Federal employment can offer many benefits for you and your family while allowing you to enjoy a very rewarding career. USAJobs is the recommended site to use when applying for these positions. To set yourself up for success, it is important to understand how the application process works on the website. Below is the 10-step process you can expect to go through when applying for federal positions on USAJobs.
1. Create an Account
Creating an account on login.gov to begin the process of applying for positions.
2. Create a Profile
A USAJobs profile will allow you to apply to any job on USAJobs. You'll also be able to save jobs that interest you, automate searches, upload resumes or use the resume builder, and add other career documents.
3. Search for Jobs
You can search for jobs by typing in a keyword or location. Using the search filters will help you to narrow your results by salary, work schedule, agency, and more. Learn how to search. A great way to save time when you visit USAJobs is to save your searches. Doing this will allow USAJobs to automatically email you daily, weekly, or monthly about new jobs.
4. Review and Understand the Job Announcement
This is one of the most important steps in the process. When you find a job that interests you, read the entire announcement to make sure that you are eligible and meet the qualifications. Make sure that you read the Who may apply section to see if you are eligible.
5. Prepare the Application
Read the How to Apply section of the announcement and click Apply to start the application. There will be a five-step process that includes uploading your resume and any required documents.
6. Submit the Application
When your application is complete and ready in USAJOBS, you will be sent to the agency application system where you will submit your application. There are other agency-required steps that you may need to complete, including providing more personal information, sharing documentation, answering eligibility questions, and completing an occupational questionnaire. Look for a preview of the questions under the Required documents section.
7. Hiring Agency Reviews Application
Once the job announcement closes, the hiring agency will start reviewing applications and determine if you are eligible and meet the job qualifications. They will place applicants into two categories: Minimally qualified and Highest qualified. The hiring agency may update your application status to Reviewed, but not all agencies provide this status.
8. Interview
The hiring official will review the “highest qualified” applications, select applicants to interview based on the agency policy, and contact applicants directly to schedule interviews.
9. Candidate Selected
Once the interviews are completed, candidate(s) will be selected and contacted to start the job offer process. For those not selected, the hiring agency will update their application status to Not Selected.
10. Tentative Job Offer Extended
Once the offer is accepted, the agency will start the background investigation.
To learn more about the federal hiring process and other related topics, refer to the FAQs on USAJobs. As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. Set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.
Rhoda Smackum is a manager in Career Services at University of Maryland Global Campus who enjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni. to identify career issues, match values with career choices, and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.
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