School of AREAS and the Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Program Host Federal Hiring Process and Resume Writing Workshop
On October 5, 2016 the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs hosted a Federal Hiring Process and Resume Writing Workshop.
The event, held in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center, Extension and Research Complex on the Lorman Campus, was an opportunity for students to gain insight into the hiring process and resume writing styles required by federal agencies.
The presenters were National Park Service representatives Amy Gordon, chief of administration at Natchez National Historical Park, and Rica Dyas, supervisory human resource specialist.
“Working for the government is very beneficial. There is job security with excellent benefit packages, and, if you find an agency with a mission that you believe in, then there is job satisfaction,” said Gordon.
Students, faculty, and staff in attendance were given beneficial information regarding the federal hiring process. Attendees were shown and given notes on proper techniques including how to style resumes for federal jobs.
Positions with federal agencies are highly competitive. Applicants are expected to thoroughly explain themselves on their resumes, because interviews for agencies are not usually conducted. In the seminar students were given guidelines to follow for submitting resumes that are anticipated to be five to 20 pages in length. Within those pages applicants are encouraged to include every detail about themselves that will elevate them above others.
“Put out there what you think will get you noticed above others. Recent graduates don’t have as much work experience as others to put on their resumes, so it’s okay to include courses taken in college and high school. As long as they state it’s relevancy to the job description,” Dyas added.
In addition to sharing tips about the federal hiring process, Gordon and Dyas offered students information about fellowship and intern opportunities with the government. Through Pathways undergraduate and graduate students along with recent college graduates have the privilege of applying for programs that, upon completion, may be converted into a permanent position with a federal agency.
The workshop concluded with questions from the audience.
For additional information on upcoming workshops, contact Casnacita S. Gray, student services coordinator, School of AREAS, at 601-877-6552 or [email protected] or Dr. Wandra Arrington, assistant director of Honors Curriculum Program, at 601-877-6138 or [email protected].
