Washington, D.C., In an enlightening webinar titled “Navigating USAJOBS: Finding and Applying for Jobs with the Federal Government,” attendees gained valuable insights into the intricate process of pursuing federal job opportunities through the USAJOBS portal. This webinar, conducted in collaboration between the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI), provided a unique perspective on the journey to secure federal employment.
Organized by WHAANHPI, this event underscored the commitment of the initiative to empower and assist individuals from these communities in navigating the complexities of federal job opportunities. By co-hosting the webinar, AANHPI aimed to offer vital insights and guidance tailored to the specific needs of these diverse and vibrant populations.
The session commenced with a warm welcome from Karlos Deltoro, a Human Resource Specialist at OPM, who introduced the purpose of the webinar. Deltoro explained that the session’s objective was to guide participants in effectively using USAJOBS to search for and apply for federal job openings. Rebecca Lee, Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AANHPI, then took the virtual stage, highlighting the initiative’s mission to promote equity, justice, and opportunities for AANHPI communities within the federal workforce.
Lee emphasized the significance of diversifying the federal workforce to accurately represent the population it serves. She pointed out the current underrepresentation of AANHPI individuals, who constitute 7% of the U.S. population but only 5% of federal executives. The collaboration between the webinar and USAJOBS aimed to create a stronger pipeline for AANHPI individuals to access federal positions.
At the core of the webinar was a detailed guide on effectively navigating the USAJOBS platform. Deltoro provided insights into the topics covered, including creating and managing a USAJOBS account, conducting job searches, understanding job announcements, mastering the five-step application process, and utilizing the USAJOBS Help Center for assistance.
Participants were informed that while USAJOBS is the primary gateway to federal job opportunities, certain agencies might have distinct application processes, especially for positions outside the competitive civil service. Nonetheless, for most federal jobs within the competitive civil service, USAJOBS serves as the initial step for applications.
Deltoro provided an overview of the USAJOBS website, highlighting its layout and features. He reiterated the webinar’s goal of equipping participants with practical skills to navigate the platform, identify suitable job openings, and successfully submit applications. The presenters emphasized that the process extended beyond USAJOBS, often requiring applicants to proceed to individual agency websites to complete the application process.
Throughout the webinar, participants were assured of ample time for questions and were informed that a recording of the session would be available for future reference.
Through the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the AANHPI initiative, a commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunity, and informed decision-making in pursuing federal careers was reaffirmed. This partnership highlighted the targeted support’s significance and underscored AANHPI’s integral role in championing the aspirations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders within the federal workforce.
The collaboration between the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders exemplified a shared dedication to facilitating a streamlined journey for job seekers in these communities. As participants engaged with experts and gained insights during the webinar, it became evident that this collaboration aimed to bridge the information gap, making the federal job search process more accessible, comprehensible, and ultimately, more fruitful.
