Inspire and Hire Mission-Critical Talent


Our Goal

Federal agencies effectively recruit and hire qualified talent to meet their mission-critical needs.


The Challenge

Individuals younger than 30 years of age make up 23 percent of the U.S. workforce, but account for only 7 percent of permanent, full-time federal employees. As almost half of the federal workforce nears retirement age, it is critical for the government to recruit and hire members of the millennial generation, particularly in the mission-critical fields of science, technology, engineering and math where there is stiff competition with the private sector.


The Opportunity

We can broaden and reshape our government workforce by working on two fronts. One is by increasing knowledge about federal careers among college students and recent graduates, and educating students, faculty and career professionals about federal opportunities and how students apply for them.

The other is by removing impediments to public service that candidates at all experience levels face. We can work with federal agencies to improve recruiting and hiring and assist them with fully using internship programs, including assessments that aid agencies in converting the best interns to full-time employees.


Our Work in Action

Our Call to Serve program is the only national network of colleges and universities dedicated exclusively to promoting federal service. It connects more than 1,000 colleges and universities with dozens of federal agencies to inspire students and recent graduates to enter public service, promote federal opportunities and assist agencies with their ability to recruit talent effectively.

But federal agencies need to be more proactive to compete for top talent at all levels. Through our workshops, group planning sessions and customized work, the Partnership helps agencies develop first-class recruiting, hiring and onboarding programs to attract and retain the talent they need.

We also work with agencies to implement the Federal Student Ambassadors program, which uses peer-to-peer outreach on college campuses to build talent pipelines and shape agencies’ overall recruiting strategies. Since 2012, we have worked with six agencies and more than 70 ambassadors.

The Partnership also has played a pivotal role in working with agencies, the administration and Congress to reform the federal hiring process and help agencies implement the Pathways Programs. We also testified before Congress on progress made in implementing federal hiring reforms, the challenges that remain and additional efforts agencies and Congress could take to recruit, hire and develop the federal human resources workforce.


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EVENTS

Human Resources and Acquisition Shared Services: Progress, Lessons and Opportunities
December 17

Please join us for a presentation and panel discussion of the experiences of human resources and acquisition communities that are transitioning to shared services.

Register
Action Planning Facilitation Training
February 24–25

This two-day training provides instruction on the foundations of action planning to address Best Places to Work and Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results within agencies or federal offices.

Learn More

NEWS

In the News / December 10, 2015
Federal Player: Helping the CDC prepare for flu season

In the News / December 01, 2015
Federal Player: Partnering to get cleaner, more efficient cook stoves to homes in developing countries

In the News / December 01, 2015
Inside the NSA's hunt for hackers


RELATED READING

Research and Publications / August 27, 2015
#Now Hiring: The Role of Social Media in Agency Recruiting

Research and Publications / August 05, 2015
Partnership for Public Service 2013–14 Annual Report

Congressional Testimony / May 15, 2015
Overcoming Barriers to More Efficient and Effective VA Staffing

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Call to Serve
FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Our Call to Serve program is designed to educate a new generation about federal service and improve the ability of federal agencies to recruit and hire the top talent needed to maintain a competitive workforce. We currently work with a network of more than 1,000 colleges and universities and dozens of federal agencies to pilot and refine sustainable, cost-effective ways to educate and attract students to careers in the public sector, with special emphasis on our government’s critical need for people with skill in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Information and resources for:

AgenciesColleges and Universities

Call to Serve Advisor Training Events
FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The Partnership provides online training for college and university advisors around federal opportunities. These training events equip participants with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively advise students on federal opportunities and the federal job search and application process.

Learn More

Federal Student Ambassadors
FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES

Agencies use the Partnership’s Federal Student Ambassadors program to raise interest in their career opportunities at specific colleges and universities, build long-term relationships with campus stakeholders and create pipelines of qualified talent for key positions.

Learn More

Recruiting and Hiring Assistance
FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES

The Partnership works with agencies to develop custom programs ranging from half-day workshops to months-long engagements that meet specific recruiting and hiring needs, particularly for the Pathways Programs. Our approach draws on our experiences working with multiple agencies and hundreds of leaders across federal government.

For more information about our custom programs, contact Emily McConnell at emcconnell@ourpublicservice.org.

Go Government
FOR FEDERAL JOBSEEKERS

Go Government is a resource with comprehensive tips for how to find and apply for federal jobs. The site helps jobseekers research federal agencies and careers in government, understand federal terms, navigate USAJOBS—the government’s career board— and access practical tips about the application and interview process.

Visit the Go Government Website

Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals

Highlighting the many ways that government makes a difference in the world is critical to attracting and retaining top talent. The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) highlight dedicated federal employees who have made significant contributions to our country. Honorees are chosen based on their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation.

Visit the Sammies Website