Brian Orczeck ⋅ Greensburg , PA ⋅ 5 years experience

If you want an interview at the VA, make it easy on the VA HR by providing a qualified applicant by self-eliminating and not throwing away your own valuable time applying for a job you're not qualified for.

I've had a lot of success using OPM as a source document to further define a job and get the keywording. There is a Series/Grade section of the job posting. The middle 4 digit number is the job code. Go to www.opm.gov - "click" subject index - "j" for jobs - Job classification - then select either "Position Classification Description" or "Job Grading Standards", then find the corresponding number.

If someone asks for bread... don't give them a snake!

A job posting is just a questionnaire looking for a person who can meet an employer's needs. How can a person put together an accurate resume if they can't verify they can do the primary job functions? This method allows you to review the functions and accurately assess, not only your eligibility for employment, but also the information belonging in your resume.

This method takes research and work, but so far I'm seeing an strong increase of interview invitations for my vets who employ this method (90%+).

Best,

Brian Orczeck
LVER/DVOP

Mark Tegtmeyer ⋅ Sylvania , OH U.S. Army Reserve, Chief Warrant Officer ⋅ 21 years served

Kaleia,

Recent advice I got from a VA employee (current employee / recent hire): after you submit your online application, call the POC number listed in the USAJobs.gov listing and talk to the rep. Verify that they have received all parts of your application packet (i.e. resume, transcripts, veteran status verification etc). If any piece is missing, your application won't go forward, but if you call before the closing date of the position I understand that they have to give you a chance to provide the documentation.

Second piece: most positions have a questionnaire that you also have to answer. Before you submit your application (resume), print the questionnaire out. In the job listing, go to the bottom section where it describes what to do if you need to mail the application it. It should give you a link to the printable version of the questionnaire. Then, make sure the keywords and topics that are asked are clearly demonstrated in your resume before you submit it.

No gaurantees, but that should help.

Mark

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas , TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

I will be happy to take a look. Send your resume to me and I will call you to discuss. tomlinsonjk@aol.com
Judy Tomlinson

A good recruiter in the DC area is Jaineen L. Brown. Once your resume is ready you can send it to her. Most large companies use an outside recruiting agency to weed out candidates. Jaineen can help make interviews happen.
jaineen@crossroadsemployment.com
301-442-9652
Check me out in the Washington Informer! http://tinyurl.com/2wcmk7p

Bruce Thoms ⋅ Evergreen , CO Drake Beam Morin ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Kaleia,
I am not familiar with any of the VA appiocations or forms.
However, 80% of all jobs are filled by networking, making contacts and making friends with people of influence. This can include the receptionist at the organization's front desk. See if you can make a personal connection with her/him, and ask for their "help" as to their suggestions as to how you can make the next connection within the organization.
Hope this helps,
Bruce Thoms

Jennifer Sardam ⋅ Alexandria , VA U.S. Army National Guard, Sergeant ⋅ 17 years served

Great advice. I am also trying to get on with the VA. I don't know if you are VRA or VEOA-eligible, etc., but a lady who is in HR for the VA here in DC told me to ensure I place wording about those particular preferences as far at the top of my resume as possible (i.e., "VRA-eligible" or "VEOA-eligible" or "Veterans 5-point preference" or all of them, if they apply). I had never heard of doing that on the actual resume, but I'm going to try it.