John
Human Resources Specialist


I took a job with Human Resources to learn the front side of hiring – bringing applicants
on board so I’ve been a Human Resources Specialist for the last 8 years.

There is no typical workday as a Human Resources Specialist. Things are constantly
changing. We have different demands from different business units that require us to
change our course for the day. Ensuring that the work processes get completed is
one of my roles to communicate with each one of the team members that I have.

I was working for the YMCA as a lifeguard and a Front Desk Clerk – and that’s where
I gained my clerical experience. I had been to school for about a year and a half, so
I put in my application, I took the Civil Service test, and I got a call about 3 weeks
later to come in for fingerprinting, picture for a badge. From there I was hired as
a Grade 3 Data Transcriber.

Having a degree is certainly a benefit, but there is also work related experience that
one must possess to be eligible for consideration.

The more you learn about the position, the more valuable you become. Since I had
worked as a Data Transcriber, I also did some quality reviewing, and then I was a
work leader. The next obvious step would have been a manager.  After I was a
manager for quite a number of years, I applied for and was selected for a section
position, which meant I was responsible not only for the Data Transcribers but for
a group of managers.

There are excellent health and life insurance benefits, especially for people who’ve
just been laid off and need the coverage. There are lots of opportunities for
advancement at the IRS.

This may sound like a cliché, but I really enjoy working with the people that I meet
throughout the year. We also have veterans who are coming to us to work for the 
Federal Service. Just seeing the look on their face when they get a job is very
fulfilling and that’s what makes my job meaningful.