USDA - APHIS

Job Opportunities - Applying for a Job - Frequently Asked Questions - General Information about USAJobs

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Why do I have to use USAJOBS to apply for a job?
How do I register with USAJOBS?
What happens after I have registered with USAJOBS and I am ready to apply for a vacancy?
Do I have to use USAJOBS to search for APHIS, AMS or GIPSA vacancy announcements?
What happens in USDA’s recruitment system?
I don’t understand why USAJOBS won’t let me in?
If my USAJOBS account is deactivated, can it be reactivated?
Will the system work with all browser types?

Q: Why do I have to use USAJOBS to apply for a job?

A: Most Federal agencies use USAJOBS to recruit applicants for their positions. The Department of Agriculture, has integrated its job search system with USAJOBS to make it quicker and easier for applicants to find and apply for jobs in which they are interested. You must create a user account and at least one Federal resume at USAJOBS. Information you provide in USAJOBS is general information completed by all applicants. The information you provide and your Federal resume will become part of your application and will automatically be transferred to the USDA Recruitment System, when you apply on-line.

Q: How do I register with USAJOBS?

A: Open your Internet browser, and Go to http://www.usajobs.gov.
If you have not used USAJOBS previously, you will need to create a new account, choose a user name and password and then login. Creating an account will enable you to post your resume online, apply to Federal jobs, and receive automated job alerts. Next, choose to Create and Store a Resume. Follow the instructions to create your resume.

Q: What happens after I have registered with USAJOBS and I am ready to apply for a vacancy?

A: Once you have completed your registration and posted your resume with USAJOBS you will be ready to apply for AMS, APHIS or GIPSA vacancies. You can browse AMS, APHIS or GIPSA vacancies right from the USAJOBS website. As you choose a vacancy and click "[Apply Online]", if you are logged into your My USAJOBS account, your USAJOBS resume will be automatically referred to the vacancy for which you apply in the USDA system. If you have more than one resume stored in USAJOBS, you will be able to select the relevant resume you wish to use to apply for the position. Click "[Apply for this position now!] and your resume will be attached. You will then see a screen which will take you directly to the AMS, APHIS or GIPSA vacancy so you can answer the specific vacancy questions. For further instructions on the application process please refer to the FAQ’s, “How do I apply if I am a new user?” Or “How do I apply if I am a previous user?”

Q: Do I have to use USAJOBS to search for APHIS, AMS or GIPSA vacancy announcements?

A: Yes, USAJOBS is the only portal we are using to list vacancy announcements for APHIS, AMS or GIPSA.

Q: What happens in USDA's recruitment system?

A: In the USDA system you will answer vacancy specific questions necessary to evaluate your qualifications for the specific job to which you are applying. When completed, the information you provided at USAJOBS and the answers to the questions will become your application. After the vacancy closes, the Human Resource Specialist uses the USDA Recruitment System to identify well-qualified candidates and refer them for consideration for the vacancy?.

Q: I don't understand why USAJOBS won't let me in.

A: Please review the procedures for logging into USAJOBS. Instructions are provided on the web site for your assistance. Remember, you must be a registered user of USAJOBS before you can apply for AMS, APHIS or GIPSA jobs, and your user id and password are case sensitive.

Q: If my USAJOBS account is deactivated, can it be reactivated?

A: USAJOBS accounts are deactivated after 18 months of inactivity. If your account has been deactivated, you should create an entirely new resume. It is to your advantage to update your resume at least twice a year to maintain your marketability and to avoid deactivation.

Q: Will the system work with all browser types?

A: At this time USAJOBS has only been tested against and confirmed compatible with Internet Explorer Versions 5.5 and above. If you are using any other web browser to complete your application you may experience errors, missing text or you may be unable to complete your application on-line.

Last Modified: June 19, 2008