Hi ladies!

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.