Overview of the Application Process

• See the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide:
• Create your federal resume
• Complete application questionnaires
• Submit the complete application by deadline
• Follow up with the agency contact

Build Your Federal Resume

• Federal resumes require more detail than standard resumes
• Carefully review the job vacancy announcement or position description
• Focus on the "duties" or "responsibilities" section, and customize your resume accordingly by identifying and including key words and phrases
• Federal Resume Tips:
  • Sample Federal Resume and Tips: http://www.makingthedifference.org/federaljobs/usajobsresume.shtml
  • Top 10 Common Pitfalls in Your Federal Resume
  • The Federal Resume Handbook
  • The Federal Resume Guide: What You Should Know When Applying for a Federal Career

Application Questionnaires

• Between 25-125 questions
• May include yes/no questions as well as experience-based questions
• Tip-preview questions using a link found in the job vacancy announcement

Cover Letters

• Additional opportunity to show how you fit
• Contact the agency's HR office for more information

Stay on top of your application

• USAJOBS.gov:Track your status using the Application Manager
• Agency websites: Contact the agency within two weeks after submitting your application to confirm its status

Security Clearances

• Some positions will require the full security clearance process; all will require a general background check
• Students who have a criminal record should not assume that they may not apply for federal employment.  Eligibility will depend on the office and position for which you will apply, the seriousness of the offense, how long ago you were convicted, and how many times you committed the offense
• Checkout the SF-85 and SF-86 form on www.opm.gov/forms

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities essays (KSAs)

• Typically ½ page to a full-page in length
• Tips-address key words and phrases mentioned in the position description, use substantive examples, tie your personal experiences to each KSA, focus on outcomes to which you directly contributed, and avoid acronyms.
• For KSA guidance see: www.makingthedifference.org/federaljobs/ksa.shtml