How to Maximize Your Results on USAjobs

In this difficult economy, having a government job is about the most secure source of income you can find. The main way to get a government job is through USAjobs. Here is how you can maximize your results when competing for one of these highly competitive jobs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Resume
• Other Important Documents

1. 
    
   USAjobs Login

   LOGIN TO THE SITE: Go to USAjobs (the link is below) and log in. If you do not have an account, follow the steps to make one.

2. 
    
   USAjobs Search

   SEARCH FOR JOBS: You can use the simple search engine, but it will give you results for all across the globe. Narrow your search by using the Advanced Search tab at the top of the page.

3. 
    
   Appointment Type

   APPOINTMENT TYPE: You have to select jobs that you are qualified for otherwise, you won't even be considered. If you are not a current employee, you need a job listed as open to the "public." You also need to pay attention to the qualifier listing a job as "STEP" or "Student Temporary" because you have to be a current, full time student to qualify for these positions.

4. 
    
   My Resume Tab

   CREATE RESUME: For each job you apply for, you should customize a resume to fit it. USAjobs allows you to create and save up to 5 resumes at a time on their site. At the top of the page, click the "My USAJOBS" tab, then click the "MY RESUMES" tab. Click "Build New Resume" and start creating your generic resume. Be thorough, the government does not care how long your resume is - the longer the better.

5. 
    
   KSAs

   CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME: For each job, you should custom make a resume. You don't have to start from scratch, but under your employment and educational history, you want to include the information from the KSA section of the "Qualifications and Evaluations" Tab of the job description. When you incorporate this information, make it word for word. There is a computer program that will search for those phrases when picking the resumes from the pile.

6. 
    
   Apply

   APPLY: Go to the job description page and click the tab that says "How to Apply." Follow the instructions for applying for the job. Most will allow you to apply online using a button at the bottom of the page, but some require you to print the questionnaire on this page and fill it out and mail it in. Follow the instructions carefully and answer the questions truthfully. If you apply online, you will be taken to another site where you will create an account and enter the answers to the questionnaire.

7. ATTACH: If you are applying for a position that requires additional documentation be sure to attach a copy (hard copy if mailing, digital copy if online). This includes your college transcripts, professional certificates, required forms, proof of college enrollment, etc. The online application provides a document loader for your convenience.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you proof read your resume and any documents you submit. Typos are a big negative to employers.
• Copy and paste the KSAs into your resume and then custom fit your experiences to each one.
• Don't get discouraged. It can take quite a while to get a government position because of how many people you are competing against.

Resources

• USAjobs