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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