How to Apply for a Federal Job


How to Apply for a Federal Job

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When hunting for a Federal career, you have a myriad of choices. Federal jobs are spread across more than 100 agencies and bureaus, each with its own mission and each overseeing its own hiring and recruitment.

With more than 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties (excluding postal service and military workers), the Federal Government offers more choices than any other single employer in the United States. Whatever your interest and background, you can probably find a Government career to match. People get jobs in the Federal Government in the same way that they get most jobs in the private sector: by finding openings and submitting a resume or application.

How To / Instruction

Difficulty: Normal

  • Step

    1

    Read a job vacancy. - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a central database that lists nearly every Federal job opening available to the public: www.usajobs.opm.gov. - Automated telephone system: available by calling (703) 724-1850, is the offline alternative to the website. - Contacting agency offices or The direct approach

  • Step

    2

    Apply for a job. Some jobs are reserved for people who are current or former Federal employees or who are veterans or disabled people who meet specific conditions. These vacancy announcements say that they are for “Employees only” or “Status candidates only.” For jobs open to the public, announcements say something like, “Open to all qualified candidates” or “Open to all U.S. citizens.” On some announcements, this section might be called “Area of consideration.”

  • Step

    3

    Write a resume. It should include the following: • Contact information • Job facts • Work experience • Education and training • Other qualifications • Performance awards • Qualification summary • Hiring preferences or you can use the USAJOBS resume builder online.

  • Step

    4

    Tailoring your job resume to the job announcement. State necessary information about qualifications such as skills and abilities as well as previous job experiences that may be essential to the position applied for.

  • Step

    5

    You must have knowledge in Federal Regulations and Directives. As a starter, you may need to know the basics of the office especially the rules.

  • Step

    6

    You must have knowledge in operational system and procedures and administrative practices.

  • Step

    7

    You must have knowledge,skill and ability.

Tips and Warnings

  • Tips: Look beyond job titles; Government titles may be different from those in the private sector. Search by location, keyword, and broad occupational group.

  • Tips: Match your experience to the duties and qualifications listed in the job announcement. Use key words from the vacancy announcement, where possible. Include relevant volunteer work.

  • Tips: When writing about your qualifications, be specific and show your expertise. Follow instructions about length, format, and content.

  • Tips: Prepare for an interview by researching the agency to which you are applying. Bring picture identification to pass security screening.

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