How to Fill Out a Federal Job Application
The government is the nation’s largest employer, offering a plethora of employment options in more then 400 areas. The government uses specialized hiring practices that are designed to attract only the most qualified candidates for each vacancy. Vacancy titles are often vague and misleading, so you need to devote a large chunk of time to reading the detailed job description for anything that sounds like a good fit. To ease the process, update your resume and references prior to completing an application.
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Instructions
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Obtain Internet access. Applying for a federal job is most thoroughly and efficiently done online. If you do not have access to the Internet at home or through a friend, try visiting your local library or any United States Department of Labor Career Center for free access on their computers. If you have a wireless-compatible laptop, most libraries, bookstores and coffee shops offer free wireless.
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Think about your qualifications and how they pertain to government hiring practices. You do not have to have paid experience to be considered qualified in a particular field; it is hands-on experience that matters. If you can demonstrate your skills, you can put them on your resume. The government rates jobs on a scale called the General Schedule (GS). The scale starts at level G-1 and goes to G-12, with higher numbers corresponding to advanced degrees or experience and lower numbers denoting entry-level positions. For example, bachelor’s degree is in the middle at a category G-5 or G-7.
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Visit http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ to search the government database where all federal job vacancies are listed. Visit the link for “first time visitors” to create a free account where you can store multiple resumes, apply for jobs and check the status of your application(s).
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Search for job openings by keywords or geographic location. Click on the titles you are interested in to read the job summary including salary information and the date range for application submission. More detailed information can be obtained by clicking on each of the tabs at the top of the page, including duties, qualifications and benefits. If you find a job that you want to apply for, click on the “how to apply” tab to learn any posting specific requirements.
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Complete all sections of the online application, or print and mail a paper application to the address listed in the posting. Complete and upload all additional required documents, such as your resume and veterans preference. You will be prompted to complete a questionnaire that will assess your qualifications and rate you on a number scale. If you are mailing a paper application you can also print and mail a paper questionnaire.
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Wait for email verification that your application and questionnaire were received. You will be told how you were rated and what to expect next.
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Tips & Warnings
To make the application process easier, USAJOBS has a feature called Application Manager that you can download to assist you with the process. Visit http://applicationmanager.gov/ to learn more.
Expect to wait three to six weeks before hearing from a potential government employer. Due to the nature of the application process, review takes longer than for a non-government position.
References
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