Whether you’re looking for a job or simply want to get a feel for the federal hiring process, it’s important to understand how to apply for a federal position. It can be confusing at first. There are many agencies that hire employees in different ways – and at different times of the year. The application process can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of documentation that must be submitted.
Applying for a federal job is a bit different from applying for private-sector jobs. The federal government has strict hiring guidelines that you must follow to get selected. Here are some tips for applying for a federal job that can help you during the process.
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Now, let’s dive into some of the best tips out there for applying for a federal job.
Start Early
Federal jobs can take months to fill, and many of those have multiple rounds of interviews and exams. You should begin your search as soon as possible so that you have time to prepare your application, decide what to include in a CV, and study for any required tests. Remember, preparation is half the battle!
Understand the Application Process
The federal application process is often broken into two parts: the formal application, which includes a resume or CV, and a series of tests, essays, and interviews later on in the process. The formal request is usually submitted through the USAJOBS website, while later stages of the process may be handled by a local hiring office or by email. Be sure you understand what will be required at each stage before you apply for a position.
Research the Hiring Agency and Position
Each agency has its own mission and structure, so it’s important to know what they do when preparing your application and interviewing. In other words, be familiar with the position description. Read what’s expected of you in the job description so that you can tailor your resume appropriately. Reviewing the job announcement before completing your application makes it easier to decide what information to include in your resume and cover letter, as well as what questions to ask during an interview.
Check the Vacancy Announcement
The vacancy announcement is the official job posting that lists the duties and requirements necessary to qualify for the position, such as education, experience, specialized training, and examination requirements. If you do not meet all of these qualifications, don’t apply.
The vacancy announcement also lists application procedures, such as how to correctly submit one, when and where to submit supporting documentation, and how many copies of each are required. You should adhere exactly to the instructions in this document to avoid delays in processing your application or disqualification from consideration.
Tailor Your Application for the Specific Position
Tailor your application materials for each position if you plan on applying for more than one job at an agency. This will show the hiring manager that you are interested in that specific job and did not just copy and paste from another application.
Craft a Winning Resume
A well-written resume is an essential tool for any job search. Your federal resume should include the following information.
Contact Information
List your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number at the top of your resume. Make sure to check their accuracy before submitting!
Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include dates of employment, employer’s name and address, job title, salary, and description of duties. If you have held multiple positions within the same agency, you may want to list your job titles under a single employer heading.
Yet, if you have only held one or two jobs outside of college or graduate school, you may want to list each separately in order to highlight your various experiences. If you worked on a temporary or part-time basis for an agency (e.g., as a summer intern), be sure to include this information as well.
Education
List all schools attended with degrees received and dates granted. Also, indicate if you are pursuing any additional degrees and the anticipated date of completion.
References (Optional, but Recommended) Provide a list of three professional references with contact information (name, title/organization affiliation, mailing address, email address, and phone number).
Include a Cover Letter
A cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you are interested in a position and why your skills and experience make you an excellent candidate. It is also a chance to describe what makes you unique and how your skills fit the role.
Proofread Carefully
When submitting an application online, it’s easy to click “submit” without thoroughly reading over your materials. But if there are spelling or grammatical errors in your application package, you won’t get an interview! Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes: would you hire someone who didn’t even take the time to proofread? If not, proofread your application carefully before sending it off to avoid making this basic mistake.
Final Thoughts
Phew! You’re almost done. Before you click “submit,” read these final tips and get ready for an exciting career change:
- Be honest. Federal job applications ask for a lot of information, so it’s tempting to fudge some facts or leave things out. Don’t do it. If you get caught in a lie, your application will be forgotten, and you’ll be out of luck. In addition, federal jobs require background checks, so don’t think that hiding the truth about your potentially troubled past on the application will help you.
- Appear well-groomed and take care to fill out your forms neatly and correctly. Federal jobs are held to a higher standard than private-sector jobs, which means that sloppy handwriting, appearance, and manners can cost you points.
- When you’re ready to submit your request, be sure to print out two copies: one for yourself and one for the government. Keep a copy in a safe place until the hiring process is over. This article has explored some of the most helpful tips to consider when applying for your next federal job. Hopefully, these tips will be useful – and you will find exactly what you are looking for in the process!