In a message dated 1/15/2005 7:05:23 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< You must fill out an sf-171 form for all federally funded SI 
 jobs. >>

...and Patricia McDougal wrote "do not send a resume."  Au contraire.  Most 
of the SI job announcements, both frederal and trust fund, that I have seen in 
recent years specifically say that a resume is acceptable as an alternative to 
the SF-171 form, as long as the selective and quality ranking factors are 
addressed.  I think for many people it will be easier to emphasize your specific 
strengths in a resume than on an SF-171.  I quote from a Smithsonian job 
announcement which I forwarded to this list a few months ago:

"The Smithsonian Institution does not require a standard application form, 
but we need certain information to evaluate your qualifications. You may apply 
using a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other 
written application form you choose, including an SF-171, Application for 
Federal Employment."

I would not call the Smithsonian HR people who review applications "all 
powerful bureaucrats."  They're just human beings whose job is to do the initial 
screening and ranking.  This is essential because no one is going to interview 
100 applicants for a single job.  

I don't know about the rest of the Smithsonian, but in the National Museum of 
American History we have fought hard to fill 3 or 4 key positions out of 
dozens which are (theoretically) vacant.  With the continuing decline in federal 
funding, it is doubtful if even those positions can be filled.  Last year the 
Smithsonian had a large number of retirements, but the majority of those 
positions cannot be filled.

Although I don't know for sure, I have reason to believe HR itself is 
understaffed.  I don't think they're being allowed to fill all their own vacant 
positions either.

You have to understand that the situation at the Smithsonian is very grim--as 
it is with many other museums and similar institutions.  There is a need for 
more staff, but insufficient money to fund the positions.  Frankly, for anyone 
who is waiting for a "dream" museum job that never seems to materialize, I'd 
urge them to try a field which is NOT overcrowded, such as teaching, while 
they're waiting.  And while you're waiting, write your senators and 
representatives to demand more federal funding for the Smithsonian.

David Haberstich

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