Business Services
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Job Opportunities - Aplying for a Job - Frequently Asked Questions - Applying for Jobs |
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- Where can I go if I have questions about or need help going through the application process?
- I would like to send my application and/or supporting documentation via e-mail.
- When exactly do jobs close?
- How do I apply if I am a new user?
- How do I apply if I am a previous user?
- How do I apply if I cannot apply on-line?
- How can I save my application if I want to come back and finish it later?
- What is CTAP and what are the qualification requirements for applicants with CTAP eligibility?
- How do I view job openings?
- How do I know if my application has been received?
- How do I know if my resume has been submitted?
- How will I know when I have completed my application?
- When I login to My USAJOBS, my application status states "Application Started", shouldn't it state "Resume Received?
- What if I want to change or update my answers to the vacancy questions?
Where can I go if I have questions about or need help going through the application process? |
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A: If you are unable to find the answer to your question within the above documents or this FAQ website, you may e-mail your question to our help desk technical support at the following e-mail address:
apphelp@aphis.usda.gov
Our help desk technical support is available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time, Monday - Friday (except government holidays). Please allow up to 24 hrs to receive a response.
You may also contact the agency representative identified within the vacancy announcement for the position in which you are interested. You will find the agency contact information within the How to Apply section of the USAJOBS vacancy announcement.
Additionally, USAJOBS offers excellent tutorials on using the USAJOBS portal for storing your resume, searching for open positions, creating job search agents and much more. These tutorials may be accessed at the following website:
http://www.usajobs.gov/firsttimers.asp
Q: I would like to send my application and/or supporting documentation via e-mail. |
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A: We will not accept resumes or any supporting documentation via e-mail. To apply for a position you must apply online and then fax your supporting documentation following the vacancy specific instructions or mail your supporting documentation to the agency contact listed in the announcement.
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A: USAJOBS positions close at midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. After midnight, closed jobs will not be available for review or application.
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A: If you are not registered with USAJOBS you may go to the following website, complete your initial user information, create at least one resume, and then apply to positions announced through USAJOBS (http://www.usajobs.gov/):
1. To get started, at the USAJOBS website click [My USAJOBS] located near the top of the screen.
2. Click [Create your account now!].
3. Complete the user information and click on [Submit].
4. You will need to create a resume. Click [Create a New Resume].
5. Follow the prompts to complete your resume. If you are unable to complete your resume at this time and need to return later, you may click [Save for Later].
6. Once you have finished your resume, click [Next]
7. Now you are ready to search for jobs. Click [Search Jobs].
8. If you are searching for a specific job, you may enter the announcement number or job title in "Keyword Search". Otherwise, fill in your search criteria and click [Search for Jobs].
9. Select the vacancy to which you wish to apply by clicking on the job title.
10. After carefully reading the announcement, begin the application process by clicking [Apply Online] at the bottom of the announcement.
11. Select the resume you would like to submit and click [Apply for this position now!]. USAJOBS will transfer you and your resume to our system where you will complete the application process.
12. Once you have been transferred, follow the on-screen prompts. Be certain to read the on-screen instructions thoroughly before continuing. You will be asked to review your contact information and complete the core Federal questions in our system.
13. After reviewing your contact information and core Federal questions, you will be taken to a page containing a list of printable fax cover sheets for all supporting documents. All supporting documentation may be submitted via fax. General guidelines concerning supporting documentation are discussed in the answer to the FAQ - What supporting documentation do I need to send in?. (Please see the vacancy announcement for specific information regarding supporting documentation.) You do not need to complete the fax process prior to moving on to the next step. Click [Done] and you will be transferred to the vacancy specific questions.
14. Next, you will be asked to respond to questions specific to this vacancy. You must respond to all questions in order to save or proceed with the application process. If you would like to save your application and return later to finish the questions, see the FAQ - How can I save my application if I want to come back and finish it later?.
15. There will be several screens of questions you will need to answer. Click [Continue] at the bottom of each to move on. Once you have completed all questions click [Finished].
16. The final step is to review your personal information, core questions, vacancy questions and resume for accuracy and completeness.
17. Once you are satisfied with your application click [Finished] located at the bottom of the web page to submit your application.
18. Upon submission of your application you will be redirected back to USAJOBS where you may view your application status, continue to browse for open positions and/or apply for additional positions. You may return at any time until midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement to update or make changes to your application.
If you have questions about your individual rating please submit your questions in writing via e-mail or USPS mail to the contact listed in the "Agency Contact" section of the announcement to which you are applying.
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A: If you have already registered with USAJOBS, then you may apply using your existing user information. Again, you may go to the USAJOBS web site and log in http://www.usajobs.gov/.
1. To get started, click [My USAJOBS] located near the top of the screen.
2. Enter your USAJOBS username and password. These fields are case sensitive, so be certain of the case you used when you registered. You can only register one time.
3. Update or create a new resume by clicking [My Resumes].
4. Now you are ready to search for jobs. Click [Search Jobs].
5. If you are searching for a specific job, you may enter the announcement number or job title. Otherwise, you may fill in your search criteria and click [Search for Jobs].
6. Select the vacancy to which you want to apply by clicking on the job title.
7. Begin the application process by clicking [Apply Online] at the bottom of the announcement.
8. "Take me to the assessment" will already be selected. You may review/update your contact information and core Federal questions at this time or print additional fax cover sheets by selecting "Update my information that is on file", or click [Continue] to move to the vacancy specific questions. We recommend reviewing/updating your information on file each time you apply.
9. If you choose to review/update your information on file, follow the on screen prompts to move through this section. Once finished you will be transferred to the questions specific to the vacancy. Once transferred, complete the basic qualification questions and respond to the questions specific to the vacancy.
10. There will be several screens of questions you will need to answer. Click [Continue] at the bottom of each to move on. Once you have completed all questions click [Finished].
11. The final step is to review you personal information, core questions, vacancy questions and resume for accuracy and completeness.
12. Once you are satisfied with your application click on the [Finished] button located at the bottom of the web page to submit your application.
13. Once you have submitted your application you will be redirected back to USAJOBS where you may view your application status, continue to browse for open positions and/or apply for additional positions. You may return at any time until midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement to update or make changes to your application.
If you have questions about your individual rating please submit your questions in writing via e-mail or USPS mail to the contact listed in the "Agency Contact" section of the announcement to which you are applying.
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A: You are strongly encouraged to apply online via USAJOBS. If you cannot apply online, please call the number listed under Agency Contact Information in the vacancy announcement to request a hard copy of the Complete Application Package. Be advised, if you request a hard copy of the Complete Application Package late in the announcement period, you will not receive an extension past the closing date. See the vacancy announcement for the due date of hard copy applications. Application packages submitted via e-mail will NOT be accepted.
Your complete application package must include:
1. Resume or OF-612 that includes:
- Announcement Number, Title, Series, and Grade(s) for which you are applying
- Your Full Name, mailing Address (including zip code) and Phone Number(s) (including area codes)
- Social Security Number
- Country of Citizenship
- E-mail Address (For information on how to obtain and e-mail address see the answer to the FAQ - What if I don’t’ have an e-mail?.
- Documentation of Education:
1. College transcripts or a list of all college courses with grades and credits (indicate quarter/semester hours and GPA, names of all colleges and universities attended including city, state, major(s) and type and year of degree(s) received); or
2. A copy of your college diploma. If your degree is in a related science or field you must provide a list of college courses or transcripts documenting you have completed the specific course work required for this vacancy (e.g., 24 semester units in a specific curriculum); or
3. Copies of current licenses (e.g., a license to practice veterinary medicine conferred by a state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners) or copies of a certificate of membership in a professional organization, or certificates (e.g., Diplomate in a speciality area of veterinary medicine, CPA) that are indicative of possessing the educational requirements of this announcement.
If you are selected for a position that requires specific course work or you were qualified on the basis of an unofficial list of college courses or copies of diplomas, licenses, or certificates of membership you MUST submit copies of official college transcripts BEFORE your selection may be confirmed.
NOTE: Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. The U.S. Department of Education may be of some help in providing information on these organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of Education at the following web site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
***Your application package must include an English translation of the foreign transcript.***
- Work History - Describe in your own words previous work applicable to this position. (Do not submit a position description.) Include dates (m/d/y) and indicate either full-time or the total number of hours worked per week for all employment. Include grade and series for all Federal employment. If this information is not included, the experience cannot be credited. Indicate if your supervisor may be contacted for each position.
2. A hard copy of your responses to the required User Information Questions, Core Questions and Basic Qualification Questions.
3. Hard copy answers to the vacancy specific questions or narrative responses to all knowledge, skills and abilities questions. See the specific vacancy announcement you are applying to for information on which is required.
4. Current Federal employees, must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal or a statement self-certifying your performance is at least fully successful.
5. Supporting Documentation (See the vacancy announcement for specific information on how, what and by when to submit supporting documentation. For general guidelines see the answer to the FAQ - What supporting documentation do I need to send in?)
Q: How can I save my application if I want to come back and finish it later? |
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A: In order to save your application and return to finish answering the questions later, you must place answers in all of the vacancy specific questions. Our announcements require answers to all questions prior to saving your application. Therefore, we recommend you select an answer for all questions and type one or two words in the text boxes for the long and short answer questions. These answers do not have to be your final answers. Once you reach the end of the questions, having filled something in for all questions, you will be allowed to save your application. For information on returning to edit your question responses, see the answer to the FAQ - What if I want to change or update my answers to the vacancy questions?.
Q: What is CTAP and what are the qualification requirements for applicants with CTAP eligibility? |
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A: Individuals in the competitive service who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must apply for positions at or below the grade level from which they are (or may be) separated that do not have more promotion potential. They must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they meet the qualification requirements for the position; possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position; and able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
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A: You may view jobs openings by visiting the USAJOBS website: http://www.usajobs.gov/. The USAJOBS website contains a listing for all Federal agencies.
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A: You may check to see if your application has been received by checking your vacancy status at the USAJOBS website: http://www.usajobs.gov/. Simply login to My USAJOBS and click [My Applications]. You will then be able to view a list of all positions to which you have applied. Your application status should read "Resume Received ". If you application status reads "Application Started" please refer to the FAQ - When I login to My USAJOBS and my application status states "Application Started", shouldn't it state "Resume Received?
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A: You will be prompted to select one of your stored resumes after clicking [Apply Online] in the vacancy announcement. USAJOBS will submit your resume for the position once you have selected the resume and clicked on "Apply for this position now!" Just prior to clicking the final "Finished" button in the application process, you will see a review of your complete application package, excluding faxed supporting documentation. Review your resume at this time; this is your submitted resume. You may choose to edit your resume at anytime before the vacancy closes. For more information on editing your resume refer to the FAQ - How do I input or edit my resume in USAJOBS? At midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy, our online application system will lock all your submitted information. This includes your vacancy specific questions, user information, core Federal questions, and your resume. This is your submitted application package.
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A: There are two [Finished] buttons you must click to complete the entire application process. The first is located at the end of the questions specific to the vacancy to which you have applied. This one submits your application into our electronic system. The second [Finished] button is located on the web page which shows a review of your application package including personal information, answers to the questions and your resume. At the very bottom of this page is the second [Finished] button. Upon clicking this you are returned to USAJOBS. When you click on the second [Finished] button this links your application with USAJOBS and provides you with a more information link to allow you to view your status. You may change or edit your application until midnight Eastern Time of the closing date. For additional information on how to edit your answers to the questions, please see the FAQ - What if I want to change or update my answers to the vacancy questions?
Q: When I login to My USAJOBS, my application status states "Application Started", shouldn't it state "Resume Received? |
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A: Yes. Upon completion of your application, return to USAJOBS and check your application status to make certain your status has changed and indicates "Resume Received " with a link to "more information." If your application status does not include the more information link, you will be unable to follow the status of your application online throughout the application review process. The status of "Application Started" indicates you have not completed all steps in the application process. If your status indicates "Application Started" and the announcement is still open, follow these instructions:
1. In the My Applications section of My USAJOBS, click on the title of the position.
2. At the bottom of the vacancy announcement, click [Apply Online].
3. Re-select the resume you are using to apply to this position and click [Send updated resume]. You will be transferred to your previously completed answers in our system.
4. Take me to the assessment will already be selected. Click [Continue]. NOTE: If you would like to review/update your contact information or your responses to the Federal core questions, or if you wish to print fax cover sheets, select the option Update my information that is on file and then click [Continue]. Going directly to the assessment bypasses this information.
5. Click [Continue] or [Finished with Grade …] to move through your previously completed answers.
6. After reviewing your answers to the vacancy questions, you will arrive at the first of two "finished" buttons. Click [Finished].
7. You have now arrived at the final page of the application process. Review all of the information you are submitting with the exception of faxed supporting documentation. At the bottom of the web page, click [Finished]. This is the second of two "finished" buttons. Our system will now return you to USAJOBS.
If you exit the application process at any time prior to clicking on the second finished button, you will not have access to your status through USAJOBS. This includes if you return to an already completed application to make changes or review your application. You must complete all steps each time you access your partial or fully completed application and have the system return you to USAJOBS.
If your status indicates "Application Started" and the announcement is closed. E-mail the following address and request a status update: apphelp@aphis.usda.gov.
Q: What if I want to change or update my answers to the vacancy questions? |
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A: You may change or update your answers to the vacancy questions anytime before midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. To return later and continue or edit your application:
1. Go to the USAJOBS web page: http://www.usajobs.gov
2. Fill in your USAJOBS username and password at MY USAJOBS located near the top of the screen.
3. If you would like to update your resume, do so by clicking on [My Resumes].
4. Once your resume is updated or if you would like to go directly to the questions specific to the vacancy click [My Applications].
5. Click on the job title of the position you would like to continue/edit.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the vacancy announcement and click [Apply Online].
7. You will have to re-select the same/ updated resume you would like to submit with your application. Then click [Send updated resume].
8. "Take me to the assessment" will already be selected. You may update your contact information and core Federal questions at this time or print additional fax cover sheets by selecting "Update my information that is on file", or click [Continue] to continue/edit your answers to the vacancy questions.
9. If you clicked [Finished] at an earlier time, the grades for which you applied will be selected. If you clicked [Save] when you first visited the application, the grades for which you applied will not be selected, and you will need to re-select the grades. However, all of your previously completed answers will be visible.
10. Follow through and review/edit all of your previously completed answers. Be certain to complete the entire process, click on two [Finished] buttons and you will be returned to USAJOBS automatically. Your return to USAJOBS completes the application process.
The preceding steps will bring you into your application and you will be able to see all of your completed answers. You are allowed to return and make changes to your application questions, update your personal information, submit supporting documentation and edit your resume until midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement to which you are applying. You must click [Finished] twice within the application process to submit your application. If you do not click [Finished] your application will not be submitted for consideration.
Last Modified: June 19, 2008