How to Apply for a Federal Job

After you:

1. understand job titles, occupational series and pay grades used in government, e.g., Program Analyst is a researcher and writer,
2. identify agencies of interest, and
3. find specific opportunities of interest,

you are ready to begin the application process.

     While on-line applications, including very extensive questionnaires, are more common, there are a variety of application formats and processes in use. You must apply according to the instructions provided by the agency. The different application formats and processes include:

Federal-style resume and KSA's in paper form;
Resume software + supplemental data sheet used by Defense agencies;
OPM electronic resume and answers to rating questions;
Federal-style resume with on-line applications/questionnaires;and the
Optional Form for Federal Employment (OF-612) - available through Links @University Career Services, click on "Find A Job - Federal".

Often, the same Federal-style resume could be used for jobs with similar requirements and responsibilities.

     It helps to focus on two or three particular agencies to become familiar with their hiring process and the agency mission. Begin by carefully analyzing the elements of the vacancy announcements for your select agencies.
Especially note who can apply, i.e., whether "status" is required. You could have status if you are an Outstanding Scholar (3.5 overall GPA), Veteran, disabled, married to someone in the military, former government employee. Then, examine: job title; series number; agency and geographic location; closing date; knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA); duties; qualifications (e.g., one year = 52 weeks, 40 hours per week); and how to apply.

     Remember not to make your job search too narrow. Prepare as many applications as you can and keep applying. For instance, if you want a job as a writer, don't apply only for positions named "Writer." Look also under the "liberal arts" occupational interest area to uncover additional position titles (such as Program Analyst) since writing is the major skill used in many of these positions.

     The cardinal rule for applying effectively is to accurately follow the application instructions in the job vacancy announcement! It is also essential that you meet the eligibility requirements, have the basic qualifications (education and years of experience), and provide truthful and descriptive responses to the questionnaires, KSA's, etc. Your application materials, including your resume, must contain language of the position you are seeking so that the automated search process/personnel review process unearths it from the rest of the applications!

     Inquiries about the status of your application to a vacancy posted on USAJOBS should be sent to the agency contact provided in the vacancy announcement about 4 weeks after you apply. Some automated application systems have a tracking system for applicants to check their own application status. Even if you are rated as "qualified" you may not move to the interview phase unless you are rated as "best qualified." Solicit feedback to improve you chances in your next application.

Patience, persistence, and networking

Students applying for student programs (internships, summer jobs, SCEP, STEP) in the federal government have a distinct advantage in that the application process is much shorter and less complex. Even with electronic application procedures, it can take six months to get through the application process to the interview for full-time career positions. Some announcements for full-time positions are merely made to gather applicants and hold them in readiness until a position becomes open. Do not lose heart! Network, use the article on information interviewing in this guide to assist you. Interview to learn trends, identify upcoming needs, and to obtain feedback on your qualifications. Start early; look for special hiring programs, and network, network, network!

How to Write a Federal Resume