Dear Bureaupat,
I was terminated from federal
service in California. I am
currently applying for another federal job in another state. Does it make a
difference when applying for a federal job?
Dear Interstate Fed,
You'll be not so happy to know
that shedding your past federal service record (including your termination) isn't as easy as just moving to a different state. That record will stay with you, crossing national and international boundaries.
If you were a career fed who was terminated, you can apply for a federal job in
another state. But the chances of getting it are about the same as winning the
power ball.
But I'm not a negative person, and don't want to discourage you, so let's look for a bright side here.
If you were terminated
from federal service
prior to gaining career status, you may not have to disclose your past record. This would be the case if the hiring agency is seeking candidates from outside the civil
service versus candidates with civil service status.
If applying for one of these positions, you may not be required to provide proof of federal
service via your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. That's the document which would reveal
your termination.
Since most interviews these days are
behavior-based, with a focus on candidates' knowledge, skills and
abilities as well as their experiences, you may get away with not having to reveal your past federal work, including your termination. But if asked about it, you must be
honest. Good luck!
Yours in Gov,
Bureaupat
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