Questions about Entry-Level GS Positions (USAJobs)

Attempted Mustache

I'm looking to make a career change and get into IT. I was active duty Air Force for 6 years but as an aircraft electrician. I have a BS in IT and current A+, Net+, and Sec+. I'm also an active reservist in aircraft maintenance and my security clearance was just renewed for another 10 years in June. I'm willing to relocate so I've been looking at the Air Force listings for all pay grades and many locations on USA jobs. According to the listings, GS-5 is entry level with only a degree required.

I'm looking for some insight into the hiring process for these jobs, how many entry-level GS jobs they even have, and what the jobs themselves are like. I've never applied for a job on USAjobs before. I know there are a lot of people on here that have probably worked GS jobs in the past, so any information you could give me about the entry-level positions would be great. Just trying to get a feel for what I should expect after I apply, and what my chances of actually getting a position are.

Thank You.

thomas_

From what I've heard expect to wait a really long time before hearing anything back, if at all. I've also heard that a lot of the positions advertised are for internal candidates, they're just listing the job because they are required to and aren't really searching for someone else to fill the position.

I would just apply to it and move on, just like you would with any other job posting.

ITBot

Check out the federal soup forum. Lots of info there for usajobs.

dmoore44

One of the more advantageous avenues to explore might be Federal Internship programs... They usually take 3 years to complete and have a decent grade progression. Details depend on the program, but I can remember the Air Force had an internship program for prospective Contracting Officers (GS-1102s) called "Copper Cap" which hired people in a GS-07 and promoted them to GS-09 at the end of the 3-year program.

Here's a few links to get you started:
Federal Agency and Department Internships | American Military University
https://www.umuc.edu/students/support/careerservices/jobsearch/internships/upload/Federal-Government-Student-Internship.pdf

Attempted Mustache

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!