I'm Baaack

[Basket Weaver]

I agree, USAJobs/resumix is a daunting experience. What's worse is that when you apply for a job, more often than not you are linked to another website where you have to input your resume all over again, in yet another format. As of now I have completed 4 different resumes and I still have another 2 to go.

One thing I highly recommend is to NOT fax your transcripts/DD-214, instead, scan them and upload them into your documents on USAjobs: they allow 5 documents. This will save you time, money on postage and provide security knowing they have received them as the website gives you an update on the job posting versus your actions.

It appears as though there are plenty of jobs posted there, however, I spoke to a gentleman from the Dept of Navy this week who said that many of these jobs are open postings (start with DON versus a number). This means that they are simply gathering resumes in case an opening comes up. I input my resume for 11 of these jobs so far, 4 of which have immediate openings in Okinawa and Tokyo; we are also looking at moving to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

I also agree with you about having a Masters and working in the DoD, they will pay you for it...many companies out there could care less...in fact it is often a disqualifier because they know you will want more money.

[Gary]

I only faxed a few because it required me to do just that. You have to specifically use their cover sheet and fax the req'd paperwork. I have been doing it like you stated otherwise. I am really surprised at how HR shows no respect for job seekers. I answered a job that had an urgent fill at the AFB near home and I was left a msg that I was under consideration IF I replied back to her by Tuesday. This happened on Monday so I left a msg stating I was interested AND I e-mailed her stating the same on Monday at 3:00 P.M.. I didn't hear anything back as of last night so I did both again late last night. As of right now, still no msg. As for open continuous, I was told that almost all of those jobs don't really exist, that like you stated, they are just collecting dust, er, a pool of names..... to be placed in the bottom of the circular file. Can you believe how irritating USAJOBS is? Why can't they just allow you send one of the resumes in USAJOBS that pertains to the position you are applying for instead of bouncing around agencies? For all the IT's they employ and the high salaries they pay at the upper levels, you'd think they would have a more efficient system. Sometimes I wonder if this is just how they want it to discourage some job seekers. Anyway, Good luck w/your search.

[dc67]

I to am experiencing the USAJOBS experience. I have applied for probably 50 jobs over the last year or so. I have been referred for several but no interviews. I am referred for a job with the FAA down in Atlanta right now and a Maintenance Specialist job at Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, OH. I really do not want to move but for the right job would have to consider it. The only employer growing right now it seems is the Government. If they are going to take most of my money, I might as well take atvantage of the pay and benefits if I can.. That last part was for you Gary........

Good luck to bth of you, it would be good to hear a positive outcome from USAJOBS.

Doug

[Gary]

Nice dig!
I just saw an urgent fill (1 OCT) on Monday, replied and rec'd a phone call and an e-mail stating I was found qualified and if I was interested, let HR know. I left an e-mail Monday at 3:00 P.M. and a phone msg. As of Thurs night, no answer. I sent another reply via both on Friday. As of SAT night, no reply. I really question heading this way. My reasoning for fed work is M-F day work so I can finally live a "normal" schedule and enjoy my daughters and their events. What is tough for me is I am blind in my right eye and that hurt me w/employment. I can't pass a DOT physical or get a CDL so that scraps quite a few jobs. Our regional transportation in Philly is SEPTA, they offered me a job when I first got out BUT the DOT physical stopped that. Then FEDEX hired me and I failed the vision portion so that put the kabosh to that. I went to Diesel Mech school ages ago thinking of doing that because I like physical work but my school close to graduating said I would have a hard time finding employment w/my vision (my dad warned me also). They were right, my bad! What torques me is I had a gov't license, towed our patrol craft all over w/our 5-ton and Deuce & a half, had my 33 pass bus license and forklift and I couldn't get a waiver because I went to my ship after all that so I was away from driving for too long they said. I drove our unit weapons/ammo all over god's creation and had planned to get my explosive driver qual and I would've gotten my hazmat endorsement BUT once again I was thwarted. I went to Norfolk to attend LSE school to land helo's on our ship and I was kicked out after 10 minutes once they realized my vision was 20/200 non-correctable. I don't need cheese w/my whine, just saying my situation has been frustrating to say the least. You don't realize how important vision is in the workforce. On top of this, now that I'm getting older, and "WE" know this is true, you are looked at very closely before a hire, like a dad would look at his daughter's boyfriend. And I guarantee you I'll hang w/almost any whipper-snapper out there. I pride myself on that. Now, I am looking at desk work as much as I hate it. I need at least a financial accounting class and probably a mangerial accounting class as well to have any shot I believe. Plus a Masters or at least 1 yr of grad school. What's surprising is the job I have now is one of the easiest jobs I ever had. Unfortunately, there is no chance to ever be in charge, no one leaves this municipality and I was the next to last hired. I am thankful to be working............. Does anyone have a hanky?

[dc67]

I am fortunate to have a good job as well, but the economy isn't getting any better, no matter what you may hear. I am always on the look out. Good luck brother.

Doug

[Gary]

I second that. Occasional sun, lots of clouds, not good.