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Fact Sheet

Federal Application Process Fact Sheet

1. Identify vacancies that interest you.
Explore DOD Civilian Careers page or use the Job Exploration Tool to find opportunities within DOD that may interest you and align with your career goals. All of our positions are posted on USAJOBS as well. Use the filter feature to search for any job requirements you may want to add (location, salary, etc.).

2. Review the details of the vacancy announcement.
The requirements of each vacancy announcement varies. Be sure to read each one carefully to ensure that your application is complete. The Office of Personnel Management provides more details on the specific elements of vacancy announcements, to include eligibility and qualification requirements.

3. Prepare and submit your application.
Once you have determined that you are eligible and qualified for a position, it is time to submit your resume and application! Applying for Federal positions is significantly different from the process that is commonly used in the private sector. It is important to read the vacancy announcement closely to identify those skills and qualifications being asked for by the agency and any specific documentation requirements. Additionally, resumes for Federal positions need to include detailed information on an applicant’s skills, education, training, and experience and should be tailored to address the specific job requirements outlined in the vacancy announcements. For more specific information and tips on preparing your application and resume, visit How to write a resume and What to include in a Federal resume.

4. Interview for the position.
Once all applications have been received, a Human Resources Specialist will review for eligibility and qualifications and then rate and rank the applications using the rating criteria outlined in the vacancy announcement (e.g., answers to the assessment questions). The applications that are rated highest qualified will be forwarded to the hiring manager for review and selection of any applicant(s) they desire to interview.

5. Next Steps
If selected, you will be contacted by a Human Resources Specialist who will extend a tentative job offer. This offer will be pending any security clearance requirements and/or any validation of additional information (e.g., education or credential verification). Security clearance requirements vary by position as well as the amount of time it takes to complete an investigation. Please consult with the Human Resources Specialist and Personnel Security Specialist regarding the process, requirements, and timeframes. Throughout the process, you may view the status of your application through your account in USAJOBS. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Specialist identified in the vacancy announcement.

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