Sorry @ongradschool that this has taken me awhile to get to. I honestly didn’t know how to start this answer. But, I’m going post it publicly, just in case I can help any one else as well.
First of all, thank you! My life has been crazy the past year or so, but I think I’ve finally settled where I am supposed to be.
The things that I know about working for the government: When you fill out your application, make sure you are using the key words that they say they want in the questions. The State of Nebraska has a complicated system that screens the applications before anyone even sees them in the department or agency that you’re applying at. If you don’t have the key words that they used in the questions in your answers, your application won’t get flagged to move on in the process. It’s scary, but true.
They also ask every person the exact same questions and score you on those answers. But you should still try to be yourself and make them like you. Its easy for them to see who they want based on personality..and that could give you the edge. I know, I know. It’s easy for me to say that you should be relaxed in interviews when I already have a job! However, it is important.
It is also important to have at least 2 questions prepared to ask them. My favorite, and the one that they always seem to love answering is “why do you like working here?” Gives good insight into why you might want to consider accepting their offer.
Try to get as much varied experience as you can. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and I thought when I was at the Ocho that I would NEVER be able to leave because I was pigeon holed into that job/career. NOT TRUE! It did take someone taking a chance on me as an unproven Membership Director to get me out the Biz. However, my new boss didn’t even care about that job when it came down to offering me this job. They LOVED that I had so much TV News writing experience. Because, honestly, that’s what I’m using here. So try to think of different ways to market your skill set. Don’t allow yourself to pigeon hole yourself!
Have someone who knows resumes look at yours and help you out. @reginatarae looked at mine. She rocks! I bet she’d help you too if you asked! 🙂
Remember, that you have to be your own personal cheerleader! No one else will do it for you. So don’t be afraid to promote yourself. Use LinkedIn to do that, and to find jobs. A lot of people including potential employers checked out my LinkedIn. So keep it classy and updated. Also, have a professional photo there. It does make a difference!
Network. Talk to people that you know that work there. Do your research. Know what you’re talking about. Don’t ramble on in the interview. Clear, concise answers are the best. They know you know your stuff if you don’t have to keep talking. Act confident. Even if you aren’t. The job that I interviewed for as a Marketing Manager, the man straight up told me that I was an awesome interview and that he wanted to hire someone exactly like me; confident, vivacious, outgoing, someone who can talk to people. So if you’re nervous, try practicing with a friend. I did that a few times.
I also like to ask, if they don’t tell me, when they expect a decision. That lets them know you are serious and want to hear from them.
And I ALWAYS write a hand-written thank you note right when I get home from the interview. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who have said that this made a difference in the hiring process!
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need anything else! And good luck!!
Runnin' Down a Dream 