heyholetsgogrant Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Because they don't have as much promotion potential as other jobs in the fed and they don't pay particularly well either. For example if we look at this list from the state department (which the OP may consider with his degree) admin. folks are the lowest paid except for entry level positions: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/jobsearch.asp?brd=3876&q=&jts=&jbf522=&lid=17514&jbf574=ST*&salmin=&salmax=&paygrademin=&paygrademax=&FedEmp=N&tm=&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&caller=%2Fadvanced_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=56&SUBMIT1.y=17 Click on the secretary job. You start at GS-09. Promotion potential: GS-09. Doh! Same with the administrative support specialist. But if you look at the investigative analyst it starts at GS-09 and goes to GS-12. Same with budget analyst. I don't agree with it myself. I think good admin. people are worth their weight in gold. But in the Fed, they are not appreciated enough IMO. Also for a younger guy trying to start a career, there are other positions that go up to a management or even an SES position. Admin. kind of dead ends. The problem with the gov is that, it's almost like a club, you have to know someone to get in (unfortunately I do not, also the process way to slow). It takes 4-8 weeks for them to email your score, then another 4-8 weeks for them to get back to you on whether you get an interview. I have a college degree, but even at the GS 5-7 level they want insane amounts of qualifications that I don't have. Also, the gov lacks entry jobs, which is frustrating to the point I may write my senator or house rep (for disappointment of the lack or entry level jobs)...For the record I have a feeling this thread is gonna grow and grow, sadly:( -Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heyholetsgogrant Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 opps double post.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLongshot Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 My wife has been unemployed for 6 months now. She was a policy analyst for a university association and had her job description changed to where she wasn't qualified anymore, so they let her go. It has been pretty tough on her, particularly since she doesn't like depending on me financially. Also, the idea of being a stay-at-home mom drives her nuts. I'm hoping she finds something soon, because she's going stir crazy. I've kept her busy by putting her in charge of renovating the kitchen, but she needs structure to keep her moving and there is only so much I can do about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88Comrade2000 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Use your unemployment as an opportunity to do something better. I know that's hard to do but that's what I am using my unemployment stint as. Going back to school to try a new career and as I progress thru my course, I hope to make contacts that maybe can get me something in the short term and then something in the long when I am done in the Spring of 2010. It doesn't mean all your problems go away and actually may get worse for a while but it happened for reason that will in the long term lead to better things. Well, that's what I am using. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNut73 Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I have been unemployed for 2 months and I have kind of been enjoying the time off. I have a job offer/package in the mail from a major defense contractor in the area (CT), but I'm not sure I want the job....ugh. My story....my employer informed us in May that they were closing the plant and moving operations to Israel at the end of 2009. Economy goes into the crapper immediately afterwards and half of the plant is let go in November just days before Thanksgiving. Fortunately for me, I was given a nice severance package - one week's pay for every year of service (18) plus an additional 8 weeks bonus pay because I stayed on until my last day. So I'm still living off the severance and do not start collecting unemployment until May 2009. My health care benefits are also picked up by the company until then. I was informed on Monday that I will be hired for a supervisory position with a defense contractor. While I should be excited, this was one job I applied/interviewed for because I felt obligated too, but was secretly hoping it would fall through. It's a salary position and it requires a good deal of overtime - including weekends and some holidays. Also, it's a union shop and I have no experience in that realm. Plus, my soon-to-be boss is a prick. There was nothing positive about this job...other than the fact that it is a paying job during these tough economic conditions. With a wife and 3 kids to support, I'm not sure I have the luxury of sitting around waiting for the perfect job...on the other hand, I have had several interviews and there are still a few dozen openings out there so I'm not sure I should take a job just because either....??? I have thoroughly enjoyed being home for this time. I love being around my family more. I've accomplished a lot around the house. It's been a great time but I know things would get tough if I was not employed by the time I start collecting unemployment. If I'm still out of a job then, I'm sure depression would set in rather quickly. I do agree with someone who earlier called indeed.com the Google of job searching. I love that site. Good luck to all of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Get Pissed Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 So I have applied to over 25 places and still havent found anything. I've done indeed.com, snagajob, monster, careerbuilder and so forth. I have decided its time to find a recruiter. I have been in contact with someone from aerotek.com (someone earlier in this thread mentioned that site). I want to get into contact with more recruiters. My question as elementary as it may seem is how do I find recruiters? Everytime I google "Recruiters in...(my location) I get results regarding employment AS a recruiter and NOT recruiters to help me find employment. Any advice on credible recruiters across the country that someone recommends? Or a better way I should be searching for recruiters? Thank you everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dance04 Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I've been out of a job for 3 weeks. I have honestly applied to at least 30 different companies and have yet to get something good. I actually got 2 offers but they offered so little money I would not be able to pay for my apartment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoles11 Posted January 20, 2009 Author Share Posted January 20, 2009 I've decided to do something that I really was hoping to avoid. I'm going to be a sub teacher from now until the summer. I really didn't want to do this because for one, I was already a teacher and really didn't like it and two, as most would guess, being a sub teacher is even worse than being a real teacher. I'm going to stay with family so I can save money and i'm hoping by June I will have found a decent full time job back in Charlotter where I want to be. On a positive note, i'm going to coach baseball at the school i'm subing at. That is the one part of teaching I miss. I felt I made more of an impact on kids as a coach than as a teacher. I also gave myself something to look foward to. I'm going to go to Vegas with my brother over spring break for 2 or 3 days. I'm going to use my tax return and whatever I get paid for baseball to pay for it. I think it's important to have things to look foward, especially when you are doing something that really doesn't make you all that happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rdskn4Lyf21 Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I decided to volunteer while I'm not working. I'll be with a Coast Guard Auxillary unit down here on Miami beach. I figure this will also give me great experience and look good on a resume when I apply for the police force down here *This volunteering has absolutely nothing to do with Obama's calls for it. Just wanted that to be said.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gray Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 dcoles11, i sent you a pm. let me know if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSF Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I got "transitioned out" of my high paying job 2 months ago. I was 1 of 6 upper managers that got replaced with younger, lower payed people in an expense saving move. I was bummed at first, but I've been enjoying my time off after 10+ years of busting my butt. I'm in the process of trying to start my own company, but it's tough with the current state of the economy. My wife works, and I had a few bucks put away, so we're ok for a while and I really want to make sure I do the right thing for me and my family. It is a little scary long term though when you see all the doom and gloom on CNN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoles11 Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 I got "transitioned out" of my high paying job 2 months ago. I was 1 of 6 upper managers that got replaced with younger, lower payed people in an expense saving move. I was bummed at first, but I've been enjoying my time off after 10+ years of busting my butt. I'm in the process of trying to start my own company, but it's tough with the current state of the economy. My wife works, and I had a few bucks put away, so we're ok for a while and I really want to make sure I do the right thing for me and my family. It is a little scary long term though when you see all the doom and gloom on CNN. That is something that I am very thankful for, the fact that I don't have a family to support and look after during this tough economic time. Basically all the tough times and trying to scrape by are all on me, which I can deal with. I feel for you guys that have a wife and kids and I hope things turn around, I can't imagine how hard that would be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acuratl1984 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 So I have applied to over 25 places and still havent found anything. I've done indeed.com, snagajob, monster, careerbuilder and so forth. I have decided its time to find a recruiter. I have been in contact with someone from aerotek.com (someone earlier in this thread mentioned that site). I want to get into contact with more recruiters. My question as elementary as it may seem is how do I find recruiters? Everytime I google "Recruiters in...(my location) I get results regarding employment AS a recruiter and NOT recruiters to help me find employment. Any advice on credible recruiters across the country that someone recommends? Or a better way I should be searching for recruiters? Thank you everyone! Hey GetPissed, 1) What field are you in? (Ex. IT, Financing, etc...) A few staffing company that has contacted me in the past are. I'm in the IT field so, I am not sure if these companies staff for other fields. Beacon Hill Staffing APEX Robert Half Metro Systems TEKSystems Pinnacle Artech And you really shouldn't search "RECRUITERS" but search for "STAFFING COMPANIES" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight Judges Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 The problem with the gov is that, it's almost like a club, you have to know someone to get in (unfortunately I do not, also the process way to slow). It takes 4-8 weeks for them to email your score, then another 4-8 weeks for them to get back to you on whether you get an interview. I have a college degree, but even at the GS 5-7 level they want insane amounts of qualifications that I don't have. Also, the gov lacks entry jobs, which is frustrating to the point I may write my senator or house rep (for disappointment of the lack or entry level jobs)...For the record I have a feeling this thread is gonna grow and grow, sadly:(-Grant I hear ya man. BTW, when you apply for Government jobs, look at the method they are using to receive your application. Online applications are run through a program that is looking for key words. If the key words don't show up, chances are a person never even looks at your application. If I knew what those keys words were I would share them. But if they are asking you to fax your resume/answers, then you have a much better chance of getting through to an actual person. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renaissance Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 The problem with the gov is that, it's almost like a club, you have to know someone to get in (unfortunately I do not, also the process way to slow). It takes 4-8 weeks for them to email your score, then another 4-8 weeks for them to get back to you on whether you get an interview. I have a college degree, but even at the GS 5-7 level they want insane amounts of qualifications that I don't have. Also, the gov lacks entry jobs, which is frustrating to the point I may write my senator or house rep (for disappointment of the lack or entry level jobs)...For the record I have a feeling this thread is gonna grow and grow, sadly:(-Grant I disagree with this. For larger agencies, this may be the case, but when I was job searching last year I applied for 3 federal jobs and got interviews for all 3. Aside from usajobs also check out avue digital. Several agencies post there and while a lot of people I work with hate avue, I actually really liked their application processes. You do everything online and when you go to submit they tell you if your application was complete or not. It also updates you on the status of the position. Just be sure that when you're answering the multiple choice questions, you choose the one that best describes you, not just the one you think is best. What you think is the best one, nor the top one in the list, aren't always the best choices. I got my job (was hired at equivalent to GS 07) with a BA in poli sci plus less than 1 year of post college experience (though it was right at 1 year by the time I started the job). Remember you can also use part time and internship experience when qualifying yourself!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skin'Em84 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Yep, graduated from Radford with an Outdoor Rec degree, suck at finding jobs apparently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoot Point Really Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm sorry to hear about those who have lost their jobs. I know it is tough. I went through it went the IT bubble burst in this area. When that happens, people who are more experienced lower their asking price and then people who are less experienced generally are squeezed out of the market. You really have to obtain some mad-skills and keep them fresh in order to stay on top. This is a good thing, for you and for society. If you are in IT and out of work, send me a PM. I have contacts who routinely call me with opportunities. I'd be happy to do what I can to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalSkinsFan Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I was placed by a recruiter that found me through monster.com. I can't remember their name, but I honestly wouldn't recommend them anyway. They sent me to an old address for the company I was to interview with (they had moved 4-5 years ago :doh:), plus they wanted to charge, imo, way too much (10% of 1st years salary). I was still hired despite being late to the interview, and I think the company negotiated a lower fee since neither of us were contracted with the recruiter for their services, but they did hook us up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoot Point Really Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 BTW, working FOR the Federal Government is nice... Contracting is even better. Here is a tip... Google "GSA Schedule" and then limit your search to the sites for big Government contractors (or even small ones)... You'll see that the Government is routinely paying $80-$120 per hour for even mid-range professionals. Sometimes the rates go up in the $150+ range for senior-level staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PleaseBlitz Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I should have mentioned this earlier, but if anyone is looking for a job AND has a security clearance, PM me, i have a nice hookup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PleaseBlitz Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Just to bump this, if anyone is looking for a job in the following fields, i may be able to help: Financial Analysis Accounting, especially upper level Marketing Communications Public Relations or anyone with a security clearance, especially TS/SCI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorhead Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 My oldest boy is. Got Layed off from Yellowbook.He has a Master degree in Consumer Economic. He gets $545. a week thanks to Bush for 9 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolblue13 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I'm basically out of work. I go there at times and stay for a while. I just don't receive any money for it. Damn tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drums and skins Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I've been unemployed since graduating in December 2007. I've had a number of interviews and potential offers that make me look dumb for not taking the underpaid jobs at the time (ie: only $13/hr with no benefits...at this point, I'd take that!). I'm looking for entry into the IT field and feel I have a good background to be a productive employee for any company in IT. I don't think my problem is necessarily the economy, though, that doesn't really help, but really, experience and lack of a security clearance in a government/contractor high market. Head hunters are welcome to PM me...same with any people in IT that know of positions they have open . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I am now. I got laid off last night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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