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Newsweek Takes on the Federal Talent Hunt
 By Tom Shoop | Monday, March 03, 2008  |  12:01 PM

Newsweek takes up the subject of federal recruiting this week, with a story about agencies' efforts to intensify the hunt for talent. A few thoughts:


  • The piece picks up on the age-old notion that "the biggest hiring crisis in U.S. government history" is right around the corner, which, of course, is where it seems to have been since the turn of the century. As Brian Friel reminded us on GovernmentExecutive.com just a couple of weeks ago, this long-awaited retirement tsunami seems to be turning out to be more of a manageable trickle.

  • The piece contains some "ouch" quotes. Like this, from John Cassidy, 29, who plans to take a job with consulting firm Deloitte & Touche after graduating from Harvard University's Kennedy School this spring: "Why would you want to work for government when you can earn more and get more done working for a government contractor?" And this, from Matt Volner, who spent a year as a building management specialist at the General Services Administration, before quitting to become an actor: "The whole year was a Kafkaesque nightmare in which my job was to find out what my job was."

  • Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service, again promotes his anti-JFK notion of inspiring today's youth. "Kennedy's message is no longer the right one," he says. "It's not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you." As I've said before, I hope Stier turns out to be wrong, both because I think that today's youth are no less likely than their elders to be motivated by a desire to serve and because of what John Cassidy says above: If it's about getting something for yourself, you're always going to be able to do better outside of government. The problem now is that people who have grown up being told that government is a bureaucratic morass -- and then seeing it underperform in key situations -- think they can make just as much of a difference outside of government, too.



Comments


What are the Presidential Candidates
positions on Federal hiring, and the Federal workforce in general ? To me, it seems like they all feel it's anon-issue.

Current Employee  | Wednesday, March 05, 2008 |  11:06 AM


After several decades of working for Uncle Sam, I have to admit that I've actively discourged my grandchildren from following in my footsteps. The inertia of the bureaucracy is something that can daunt the most persistent. Whatever I've been able to accomplish in terms of personal job satisfaction and meeting customers' expectations has all too often come about DESPITE agency management and the arcane rules and procedures that cause so much of the day-to-day frustration with the "friction" of the bureaucratic process. Also, in terms of really being able to make a difference with one's life, a career in the private sector looks more and more appealing. The prospect of being able to expand economic opportunity and bring more useful goods and services to the American people is one that should attract the "best and brightest," especially those who don't wish to be pigeonholed in the hierarchical and increasingly sclerotic Federal bureaucracy. The comments provided by John Cassidy and Matt Volner cited in the article contain uncomfortable truths about Federal employment, including the travails of trying to negotiate the hurdles of the application process.

jeremiah  | Wednesday, March 05, 2008 |  09:28 AM


I've only worked for the government for 5 years and I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly sides so far. I loved working for DoD because I felt that I was really contributing to the guys on the ground and doing my part.

I used to encourage my friends to come work for the government but they all grew tired of applying for jobs and never hearing from the hiring agency. The process took way too long and no one has time to wait for months when they have bills to pay and mouths to feed. They've all gone on to work in the private sector and they're much happier than my public sector colleagues.

I've witnessed family members receiving preferential treatment, good employees becoming bitter and resentful, and the best candidates never seemed to get the job. It's frustrating. After 5 years, I too have decided to join my friends in private sector. I hope that I can make a difference there.

Star Child  | Tuesday, March 04, 2008 |  12:17 PM


What rubbish! Federal human resources and department heads are responsible for creating the stigma of federal careers. Jobs may be available, but they are more than not filled from within. This is the most discouraging practice of federal government. HR posts jobs on USAJobs, yet before the position is posted the candidate has already been chosen. HR and department heads hiring from within are required to post the position, but it is posted for all or current federal employees to apply, why? Why not post the position as current department employees only? This is extremely discouraging, yet the outsider applying does not know that they are only a pawn in the hiring game! Additionally, if you are a current federal employee, it is almost impossible to apply for positions outside your career, even if that position closely resembles your current job and if you are at or near the GS13 level, forget about trying to move up outside your agency, federal HR will most likely send you a thanks, but no thanks, letter because of the incestuous nature of federal hiring.

FedUp  | Tuesday, March 04, 2008 |  09:26 AM


I believe they did more of a disservice than anything. "...and a salary of about $50,000 for any job taken by a master's degree recipient without government experience." I may be wrong, but thats wrong... Any experiene relevent to the job will get you more. Oh well, just more wrong press...

d  | Tuesday, March 04, 2008 |  09:00 AM


I'm incredulous that someone heading an organization called the Partnership for Public Service could believe such a thing. The entitlement mentality in government is bad enough already; so now he wants to turn it into a recruitment pitch? That just plays to stereotype, and will turn off far more quality candidates than it will attract.

Mr. Stier misunderstands the problem -- it's not about better marketing or 'branding' of government service to entice the next generation; it's about honestly confronting the dysfunctions of the Federal workplace, and doing something about them. Good intentions and glib pronouncements are no substitute for critical thinking and genuine reform.

Skepticus  | Monday, March 03, 2008 |  10:50 PM


The lack of fulfillment in all areas of my life is one of the reasons I became member of the Salvation Army. The gratitude or joy I may not get at work, which by the way pays my bills. I get doing volunteer work for the Salvation Army. Pursue happiness but if a person is always self-ordinated they will never be happy. As far as this quote goes "It's not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you" This is the same guy who when crap hits the fan. Will be asking for Gov't help but none or poor quality help will be found. Money doesn't buy happiness and fulfillment.

J  | Monday, March 03, 2008 |  03:48 PM


A job, a career, a calling are what one makes of them. In my 32-year federal government career I've seen success and failure all along the career continuum. The most talented, committed workers tend to rise. And they did.

MF Ochsenreiter  | Monday, March 03, 2008 |  02:45 PM



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