Top PMF Job Application Tips

Top PMF Job Application Tips Top PMF Job Application Tips Top PMF Job Application Tips Now that the PMF application is open, were inviting Certified Federal Career Coach, Kate Battiato to guest write our blog. Here are Kates top tips: Successfully navigating the PMF application process is its own unique challenge unlike any other you might have previously experienced. The points listed below can help you to not only familiarize yourself with the application and interview process, but also to better understand the big picture of what PMF has in store for you: 1) In the PMF, leadership style is everything. Dont dominate. Instead, collaborate, synergize. In preparing your PMF resume, and other application materials, dont feel like the program is looking for you to demonstrate your leadership qualities by the degree to which you take charge and personally tackle every issue that arises. In truth, its not about “you”. Its about identifying and developing committed public service leaders who can problem solve collaboratively and thrive in the unique context of federal government service. In the federal workplace, leadership requires the ability to quickly adapt to political or global changes that agency staff have little or no control over. Keep in mind that the PMF reviewers are not necessarily looking for the archetypal Type A leader who steamrolls their way to success. Instead, theyre looking for individuals who will do well and be a good fit for the context of federal government service. This means being adaptable, flexible, and creative about how to lead by collaborative facilitation rather than fiat. 2) Becoming a PMF Finalist is only the beginning. Just imagine, youve made it through the gauntlet of the online situational judgement and personality assessment, perfected your essays, nailed your in-person interview day and received the felicitous news that youve been selected as a PMF Finalist. After a few well-deserved happy dances, prepare to buckle down for the second half of your PMF journey, securing your placement. Your non-competitive hiring authority is good for 12 months from the date you are selected as a Finalist, and be prepared to use that as your number one talking point for the duration. Though the PMF is considered prestigious, and can be extremely helpful in obtaining a position in hard to access agencies like State and USAID, dont expect everyone in the federal government to be familiar with the program. Some agencies, especially those targeted by STEM applicants (e.g. USDA, NSF), have little to no familiarity with the program. This leaves finalists with the need to develop a tight elevator speech explaining what your status as a PMF Finalist means and how it can be of assistance to HR Specialists and Hiring Managers as a shortcut to filling positions. Network proactively to seek out specific offices youre interested in serving as a PMF, and be creative in pitching how a Presidential Management Fellow in their ranks would be of service to your agency of choice. 3) Going through the process is valuable experience. Keep in mind that whether or not you ultimately land a placement as a Presidential Management Fellow, the process itself is a rich learning experience and great real-world practice which can help you master high-stakes job applications and interviews. These are marketable skills which the PMF process can help you build for a lifetime and apply inside or outside public service. How far you get in the process may itself be a great gauge for where you should focus your efforts in improving your job search game. Apply yourself and treat it as the learning opportunity, and you will position yourself to learn how you can demonstrate core competencies, such as collaborative facilitation, interpersonal problem solving and adaptability. These skills apply not only to future federal job searches, but also to private industry searches and success in landing your dream job, wherever that may be. Kate Battiato has been a Certified Federal Career Coach and Job Search Trainer since 2015. She served as the Career Development Coordinator at The University of Wisconsin Madison MPA/MIPA program, the La Follette School of Public Affairs, and is herself a graduate of the program. She also served as a Career and Academic Advisor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Over the years shes taught PMF workshops and helped students apply for the PMF program, including her husband who was selected as a STEM finalist in 2014. Kate is now providing career development services to Associates of The Mattox Group staffing firm, as well as outplacement services, private career coaching and career development classes with The Mattox Group family of business services. Writing the PMF Federal Resume? We can help you with our professional services. GET A FEDERAL RESUME QUOTE Send your current, up-to-date resume, and a sample job announcement for a free quote. Order a PDF of the Students Federal Career Guide 3rd EditionBEST BOOK FOR STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADS Written to help students feature EDUCATION in their federal resume for PATHWAYS and Competitive Federal Jobs. Samples of course descriptions, new skills, internships, projects, papers to improve qualifications for PATHWAYS or entry level federal positions. 2018-2019 Resume Place, Inc. Only available as PDF $9.95