially appreciative of the course. Combat veterans and military spouses are given hiring preference for a federal position, but this information must be displayed up front on the Résumé in a specific place.
"I didn't know how to properly display my spousal and veteran's preference," said Cramer. "I may have passed up an opportunity because I just didn't know."
The course is free-of-charge, and open to anyone who wishes to attend. For information on these services and more, individuals can contact their local post's Army Community Service Center and ask about the ERP's various programs. Sablan and her staff encourage Soldiers, transitioning Soldiers and retirees to take advantage of all services provided.
"I would highly encourage them to utilize our services," said Sablan, "Retirees are entitled to the Army Career Alumni Program services for a lifetime. The Department of Labor is also a great source for Soldiers, Families and Retirees. Military spouses should use the services of ACS and the ERP as an avenue to stay connected to employers, educators, and gain knowledge on the services and trends available to them."
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