How to Apply for a Federal Government Job

Information listed below is subject to change. Applicants should check with the appropriate government entity or with CDAS to verify information.

How to Apply

Review the list of openings, decide which jobs you are interested in, and follow the instructions given. You may apply for most jobs with a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other written format you choose. For jobs that are unique or filled through automated procedures, you will be given special forms to completed.

What to Include

Although the Federal Government does not require a standard application form for most jobs, it needs certain information to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment. If your resume or application does not provide all the information requested in the job vacancy announcement, you will likely not be considered for the job. Keep your resume or application brief and send only the requested material.

In addition to specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement, at a minimum, your resume or application must contain:

1. Job Information :

the announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying

2. Personal Information :

• Full name, mailing address (with ZIP Code), and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
  
• Social Security Number
  
• Country of citizenship (Most Federal jobs require United States citizenship)
  
• Veterans' preference (if applicable)
  
• Reinstatement eligibility (If requested)
  
• Highest Federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held.)

3. Education :

• High school: name, city, and state (and ZIP code if known); graduation date
  
• Colleges and universities: name, city, and state (ZIP code if known); major(s); type and year of degree(s)
  
• Note: send a copy of your transcript only if the job vacancy announcement specifically requests it.

4. Work Experience :

Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job for which you are applying. (Do not send job descriptions.)

• Job title (include series and grade if a Federal job)
  
• Duties and accomplishments
  
• Employer's name and address
  
• Supervisor's name and phone number
  
• Starting and ending dates (month and year)
  
• Hours per week
  
• Salary
  
• Indicate if government may contact current supervisor

5. Other Qualifications :

• Job-related training courses (title and year)
  
• Job-related skills, for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed
  
• Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)
  
• Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards.

6. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Questions : 

A federal agency may pose questions in a job announcement that applicants must answer.  The agency uses an applicant's responses to the questions to determine if the applicant is qualified for the position and to review the applicant's writing skills.  If a job announcement contains KSA questions, you must answer them as part of your application.  Use your responses to highlight significant work and academic experiences that make you well-qualified for the position!  Carefully proofread all of your responses for grammatical or typographical errors. 

7. Veterans' Preference in Hiring :

If you served on active duty in the United States Military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for the veterans' preference. For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management ("OPM") at 478-757-3000. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans."

Veterans' preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current or former Federal career or career-conditional employees).

8. Other Important Information :

Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed.

If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives.

Federal annuitants (military and civilian) may have their salaries or annuities reduced. All employees must pay any valid delinquent debts or the agency may garnish their salary.

9. Privacy and Public Burden Statements :

OPM and other Federal agencies rate applicants for Federal jobs under the authority of sections 1104, 1302, 3301, 3304, 3320, 3361, 3393, and 3394 of title 5 of the United States Code. They need the information requested and in the vacancy announcements to evaluate your qualifications. Other laws require that OPM ask about citizenship, military service, etc.

OPM requests your Social Security Number (SSN) under the authority of Executive Order 9397 in order to keep your records straight; other people may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, OPM uses your SSN to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you. Your SSN may also be used in studies and computer matching with other Government files, for example, files on unpaid student loans.

If you do not give OPM your SSN or any other information requested, it cannot process your application, which is the first step in getting a job. Also, incomplete addresses and ZIP Codes will slow processing.

SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THE AGENCY ANNOUNCING THE VACANCY.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION/CAREER AMERICA CONNECTION

For job information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 478-757-3000, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) automated telephone system, or visit OPM's website.

Applicants with Disabilities

You can find out about alternative formats by calling OPM. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "People with Disabilities." If you have a hearing disability, call TDD 478-744-2299.