Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

Roland Mozie, with valuable advice on using CareerFinder.

Customs vacancies offered through CareerFinder don't require "paper" applications. Once you've registered in CareerFinder, it takes just a few minutes to apply for specific job openings. Since CareerFinder takes advantage of the Internet's capabilities, applicants receive status on their applications by e-mail. CareerFinder registrants can also choose the Internet option to receive e-mail notification when jobs open.

Roland Mozie, who leads HRM's CareerFinder staffing unit, works with managers who have the jobs to fill and with applicants who applyy through CareerFinder. He reports thatt over 4,000 Customs employees have registered through CareerFinder and almost 47,000 individuals from outside of the Service have registered for Customs job openings.

CareerFinder has been used to fill the following positions:

GS-1890 Customs Inspector (Summer and Veterans Readjustment Appointments)

GS-1811 Special Agent (GS-12)

GS-132 Intelligence Research Specialist

GS-343 Management Analyst

GS-1802 Investigative Assistant

GS-1897 Customs Technician

GS-303 Management Program Technician

GS-318 Secretary

CareerFinder is also being used to screen potential applicants for supervisory and managerial testing opportunities. CareerFinder announcements have been opened to internal candidates to test and fill GS-14 Special Agent (SA-14) positions as well as Management Development Program (MDP) positions. These recent announcements generated over 700 applicants for the SA-14 slots and over 400 applicants for the MDP. The Supervisory Customs Inspector GS-12 test opportunity bulletin opened on August 26th and closes September 27th.

CareerFinder will not be used to announce merit promotion opportunities for bargaining unit positions until labor/management obligations have been satisfied.

CareerFinder tips
Roland Mozie offers advice that should help when you register for the first time, apply for the first time, or update the information you previously provided:

Registering: Even if the vacancy you're looking for hasn't opened yet, go ahead and register in CareerFinder by providing required basic information. Registration should take about 20 minutes and will allow you to receive e-mail announcements of job openings.

Applying on-line: To apply on-line, all you have to do is answer the job-related questions for a specific announcement, which may take another 20 minutes or so. Remember, registering is only required once in CareerFinder, but you need to apply on-line for each specific vacancy that interests you.

Resumes: Access the CareerFinder Web site for guidance on resumes. A "traditional" resume is not required; rather, copy or type into the "resume" box brief information about your work experience, education, and other accomplishments. As long as you provide this information in the resume box before the announcement closes, your application will be accepted.

Contact information: The biggest mistake I've seen is when applicants haven't provided a usable e-mail address. We need a correct e-mail address to send you new vacancy information and to provide application status.

Double-check your answers: Because it's so easy to answer a question and go on to the next one, I strongly recommend that you have CareerFinder e-mail your responses to you for review. If you find a mistake, you can re-enter CareerFinder and correct it. Any changes you make before the announcement closes will be accepted.