OPM chief pledges to simplify federal hiring process

The government's top human resources official pledged Monday to streamline the federal hiring process as part of a campaign to attract college graduates to public service.

Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James issued a six-point pledge to a gathering of college students at The George Washington University in Washington. Among other things, she promised federal job applicants a less burdensome and time-consuming application process, clearer instructions about how to apply for government positions, and regular updates on the status of applications.

"It hasn't always been easy to apply for a federal job," James said.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao joined James in announcing the campaign to get young people to apply for government jobs. Co-sponsored by OPM and the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, the campaign has enlisted 350 universities to spread the word about federal job opportunities. In turn, 38 federal agencies have pledged to send recruiters and speakers to college campuses to talk about working for the federal government.

"OPM is leading the effort to reach out to your generation," James told the students.

The campaign, called "A Call to Serve," comes as federal agencies are turning to college campuses in search of job applicants for the first time in a decade. Many agencies had active college recruiting programs in the 1980s, but the downsizing of the 1990s left few positions to offer to college graduates. As a result, there are more people in their 60s in the federal workforce today than there are people in their 20s. But with the pending retirement wave of baby boomers at most agencies and staffing increases at some agencies, the Internal Revenue Service, NASA, the Air Force and other government organizations have already started resurrecting recruitment programs.

James promised:

1. A user-friendly application process that is not unduly burdensome or time-consuming.
2. Clear, understandable job announcements and instructions for applying.
3. Timely and informed responses to questions about the requirements and the process.
4. Prompt acknowledgement that applications have been received.
5. Regular updates on the status of applications as significant decisions are reached.
6. A timely decision-making process.