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that you get the job, there will also be forms for payment, insurance, health benefits, experience and education (possibly in place of a resume), retirement, and other job-related situations. You should at least be aware of one form in particular: The OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment (The "OF" stands for "Optional Form"). Interestingly, I noticed that the standard federal application form (SF-171) was not available on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) web site (http://www.opm.gov/forms/). Still, any form that you might conceivably need is there, and most can be filled out electronically.

Filling out forms is a real drag, even electronically, but you should always cross your "t"s and dot your "i"s, especially if you have to do it by hand. The upside, however, is that once all of that paperwork is done, you will most likely not be asked for updated versions unless you want a lateral or upward move from your current position.

In these security-conscious days, no one would blame you for not wanting to give out your social security number, but you should expect to bite the bullet and give it up for a spot in the federal workforce. Many Human Resources workers (those who handle all the forms you just filled out) are very nice people, but they have very little room to negotiate alternate identity records: "No problem, Mr. Jones. We really don't need your social security number to tell who you are. When you send in your forms, just include a post card with your initials and a picture of your fedora and bullwhip - we'll know it's you." Um, no.

I have a friend, who, despite his curiosity about the government, absolutely refused to do the paperwork. I even offered my experienced assistance, but no, it was just too much rigmarole to suffer through. He eventually decided to go back to school. Kudos to him, but please realize that there are much worse fates than signing a portion of your life to Uncle Sam for a salary and benefits.

== Say It Like You Mean It ==

Like most job seekers, you might want to brush up on your interview skills. This may seem obvious, but know your own background and be prepared to expound on the skills and talents that would make you a good worker bee. Also, what they say about showing confidence is true. Don't writhe around like a worm on a hook - just give straightforward, tactful, and professional answers. Add a few dashes of humility and conversational tone, and you'll be fine.

The one thing you should remember is that the interviewer on the other side of the desk is also human, and is therefore just as susceptible to life as you are. Maybe they are having a bad morning, are hosting in-laws at home, or are so bored that you feel like you're talking to a slab of aluminum siding. Perhaps they tend to get chatty, make one too many jokes, or always get nervous at interviews. You never know, so just be prepared, look your best, and roll with the federal punches.

Then again, you may be lucky enough to get the job strictly "on paper", meaning without an interview. A family friend who used to work in my organization put in a good word for me, and I was pretty much "in" after those in charge looked over my forms. However, you should still be ready to have a formal chat with a personnel director before learning whether you're on the team or not.

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
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