One of the most interesting things I noticed when I worked as a hiring manager in the private sector was the questionable choices that people when presenting themselves in online applications. Since all job applications with the federal government are routed through USAJOBS, it’s important that you take the time to extend your professional appearance to cyberspace as well!
Yes, PTStud0311@hotmail.com, I’m talking to you. Stillsexyat50@yahoo.com, you should probably pay attention as well. Today’s advice is going to be short and sweet, but hopefully it’ll go a long way. For the most part, the hiring managers and HR technicians who’ll be reviewing your resumes have seen hundreds, if not thousands of similar applicants. It’ll take some serious qualifications to stand out in a positive way, but it’s not very hard at all to get yourself remembered as an unprofessional jerk.
For everyone’s sake, you should probably get a new email address, one that you use strictly for job-seeking. Make it something that’s easy for both you and the recruiters to remember, something along the lines of JamesWashington@Gmail.com. Stick to Gmail or Yahoo! accounts. They provide much more memory for storing old emails than the other services, plus they’re free and you can set one up in minutes. And most importantly, never send risqué pictures, chain emails, Youtube videos, or any questionable material through this account. Save it for professional communications only.
Next, it’s important that you understand email etiquette. Use all of the tools available to you when you work online, including SpellCheck! When uploading your resume to USAJOBS, be sure to check the spelling on all sections before posting your information. Do the same thing before you reply to any work-related emails also. And no matter how frustrated you get with the hiring process, always take a deep breath before you hit “Send.” You can’t take back an angry email once it’s out in cyberspace, and government employees won’t be very likely to help you out once you’ve used them as a target for venting.
Last, you should take a few minutes to drop fifty cents in a pay phone and call yourself. How does your voicemail message sound when it comes on? Make sure to include your name on the message, and try to keep it professional. Maybe you haven’t even taken the time to set up your account? If not, you might want to do so, and while you’re at it, be sure to keep paying the bill so the service doesn’t get cut off! A manager might give you one call, maybe two if you’re lucky, before they decide that you’re just not interested in the job. That stinks for you, but it’s great news for the next applicant in line.
If these tips sound basic, that’s because they are! But if you can present yourself as being an understated professional, even through something as minor as your email address or your voicemail message, you’ll have a much better shot at getting your start with the federal government.
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