295
Hi ladies!
I previously worked as a federal employee in Alaska when my previous federal contractor position converted. My active duty military husband was reassigned to another state and unfortunately there wasn't a job there that fit my skillset and career (healthcare administration). After a two year stint in civilian healthcare and a deployment as a Reservist, I'm back as a federal contractor. I had a really bad experience with my civilian employer when I deployed, so I'm looking back at the federal side while I also continue my Reserve career as well. My biggest frustration with many of the federal positions, particularly with GS-12+, is that I'll get referred and never even get an interview! Or I have a friend in that facility that asks about the position and they'll be told it's already been filled while the posting is still active! While I did benefit from by name hiring in Alaska, it was also an extremely remote area where there was not going to be a large pool of qualified candidates anyway.
For ladies on the federal side, any tips or things I should be doing to make myself stand out more? I always get referred, but never hear anything beyond that.
Star7spouse of retired military
247
11/03/24 at 2:21PM UTC
I can't even get a referral, with same pay grade to do a lateral, and qualified. Unfortunately, I see a lot of nepotism, and who knows who. I told my other half this is why I do not apply at this one location. I cannot get my time back, wasted on this stuff. Am exploring other options.
Anonymous
04/20/21 at 12:15AM UTC
I'm not on the federal side of things, but curious to hear if those who are referring you are doing so through an automated system of some sort or sending a personalized note to the hiring manager for those positions. I've noticed that can make all the difference when it comes to referrals!
Nicole
295
04/20/21 at 2:19PM UTC
Not all federal jobs list an actual hiring manager. For example, I applied for a job with the Air Force and it just goes to the Total Force Service Center. There's even a message that says not to e-mail but to call. They also have to be careful not to give an unfair advantage to one candidate over another. I did reach out to a VA hiring manager once and got a pretty terse response.
