SO... YOU WANT TO WORK FOR UNCLE SAM?

If you have never worked for the Federal Government, it is important that you take a few minutes and read this information. If you have worked for the Federal Government and have been away for a while or are a current Federal employee, you should also review this information because a number of rules and procedures have changed. A word of advice - there are many things you will learn throughout your employment in the Federal workforce. Pay close attention, save all your paperwork, learn where to go and get answers, and never assume anything is the same from day to day.

There is a Probationary or trial period:
All competitive and excepted employees on a permanent appointment are on probation for one year. Supervisors will recommend retention or separation before the end of the first year. All new supervisors serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Background Investigation:
All new permanent employees and some temporary employees must have a security background investigation.

Employment of Relatives:
The employment of relatives is not appropriate if you have anything to do with their selection, promotions, performance appraisals or awards.

Promotions and Reassignments:
Agencies may promote, demote or reassign career or career conditional employees under a variety of circumstances. They also may make time-limited promotions of up to five years to fill temporary positions, accomplish project work, fill positions temporarily pending reorganization or to meet other temporary needs. Most career promotions are either career-ladder or processed through the merit promotion plan. General Schedule employees who are promoted to a higher grade must receive a pay increase equal to or above two steps of the former grade.

Performance Management System:
All employees who have appointments that exceed 120 days receive a performance appraisal. Employees must be in a position for 90 days in order to receive a performance appraisal. Your supervisor completes your Performance Appraisal at the end of the rating period (October 1 - September 30) and the next higher-level official reviews it. Your performance appraisal folder is kept in the Office of Human Resources Management.

There is a lot more to it!

*For valuable information on working for the Federal Government, see Guide to the Federal Hiring Process.