Biggest Challenges Faced by a Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel, an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency, identifies a significant challenge in "hiring," stating that the agency struggles with "finding the best and brightest minds" at entry-level GS 5-7 positions, which are crucial for upward mobility to the GS 12-13 roles Rachel recruits for. This nationwide hiring deficit impacts the agency's ability to maintain a steady stream of qualified candidates and poses a substantial obstacle to organizational growth.
Federal Government Hiring, Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Career Progression, Government Employment
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachel Larson
OFM Training Director
Federal Agency
Iowa State University
Medical, Sciences & Related
Government & Public Sector
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Finding and hiring qualified candidates is a significant challenge in the federal government.
2. There is a need for a steady stream of entry-level employees who can progress to higher-level positions.
3. Federal agencies have specific requirements for employment, which can impact hiring processes and the availability of qualified candidates.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge in my current role, and one that federal agencies struggle with agency-wide, is hiring. We have hiring deficits across the nation, not just for federal agencies, but in hiring in general.
Finding the best and brightest minds is a challenge, especially at the federal agency level for entry points like GS-5, GS-6, and GS-7, and then facilitating upward progression. As a federal agency employee, there are embedded requirements for entering the federal workforce.
This is not about contracted staff, but about becoming a federal employee. At my level, I hire individuals at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels. This means we need a steady influx of people entering at those lower levels—5, 6, 7, and 8—who can progress through different stages.
These individuals need to be very good at their jobs and possess strong critical thinking skills to take on responsibilities and be eligible for hire at those higher echelons. That's the biggest challenge right now: having the right people apply and be eligible. I really look forward to more robust hiring. That's my challenge at this time.
Advizer Personal Links
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