2000 Plum Book lists sought-after jobs in next administration

The 2000 edition of the "Plum Book," listing the most sought-after jobs in the upper ranks of the federal government, is now available for scrutiny by those seeking jobs in the next administration.

The book, whose actual title is "United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions," is released every four years alternately by the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Government Reform. It is made available just after the presidential election.

This year's version lists more than 7,000 jobs that are at the new President's disposal. "Plum Book" listings are usually appointed positions, such as agency heads and their immediate subordinates, policy executives and advisors.

"The duties of many such positions may involve advocacy of administration policies and programs and the incumbents usually have a close and confidential working relationship with the agency head or other key officials," the book explains.

If you're hoping to serve the 43rd president, check out the full listing of open jobs online on the Senate Governmental Affairs Web site or on the Office of Personnel Management's Web site.

Another popular book that surfaces during presidential transitions is "The 2000 Prune Book: How to Succeed in Washington's Top Jobs," published by the Council for Excellence in Government.

The book examines issues related to staffing the upper echelons of the executive branch and includes essays on White House staff and cabinet appointments, and the challenges facing presidential appointees. The "Prune Book" also profiles 56 of the most important Senate-confirmed positions across the government, and details the five senior management jobs that are common to most agencies-chief operating officer, chief information officer, chief financial officer, general counsel and inspector general.

For more information on the "Prune Book," see: http://www.excelgov.org/publication/books.htm.