1. Complete Application or Resume
Candidate applications should correctly represent the skills and abilities applicable to the position announced. For each past job, give the standard data found in most resumes. Start with your current position and list all other positions held in sequential order. Specifically, state the title of designation, joining and ending dates (including month and year), prior company’s name and address (or write “self-employed,” if that applies), and major responsibility and your achievement. Include any positions temporarily held. In addition, show the average number of hours worked per week or simply declare “full-time”; salary or wage earned; manager’s name. Include the job-related series numbers and the starting and ending grades of the federal government positions held.
Most importantly, describe job responsibility and accomplishments in a way that expresses how you are qualified for the position. Study the JOA (Job Opportunities Announcement) and highlight the parts of your work background that match the qualifications listed there. Keep in mind, HR specialists might not be familiar with your career domain. To help them understand how your experience matches what is required for the available position, ensure that you describe your experience in laymen’s terms. For more information, see Tips for Writing a Federal Resume.
2. Apply for the Job
Submit your job application before the “end date” of the JOA. Applications usually, must arrive at their specified destination by the close of business. Submit any additional documentation defined in the JOA (Job Opportunities Announcement) that verifies all qualifications such as transcripts, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (as proof of eligibility to apply), your performance appraisals and/or Veterans’ Form DD-214. If you fail to submit a necessary document, you may be found ineligible for consideration.
3. Interview for the Job
The names of the best-qualified candidates are sent to the hiring officials. If you are one of the best-qualified candidates, the supervisor or hiring official may interview with you face to face or by telephone, which ensures that all candidates receive fair and equivalent treatment in the hiring process.
Interviews are tests designed to measure a variety of abilities important to performance on the job. Interviews may include scenario-based questions that measure selected competencies, e.g., Leading Others, Team Building, Performance and Results Management, Interpersonal Skills, Decision-Making and Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Technical Questions, etc.
4. What to Expect Next
The application that you submit will experience many levels of review. First, HR experts will screen it to check whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the position. Then, they will rate your application according to the extra qualifications listed on the JOA. If your application merit among the best qualified, then it will be sent to the hiring manager, who will make the final selection.
5. Questions
If you have questions regarding a position to which you are applying or to discover the status of your application, please speak to the point of contact listed for each JOA. For more details regarding the hiring and selection process, contact the point of contact mentioned in the announcement.