GovernmentExecutive.com

An online job search company has unveiled a Web site dedicated to matching job seekers with opportunities in the federal government.

WorkforAmerica.com, launched May 7 by CareerBuilder.com, aims to help expedite the federal government's recruitment process by connecting job candidates interested in public service with key federal agencies.

To develop the site, CareerBuilder worked with the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, which provides content and information to help prospective employees not only learn about the opportunities in government but also work through the federal hiring system, said Max Stier, president of the Partnership.

"We need to see more information out about job opportunities in the federal government," Stier said. "Lots of quality people who are looking for jobs go to the CareerBuilder site ... this is information about government service that is sorely needed across the board."

The move comes as the government faces a potential wave of exits over the next decade, as about 60 percent of federal workers overall and 90 percent of senior executives become eligible for retirement.

"The U.S. labor force is shrinking as a large number of baby boomers retire and smaller generations enter the workforce," said Stan Paul, general manager of CareerBuilder.com's government services group. "Realizing the expansive reach of the Internet, more government employers are adopting online recruitment as an integral part of their recruitment strategy."

CareerBuilder.com facilitates an average of more than 1.2 million searches for government jobs each month, according to a release. But the new federal-centric site will allow agencies to brand themselves through job postings and specialized Web pages with details on their mission, benefits, news and career opportunities.

"We felt that there was a void in the market for the agencies to brand themselves," Paul said. "One of the biggest things we hear from job seekers is that they don't hear about opportunities in the government."

While job searches are conducted directly through CareerBuilder.com, which charges agencies to post ads, WorkforAmerica is designed to provide additional exposure and in-depth information about federal opportunities, at no additional cost to the agencies that advertise, Paul said.

The Office of Personnel Management maintains a federal job search site, USAJobs.gov, which has proved to be one of the government's most successful tools for recruiting and retaining top talent. The agency also has run a televised and online ad campaign, which has resulted in a spike of tens of thousands of additional visits to USAJobs from residents living in the media markets where the ads have aired, OPM Director Linda Springer said in March.

OPM declined to comment on the new site.

So far, agencies like the CIA and the Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, Energy and Navy departments have used WorkforAmerica. It is "something they have found value in," said Jennifer Sullivan, a spokeswoman for CareerBuilder.

Paul said the company will begin marketing the site through print and local radio in Washington. He said the site is not designed to compete with USAJobs, but rather to enhance the government's ability to promote and hire talented people.

COMMENTS

• I will agree that the USAjobs site is a tough nut to crack. Part of the problem is that those in industry believe all they need to do is put in a two page resume like needed in CareerBuilder.com and poof you get a job. It is an art to getting a job with the federal government and you need to understand the process and develop a detailed resume. Additionally, many agencies have their own timelines, software programs above and beyond USAjobs, budget constraints and personnel office problems. I will take exception to the fine lady who said the government only gets the those who are inept so to speak. I have worked in industry and government, and depending on the agency and individual you have just as many slugs in industry as the government so don't kid yourself. It is just harder to get rid of the deadwood in the government. Terry Posted December 5, 2007 11:17 AM
• I have applied for several jobs on the USAJOBS.GOV website. I have received an email that I am qualified for the job and was not referred, I received a email that I made the best qualified list and will be receiving a call, and never received a phone call. I have been employed with the federal gov't for 12 years and trying to transfer to another federal agency has not been a challenge. The federal gov't takes a very long time to respond to apllications. I enjoy working for the gov't, but it has been a challenge. MEKA Posted July 19, 2007 7:48 AM
• www.usajobs.gov is the most convoluted and non-user-friendly site on the world wide web. It just speaks to the government's nonability to change in an ever changing world. I am a mid-career, highly motivated professional in the contracting arena where I know my skills would be valued in the federal space. But to have fill out 120 questionnaire, and go through these ridiculously mundane steps in order to simply be "qualified" or "considered" for an interview is a slap in my face. What happened to the days of providing a well-written resume, and getting a call back for a prospective interview? The federal government is losing out a great pool of resources because of the outdated ways of applying for their positions. I have found that www.CareerBuilder.com is the most useful tool available. I've posted my resume there 6 weeks ago, and on minimum, I get 2-4 very good leads every day....and some from the federal government. I love using that site. www.usajobs.gov stinks in the worst way. This is why the government continues to get people that simply occupy their space and do not perform the quality of dynamic work implored throughout the corporate industry. Sherri M. Posted June 1, 2007 11:22 AM