Cover Copy

Advance Praise for How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job:

“I wish that Lily Whiteman’s ground-breaking book had been around when I was in grad school. The book provides the essential toolkit for anyone interested in cracking open the federal hiring process. An invaluable resource to be used throughout your career. You won’t find another book on the market with more honest, relevant advice for landing your dream job in the federal government.” - Katherine Hudson Walker, President of Young Government Leaders

“Peppered with cartoons and a touch of wit, Whiteman’s book is the layman’s field guide to a federal job search…The book is based on hundreds of interviews with federal hiring managers and job hunters. Unlike other similar guides, it focuses on process rather than just aggregating information about agencies. This book provides step-by-step instructions on crafting successful résumés, cover letters and essays that get applicants out of the pile and into the interview. As readers gear up for the hot seat, Whiteman lets them in on the do’s and don’ts of interviewing for a federal job. And when an offer does roll around, readers can find tips on negotiating salary and climbing the ranks.” - Roll Call, the Newspaper of Capitol Hill

“This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to get into the federal government for the first time, or for current feds seeking promotions and jobs in the senior executive service. Providing previously unavailable ‘behind the scenes’ information and resources, this book has it all. Plus, its fresh writing style entertains and educates. If you buy one book on federal jobs, make it this one!” — Cory Edwards, Creator of Career Directors International’s Certified Federal Résumé Writer Certification Program

This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to get into the federal government for the first time or, for those already in the federal government, to get promoted within the federal system…This book has it all: from creating a federal resume, writing KSAs and ECQs, interviewing and negotiating a salary to job leads and special hiring programs. Uses a fresh writing style that entertains and educates. If you buy only one book to help you get a federal job, make it this one!” -Association of Career Professionals

This book pulls together needed and hard to find information on ways to get a job in federal government. It is a very helpful resource. -Sandy Hessler, Director of Career Advancement, Harvard Kennedy School

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to decipher the federal government’s hiring system. Don't apply for a federal job without it. -Paul C. Light, Paulette Goddard Professor of Public Service, Robert Wagner School of Public Service, New York University

"This book is a must read. Anyone who aspires to a federal position or promotion within the federal service will find Whiteman's advice invaluable as they prevail over obstacles of entry and advancement throughout their federal careers. Whiteman gives her readers access to a wide range of information on the federal service application process, interview techniques, and how to successfully sell your "resume" to hiring managers. Her "hot tips" are excellent resources that are appropriately positioned throughout the book to help the reader gain additional insights. This is a superb reference book and action plan for all prospective and current federal employees." - Farrell J. Chiles, former Chairman of the Board, National Organization of Blacks in Government

“An excellent resource for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in securing an internship in the public sector… A great resource for new career professionals and mid-career professionals who seek a federal career and are interested in ‘insider’ tips to navigate the federal hiring process…describes the myriad diversity programs for women, minorities and disabled job seekers…provides for easy reading and a straightforward approach…will almost certainly ensure that job-seekers submit an A+ application…. Anyone looking for a federal job, or any job for that matter, would definitely benefit by reading this book.” -Journal of Public Management & Social Policy

"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." - Oh My Gov! (OhMyGov.Com – News, Knowledge and Networking)

“Most books on how to find a federal job are about as interesting as the tax code. But [this book] offers a mountain of helpful advice in a visually appealing, easy-to-read format.” - Government Leader

“Whiteman’s enlightening, entertaining book will teach you everything you need to know about how to put the right spin on your credentials on paper and in person.” - Ray Kurzweil, Recipient of the National Medal of Technology, author of The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology

This nugget of a book will tell you what you don't know, what you need to know and what you may not have thought to ask about federal employment and promotion...How to Land a Top Paying Federal Job is an invaluable tool for the federal job and promotion search, but the guidance in these pages will serve the reader wherever good jobs are available."- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C.

"The strength of Lily Whiteman’s manual lies in her ability to present information in an easy-to-digest format… In addition, Whiteman does an admirable job of providing extensive “how-to” examples for her readers. From sample ways to transform “boring” resume accomplishments into attention-grabbing statements to her many self-assessment worksheets, the author focuses on really showing, not just telling job-seekers how to be successful...Whatever one’s interest area or experience level, there is something for all in this manual." - The Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers

Lily Whiteman is a popular contributor to the “Jobs” section of The Washington Post, the career columnist for Federal Times, and a senior writer at the National Science Foundation. As a federal career coach, she has helped hundreds of professionals of all levels—from recent grads to executives—land jobs and earn promotions. She lives in Washington,

D.C.