Rating: 
Summary: Tremendous Resource for the Federal Job Seeker
Review: Although this book provided a tremendous amount of valuable information, I am most thankful for the hope that it has given me. I had almost given up on the idea of working for the federal government, but I feel much more confident and enthusiastic about renewing my federal job search after reading "Ten Steps to a Federal Job", as well as "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" (also by Kathryn Troutman.) I read "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" first, and was very impressed with it. Wanting to learn more, I then purchased "Ten Steps to a Federal Job". "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" is so full of valuable information about the federal job search process that I found myself reading it very slowly and taking a lot of notes. Reading the book in this way provided such a good foundation for me that I found myself re-reading "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" again, the second time with greatly increased understanding.I had been told that you must start out "at the bottom" if you wanted to work for the federal government - that the only way "in" was through entry level positions. What I learned from reading this book (Ten Steps) is that it is possible to move into a position comparable in grade and salary to the non-federal job that you hold. Also, I had become discouraged by vacancy announcements that required knowledge of a particular agency's policies, procedures and/or programs. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" describes how to perform research and to familiarize yourself with an agency and its programs, and how to then incorporate the knowledge you've gained in an open and honest manner into your job-search materials. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" also goes into great detail to describe the process for writing successful essays about your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's). This was completely unfamiliar territory to me, as it is not part of a non-federal job search process. I now feel confident in my ability to write KSA essays, as well as a good resume directed at federal vacancies. Regarding resumes, I learned that I needed to forget everything that I had ever learned about them! The advice that I had always been given was to limit your resume to one page - two if absolutely necessary, but never more. Your federal resume may need to be three to even five pages in length, in addition to the three to six required KSA essays of approximately one page that may be required. This book will tell you how to read federal vacancy announcements to determine their exact requirements - length of resume, KSA requirements (if any), how to submit your resume, etc. It also provides valuable information about the electronic resume process. But, if you are serious about securing a job with the federal government, I would strongly recommend Kathryn's "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" as well, as it goes into even greater detail explaining the requirements of the electronic process. Buy them both, and read them very slowly! My efforts in carefully studying these two books were rewarded with greatly increased knowledge, and the confidence to actively pursue a job with the federal government.
Rating:
Summary: A Must for the Military to GS Transition
Review: For those of you on active duty wanting to make the transition to the GS side Kathryn Troutman's Ten Steps to a Federal Job is the first weapon of choice! Her book and supplemental CD-ROM, filled with numerous examples of excellent resumes, arms you with the Step by Step manual to get started, solidify your work experience with the correct verbiage, and hammer home your marketable skills. Do not be fooled into thinking you can navigate the Federal hiring process armed with only the information provided during your separation lectures, these are nice but Kathryn's book gives you more - much more! Inside you will find how to formulate your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's), selecting the correct job series to parallel your experience, great web links, and even interview tips! Additionally, if you are unclear about the material call the Resume-Place for FREE advice! You just might get to talk to Kathryn herself, she quickly emailed me the answers to my in-depth questions! This book is a must have in any rucksack - right next to Kathryn's Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook & CD-ROM!
Rating:
Summary: Review - Writer's Digest, April 5, 2004
Review: Having worked several years for a government organization, I say Hats Off to the author, for writing and putting together a helpful guide book for anyone wanting to get into the federal system. The U.S. Government is a whole different animal from Corporate America, and pretty much a frustrating maze and entity unto itself. Just to be able to speak "Governmentese" is a real coup - it has its own language, mostly of acronyms. But to understand the structure of this very frustratingly mammoth national organization, and to be able to explain it and guide someone to find a job therein - well, this book could be a gold mine to anyone so interested in finding a federal job. And yes, there are great opportunities within the federal system. Comprehensive and well thought out, this book would help shortcut the frustrations getting there, open up new possibilities to new hires and returnees for new careers - step by step. If someone is serious about working in the Government, he/she would only need this book. From resume writing to cover letters, finding job announcements to interviewing tips, etc. - it's all right here. A CD ROM is attached, offering basic templates (of the above) to go by. The book is very attractive, with an appropriate, catchy cover and graphically appealing layout and type style inside. Well done! From a commercial point of view, the only deterrent would be that the book is geared to a highly specialized audience. But colleges, trade schools, libraries, recruiting centers (and many other outlets) nationwide, and especially those in the Washington DC area, would all be very interested.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Makes federal job system user friendly
Review: How do I get a federal job? This was a question I could not answer for my clients before reading Kathryn Troutman's book Ten Steps to a Federal Job. I see many unemployed people who have lost their jobs as a result of layoffs and downsizing. Now I refer them to this comprehensive book that has simplified the search into 10 easy steps that anyone can understand and use as a guide to land the right federal job. Kathryn doesn't miss a beat with her explaination of the world of government jobs and its terminology to her great examples and templates for creating your own federal resume, KSAs and cover letter, and more. I especially found the chapter on core competencies helpful for clients to match their own natural talents with required job skills. This is a book that I highly recommend to anyone seeking more stable and predictable employment to utilize their unique talents. Carolyn Kalil, author of Follow Your True Colors To The Work You Love
Rating:
Summary: Review - Writer's Digest, April 5, 2004
Review: I am a Army Staff Sergeant just getting out of service after almost 10 years of service. I bought your book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." I used the suggestions in the book to my own information and applied for a position at the library of congress as a Information Technology Specialist 2210-GS-12. Well I just got some good news today after doing some out processing from the army. The HR department had left a message on my answering machine they had called to offer me the job!!! I was so excited I called them back right away to say I want the job. I have applied for Fedjobs.gov for about a year. Your book was what I needed to help me realize all of my training and experiences can be used to help give the person looking at your application a better picture of who you are and you ability to get things done. Thanks for your book, I am buying some for my family members who are in the federal job market. Thank You. Tips for other Federal jobseekers:
Apply for everything you think you are qualified for, with that said make sure to read the vacancy announcement and to use Kathryn Troutman's book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." if you read it and understand it, the book will be worth it's weight in gold. plus remember if and when you get hired you will have to use these same steps to get a transfer or even get promoted. Tips for interview techniques and strategies:
Stay focused, answer the questions without babling, keep eye contact, stay calm and smile occassionaly
Rating:
Summary: This books make bureacratic job search processes easy!
Review: I am a resume coach at North Seattle Community College in Seattle, WA. I want to tell you how helpful this book is in teaching my two-year students to write resumes for hard-to-find jobs. Many of our students are technical and electonics students, jobs that took a very deep dive in the 2001 - 2003 downturn.
Yet, no one thought about applying to the federal government -- Ten Steps to a Federal Job makes the process a real option! By using this book, an IT/Electronics student wrote a federal resume that got him a database development job -- after being out of work and looking diligently for 18 months! I also worked with a deaf student who received special status toward a job as a biologist, categorizing plants for the US Forest Service in Wenatchee. The diversity of jobs available through the government is broad indeed.
As Kathryn's book points out, you don't have to live in Washington D.C. to be a successful candidate! Seattle - like many cities - has many local agencies that are hiring - like the IRS, the EPA, Social Security, NOAH and Immigration. People don't think of the federal government as an employer-- but they hire tons of people. They hire technical people, and even ones with gray hair! And I personnally have seen people win, using the principles laid out in Kathryn Troutman's book.
By using the simple processes and writing tips -- and the great examples on the CD -- you can find appropriate jobs and write a winning application packet. Kathryn Troutman is the absolute authority on this subject--she teaches classes to federal employees at federal agencies all the time--And by working with her book, I can now write a resume that gets jobs for students, disabled workers, boomers and techies.
The government is hiring, here and abroad. And in ten steps, you can be a contender for a federal job.
Rating:
Summary: Ten Steps to a Federal Job Amazon.com Review
Review: Kathryn Kraemer Troutman is a godsend to federal job seekers and employees everywhere! "Ten Steps to A Federal Job" is capstone to her two other works "The Federal Resume Guidebook" and "The Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook". This dynamic trilogy covers everything that you ever wanted to know about applying for and obtaining a Federal Job. Her book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" demystifies the federal hiring process and explains the steps of applying for a Federal job in a manner that everyone can understand. It starts with networking, and moves through reviewing the process, researching the vacancies, analyzing core competencies, analyzing vacancies, writing a Federal resume, writing KSAs and cover letters, applying for jobs, tracking applications, and finally preparing for a Federal job interview. Troutman attacks the myths about Federal hiring and discusses the realities. Kathy provides valuable tips and insight from her 27 years of experience in helping her clients write resumes and KSAs for Federal positions. In addition, her web site and CD provide wonderful tools to build high-impact cover letters, Federal resumes and KSAs as well as address questions that may come up with in the course of completing the application materials. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" is required reading for anyone who is seeking to obtain a Federal position. I used the techniques in her "Federal Resume Guidebook" to obtain my current Federal job. Troutman's latest book "Ten Steps to Federal Job" gives even more insight into the hiring process. I give this book my highest recommendation and stamp of approval.
Rating:
Summary: An Invaluable Resource for Federal Job Application
Review: Kathryn Troutman is obviously passionate about helping people get through the Federal Job Search process. Not only has she created an easy-to-follow 10-step formula, but she tells success stories and gives words of encouragement about a difficult job application process. She is including important "federal HR intelligence" that will help the jobseeker understand the hiring process, the job titles and the importance of SELLING your best accomplishments and skills in your "federal-style" resumes. The chapter on KSAs is insightful. Now I can see how they are done! This is job-search story-telling at it's best.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job by Kathryn Troutman is an invaluable reference and resource to anyone considering applying for a federal job. It is well written, comprehensive, and replete with real-life examples of resumes, KSAs and how to analyze vacancy announcements and respond to them effectively. It reflects many years of experience by Ms. Troutman and her staff in helping applicants for federal job write resumes and complete their applications in exemplary manner. The numerous samples of resumes and KSAs are very instructive. This books takes away much of the complexity and pain associated with the application process for a federal job. It is a gold-mine. I highly recommend it
Rating: 
Summary: Okay resource...
Review: The book should be called Ten Steps...Lite. I didn't think the book had much substance. There were useful features, especially for myself: in the private sector and seeking a federal job. The sections on deciphering the job announcements and writing KSAs are very good. It certainly took the mystery out of it. This book has a lot of annoyances. I got the impression that the book is an advertisement for the author's services. She's constantly pitching herself and her company. And this three-page indulgence at the end, where we are treated to family pictures and told how wonderful they are, serves no purpose other than boosting her business. There are margin comments throughout the book that are distracting and useless. In many cases they extol the virtues of the author's business. Using an italic typeface was also annoying; read this book for more than 10 minutes a sitting and you'll think the letters are going to run off the page.
Based on my experience it appears that on-line applications will be the way to apply for a federal job. This book didn't cover this in sufficient detail, and certainly it obviates the need for an entire chapter on cover letters. The on-line KSA feature is useless, unless you ask them to re-write it for you, for a fee of course. Overall, it helped lift the shroud of mystery regarding federal jobs, especially KSA and job announcements, but little more.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Great Price!
Review: The Ten Steps book and cd are quite helpful. Kathry has condensed a very convoluded process into 10 easy to follow steps which make sense. I have utilized this book for my job search and it has helped me to stay focussed, on task, and prepared me for what I have come across on the various federal websites. I am very impressed with how easy it is to navigate the cd. There are even resume builders to help when you get stuck writing the resume! If your computer is connected to the internet, it will email what you've typed into the builders right back to you in a format which can easily be cut and pasted into the resume. I have earmarked various pages and I have used the resume templates (both paper and electronic formats) to write my resume. Now it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to apply for a job online because all I have to do is cut and paste. And it has been successful. I work for the federal government.
| 
