"Do you want to land an interesting job that pays a top salary, provides unbeatable, rock-solid job security, and will advance the public good in an important way?  If so, you're probably primed to work for the federal government."

Bottom Line:  This book provides clarity, insider advice, and hot tips into the federal government and its hiring process in an entertaining and informative way.

Author: Lily Whiteman

Publication Date: 2008

What It Covers: An experienced job seeker herself, Lily Whiteman relates to other job seekers with empathy and humor in her debut book.

Organized logically, the book introduces the potential job seeker to recession proof jobs in government and how to move up the ladder. Whiteman's book provides step-by-step advice that will give anyone interested in government or currently within government a step ahead.

An easy read using everyday language, Whiteman explains the often difficult and hard to navigate human resource system within the government, making it easy for both the neophyte and the well-seasoned government expert to move through the book with limited bumps and hurdles. Coupled with useful anecdotes, hot tips, advice, and resume examples, she makes what is often a painful process seem far less painful. 

For those within government, the book can aid with knowledge transfer and provides an excellent resource in looking for that next job  when you get tired or bored of your current position, seek advancement, or just plain hate your boss.

Recommended For:  Anyone interested in government and/or employment in federal government.

About the Author:  Lily Whiteman is a public affairs officer at the National Science Foundation, a Washington Post Contributor and a Federal Times Columnist.  Lily brings over 15 years of experience as a hiring manager, writer and career coach with real world experience at five agencies.

Excerpts:

"What does the federal government do?  The federal government literally runs this country...to run this country, feds do everything that private sector employees do - and more."

"Believe it or not, most federal job applications are rejected simply because they're late or omit required information. This means that by making your application deadlines and following all application instructions, you will beat out most of your competition."

"Whether you're applying for an entry-level job or an executive job, your hiring manager's main goal is to hire the zero-risk applicant who will solve their problems, not create problems."

"Hot Tip: Be Pro-Bullet...bulleted and numbered lists promote easy, fast reading - exactly what managers want...Many job seekers wrongly believe that bullets are too informal for job applications.  But hiring mangers prefer applications that fire off credentials with the rat-tat-tat of machine guns unloading their ammunition."

"The Senior Executive Service (SES) is not for everyone...SESers devote the majority of time to leadership activities, such as, setting goals for their organization, marching their organizations toward those goals and making decision about organization management and the allocation for resources. (READ: death by meeting!)"

Suggested Backdrop:  In the unemployment office waiting room, perhaps? Really, the place isn't important, but the time is. If you are fed up with your current job, or worse yet - facing a pink slip, then this book is just what you need.

OhMyGov! Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars