Book Review, Sept. 29, 2008

The Ultimate Guide to Federal Job Hunting
By Andy C. Szul

As U.S. unemployment numbers rise, the timing could not be better for a book that helps navigate how to get hired by the nation's largest employer – the federal government.

Lily Whiteman's impressive “How To Land A Top-Paying Federal Job” -- available on Amazon.com -- explains exactly what you need to do to get hired by the federal government. A federal employee for more than 16 years, Whiteman is also a federal career coach who writes a career column for Federal Times and a contributes to the “Jobs” section of the The Washington Post.

A CD that accompanies the book provides an invaluable list of paid federal internships for recent graduates and fellowships for professionals. In addition, the CD features outlines on how to write the job application's essay, three pages of potential interview questions, worksheets, resume templates and much more.

Using real-life examples, success stories and tips, Whiteman dispels several myths, including that government salaries are low, the federal hiring system is difficult to understand and that it takes a long time to get hired for federal employment. In fact, after reading and highlighting this book, you will not only build up your confidence, but learn countless ways to get that federal job you have always wanted.

The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on the steps involved in obtaining a federal job. In the first part, the author provides concrete ways to find a federal employment, how to find success at a job fair and pages of online resources. The second and third parts discuss in detail how to take charge of the federal employment application process, including the KSAs and cover letter, and what to do before, during and after an interview.

The last part provides a collection of strategies, tips and real-life examples on how to excel at your job and earn the promotion you deserve. Examples include taking advantage of professional organizations (a list is included on the CD), agency-paid training opportunities (Web sites included) and how to improve your annual evaluation.

Particularly helpful are charts and tables scattered throughout the book. In one table, Whiteman provides a guide for those interested in Capitol Hill jobs, and in another, the author offers tips how to write and market professional achievements. Additionally, complete with examples, Whiteman offers constructive advice on how to prepare a resume and cover letter that sets you apart from others and dramatically improves your chances for an interview.

Andy C. Szul is president of Szul Edits Inc., an online-based company that provides editing and proofreading services. He can be reached at szuledits@szuledits.com.