New procedures to apply for civilian positions Published April 1, 2011 By Stefan Bocchino 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Under new procedures taking effect April 25, current federal civilian employees will need to submit a resume to apply for civilian positions at Kirtland Air Force Base. These changes have already happened at most Air Force bases. "Here at Kirtland AFB, whether you're an internal or external employee you will now go to USAJobs.gov and that is where we'll have our depository of job vacancies," said Kathryn Hill, 377th Force Support Squadron chief, recruitment and placement branch. "We post them there. So an employee has to build an account on USAJobs.gov and upload a resume now." The previous system allowed internal employees to apply without the need for resumes. Their career brief was the only professional summary a selecting official would see. External candidates were able to send a resume. Now, everyone who applies for a position will send in a resume. The resumes will then automatically flow over with the application; applicants will answer a few questions and then complete their applications. "The whole point, with single staffing tools, is to have one job announcement for all candidates, whether you're an internal or external candidate," said Ms. Hill. "The manager will only receive one certificate with all the qualified applicants on there." The reason for this change is to help cut down the number of announcements and referral certificates. Instead of multiple announcements and multiple referral certificates, there will only be one announcement and one referral certificate per position she said. "It's going to make it a much better process," said Ms. Hill. "The Air Force has mandated that we cut down on the processing time to fill positions to 80 days, starting next year." Civilian personnel is partnering with the Airman and Family Readiness Center to conduct training for setting up an account on USAJobs.gov and building and uploading a resume. This is open to all Kirtland AFB employees and their dependents. Three training sessions are scheduled. April 6 at the education center, Room 110, from 1 to 3 p.m., April 13 in the Bldg. 201 auditorium (on the west side) from 1 to 3 p.m., and April 20 in Bldg. 20245, Room 120, at both 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. The Airman and Family Readiness Center also offers one-on-one help with resumes. However, the A&FRC recommends that jobhunters go through the training first before going to them. After initial training, a determination will be made regarding further training. "We're going to be there to make sure, during this transition period, everyone has an opportunity to learn how to write a resume and to learn how to use the new system," said Ms. Hill. "That's our goal. There will be additional training if we need it. We're here for the customers." Job training sessions The Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Civilian Personnel Office will offer the following resume and USA Jobs training sessions Education Center, Bldg. 20602, Room 110 1-3 p.m., April 6 Building 201 Auditorium (On the west side) 1-3 p.m. April 13 Building 20245, Room 120 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. April 20