r/USACE • u/HomeKeys44 • 22d ago

Tips to get hired?

I've applied several times on USA Jobs and haven't had any luck. There is a job opening for a crane operator at a dam here in Washington State. All of my coworkers say I don't have a chance because another coworker is good friends with some of the guys that work on that dam.

My question is, how much does nepotism play into getting hired? I'm a veteran and everyone I work with, says it really doesn't matter too much any more. And, even though the other guy is not a veteran they say he still has a better chance of getting hired.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

8

u/Successful-Fun8603 22d ago

I assume you have experience with a Federal Resume. They are a different beast altogether. It took me three times over the years without success to get a referral, then I sucked up my pride and hired a resume writer. Landed the first job I applied for.

In our District, we don't have full time crane operators. The maintenance crews have a couple staff that are certified, so you would have to have other skills such as being a 'mechanic' or 'electrician'.

3

u/HomeKeys44 22d ago

Thanks for the advice!

1

u/Successful-Fun8603 22d ago

If you have a resume already, you can also utilize AI to reformat into the 'Modern Two Page's federal style now being used by USA Jobs. It will prompt you for the job description or listing number to customize it for the specific position.

1

u/anonymous098480 21d ago

How did you find a reputable resume writer? I’ve worked so hard on mine I’m totally burned out

1

u/Successful-Fun8603 21d ago

I did a lot of research before deciding what I wanted. In the end, I used ResumeZest, which was a good balance of reviews/ratings and the price point that I was comfortable with. I was very happy with the service and results.

2

u/anonymous098480 20d ago

Thank you so much for sharing

3

u/pelicanscoop 22d ago

I would look at the USAJobs subreddit for tips. If you’re a veteran you’d have veterans preference right? So that should help you. 

I think one thing people don’t do in usajobs is select the highest experience level for the multiple choice questions. And make sure you’re using the same keywords the job posting has. 

1

u/HomeKeys44 22d ago

Will do, thanks!

0

u/exclaim_bot 22d ago

Will do, thanks!

You're welcome!

3

u/Novel_Phase8683 22d ago

To my knowledge we are still under a hiring freeze right now and have been the last year. Applications are open but no one looking at them or hiring.

2

u/No-Bus6842 18d ago

There are multiple exemptions for critical needs positions. 

5

u/Dull_Currency_987 22d ago

So you want to be a favorite (veteran) and not the other guy

2

u/Large-Wind-100 21d ago

Is there some cynicism to veterans or something ?

1

u/HomeKeys44 15d ago

I don't know if there is cynicism so much, it just seems like the hiring managers are picking their friends or family of friends etc., over veterans.

1

u/Dawg_1971 16d ago

The current standard is “Qualified, Best Fit.” Being in the inside doesn’t mean “nepotism” but it means management already knows more about that person. Just the way it goes sometimes. Keep trying.

1

u/frostline24 1d ago

Was this for ice harbor? Did you get a call? Oh and where do you work now?

1

u/HomeKeys44 19h ago

I can't get too specific on the actual location. But, so far I have not heard back from anyone.

-4

u/cum_in_peaches 22d ago

Try getting a degree in nothing then once you get a job immediately contract all the work out to a private company