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Keys to Success
Keys to Success Self Assessment Opportunities Plans (IDPs) Supervisory (IDPs) Finding Jobs Networking Applying & Interview Resume Assistance Transistion Checklist Products Services

 

 

There are a number of steps that you must take to develop a viable career development program. Without proper planning you may not succeed and a structured program will improve your chance of success considerably. Each of these steps is important and one without the other often leads to failure and confusion.  Each step builds on the other and is discussed in detail in a related chapter of the workbook titled Take Charge of Your Federal Career. If you take one step at a time and build on each step as you develop it,  you will make a connection. Each step is outlined on this site.  For detailed information refer to Take Charge of Your Federal Career. This title is available at many libraries or you can purchase a copy by calling 1-800-782-7424 or order online.


 

These seven essential steps will get you where you want to go:
 

  1. Self Assessment
  2. Locating Job Opportunities (Targeting Positions)
  3. Setting Realistic Goals (IDPs) Individual Development Plans
  4. Completing Your Application
      ● Federal Resume Writing Service (Professional Help)
  5. Networking (Self Promotion and Discovery)
  6. Interview Preparation
  7. Follow-up (Staying on Track)

Explore all options (Government & Private Sector)

All supervisors want proficient and well trained employees. They have a vested interest in your career development and fortunately today there are programs available to cover just about any employee’s desired training path.  Many agencies fund evening college tuition as long as you maintain a C or better grade average and if the course is either work related or listed on your written IDP plan. There are hundreds of worthwhile government correspondence courses, Computer based instruction training, on-line courses, OJT assignments, lateral details, temporary promotional opportunities, and upward mobility programs for all levels and pay grades. The long and short of it is that if you want to grow in your career Uncle Sam is standing by with resources to help you succeed. To keep you on track use the Career Transition Checklist on this site that was excerpted from in Appendix A of Take Charge of Your Federal Career. Each of the following sections builds on the other.

Workable plans take quality time to develop. Don’t rush the process and take one step at a time. When you finish reviewing this site and its associated workbook you will have gone through all of the necessary steps that you will personally need to complete a viable Individual Development Plan. Get started today with the Self Assessment section.

Suggestion: Explore and apply for job vacancies in the government and private sectors to increase your promotion potential. Consider submitting a resume online to locate viable job options in your area to compare salary, working conditions, and benefits. Many federal agencies invest considerable funds to train employees and this training along with your work experience may qualify you for many jobs in the private sector.

Post your resume online at no cost to research local opportunities and compare them to your current government job. (Caution) Don't post your federal style resume online without removing all sensitive information such as your Social Security Number, etc. 

FREE OFFER: Click on the following banner to post your resume.

 

FOLLOW-UP (STAYING ON TRACK)

 

This is the one step that is often ignored and yet has a tremendous impact on whether or not you succeed.  By the time you work through your career development plan, complete your applications, and initiated several contacts many let it go at that.  They begin their initial developmental assignments or training and after awhile things calm down, initiative wanes,  and before you know it two years have gone by and you’re still in the same job! This is typical without follow-up, established deadlines and action items to keep you on track. It isn’t enough to get started. You and your supervisor must keep the momentum going. A plan without established review dates is often worthless. Set realistic target completion dates, review your IDP with your supervisor regularly, and keep your plan up-to-date.  Life is constant change and you must be prepared for those changes to succeed.

When you review your IDP with your supervisor come prepared to update your plan. New training opportunities and developmental programs may now be available.  Look for out-of-agency training programs that are scheduled for your location and don’t forget about agency training programs and seminars.  It’s up to you to be proactive in your career development program.  Your supervisor can help with resources and counseling however you are primarily responsible for working through the plan.  Think of your supervisor as a catalyst that can help you make it happen. She can request funds for your training, arrange for details and allow you time to participate in other activities such as mentoring or (OJT) On the Job Training assignments.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last modified: 11/08/07