--- Merri Pemberton <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Hey Everyone: > > Is anyone familiar with the Smithsonian Institute's Applicant Supply File? If > you could please take a minute to read the definition of this system, then > give me your opinion on if this system is as good of a way to apply for the > Smithsonian museums, or is it better to stick with looking on the Smithsonian > web site for actual vacancies. I have never tried sending my application to > this supply file. Is it worth a good try? Ah, the Smithsonian. I've dubbed it: The coolest place you'll ever hate to work for. :) I've never gotten a job from there nor known any one who has. But it can't hurt to plunk your OF-612 in there. And if you are going to be applying for SI or other government jobs, you'll have to do a government resume/SF-171/OF-612 anyway. I'd search the website, start doing informational interviews, volunteer and draw up a list of people who you can quietly knock off to open up vacancies. (Just kidding about that last part. :) I'd also talk to a career counselor who is familiar with the government hiring process so you can maximize your resume. Forget everything you know about writing conventional resumes; it doesn't work for the government. Once you learn about the govie hiring process, you know what kinds of things they are looking for and how to get on the roster for an interview. That's your biggest hurdle. Also remember that average wait time to hear back for an SI position is 4-6 weeks and will usually come as a carbon copy form with one of 3 things checked off: You are qualified and your application was sent to the hiring official; you are qualified but didn't make the cut; and So sorry, you are the weakest link, good-bye. (Okay, kidding again on the last one.) If you didn't get the job, you can always call up the hr specialist and ask why. Lots of times they will give you tips for your next application. Make them your friend and life will be easier. With continued budget and staff cuts, jobs at the SI are getting more scarce than normal. But if you can get in on a GS-5 or 7 type position and eat Ramen noodles long enough to get promoted to a higher position, it can be worth it. Good luck!! Deb __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).