Looking for a government job? Federal work is an excellent choice to ensure career sustainability, great benefits and a profitable paycheck, but the hiring process may be a little different then what you’re used to. The Department of Labor lists many tips for the process. Here’s what you need to know:
How to Find Job Listings
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains a central database, called USAJOBS, which lists nearly every federal job opening. Available job opportunity announcements (JOAs) provide applicants with information about job qualifications, duties, salary, duty location, benefits and security requirements. JOAs can help you determine if your interests, education and professional background make you a good candidate for the available job opening.
Common Terms
Many of these job postings use common terminology and acronyms to describe the kind of work they’re offering. Some of the most frequently used terms include:
“All U.S. citizens:” Open to everyone in the public who is a U.S. citizen and wishes to apply.“Competitive service:” One of the two classes of non-executive positions in the federal government. Competitive service positions are subject to the civil service laws passed by Congress.“Excepted service:” The other of the two classes of non-executive positions in the federal government. Excepted service positions are not subject to the same appointment procedures as competitive service.“Knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):” Characteristics that you need to have to successfully perform a job.“Selective placement factor:” There are some positions where specific qualifications are absolutely required because a person cannot perform successfully in the position without such qualifications. These may include specific KSAs, or federal or state licenses and/or certifications.“Veterans’ preference:” Gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants.
Completing Your Application or Resume
Employee applications should accurately represent your skills and competencies applicable to the position. For each past job, give the standard information found in most resumes. Begin with your current position and list all other positions held in chronological order. Specifically, state the job title, starting and ending dates (including month and year), your prior employer’s name and address (or write “self-employed” if that applies) and major duties and accomplishments.
Include any positions temporarily held and any relevant volunteer experience. Show the average number of hours worked per week, or simply state full-time or part-time, and whether your most recent supervisor may be contacted. Include the occupational series numbers and the starting and ending grades of any prior government positions held.
Most importantly, describe job duties and accomplishments in a way that demonstrates how you are qualified. Study the JOA and emphasize the parts of your work history that match the qualifications listed there.
Remember, human resources specialists might not be familiar with your career field. To help them understand how your experience matches what is required for the vacant position, make sure that you put it in laymen’s terms.
Applying for the Job
Submit your application by the closing date of the JOA. Sometimes, applications only need to be postmarked by the due date. Applications usually must arrive at their specified destination by either 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) or by the close of business on that date.
Submit any additional documentation outlined in the JOA that verifies all qualifications, such as transcripts, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (as proof of eligibility to apply), performance appraisals and/or Veterans’ Form DD-214. If you fail to submit a required document, you may be found ineligible for consideration.
The Interview Process
The names of the best qualified candidates will be forwarded to the supervisor or hiring official. If that is you, the supervisor or hiring official may interview you in person or by telephone to ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.
Interviews are tests designed to measure a variety of competencies important to performance on the job. Interviews may include scenario-based questions that measure selected competencies, for example, leading others, team building, performance and results management, decision-making and problem-solving, oral communication, interpersonal skills or technical questions.
What to Expect Next
The application you submit will go through many levels of review. First, human resources specialists will screen it to see if you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the position. They will then rate your application according to the additional qualifications listed on the JOA. If your application rates among the best qualified, it will be forwarded to the hiring manager, who will conduct an interview, and/or possibly a series of panel interviews, making the final selection.
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