As you may know, USAjobs is the federal repository for almost all federal vacancies.  I have to say the website usability is significantly improved over the past 3 years; you can truly curate your job search using job titles, salary/grade, location, military spouse, part-time, etc.  Of course, if you are new to the federal government job search process, it can still be a bit daunting.  Here is a step by step guide to help get you started.

• Create your USAjobs.gov profile.
• Curate your job search based on your specific skill sets.
• Drive the website on a regular basis to get used to the fields and modules.
• Review A LOT of job announcements to get a flavor of the federal language.
• Upload your resume (see below for a few helpful hints).

Writing your federal resume:  I’m sure you’ve heard the federal resume is a bit (well, a lot) more detailed than private sector.  Your resume is one of the primary documents, balanced against qualification requirements, to determine if your package is forwarded to the hiring official.  Please don’t let what appears to be complex deter you.  There are resources on USAjobs that can help you navigate the process.  A few things you can do now:

• Take some time to outline your knowledge, skills and abilities
  • YES, your private sector skills are transferable

• Search jobs that fit your capabilities
  • Check out this link to learn more about Federal Job Series and Pay Grades.

• Check out this YouTube post on Federal Job Search by www.resume-place.com

• Review, review, review – federal postings outline specific job requirements
  • From an assessment of your knowledge, skills and abilities and qualification requirement you can began to identify the jobs most suited to you.

You’ve applied, now what?  Sometimes it may feel like your resume has gone into a pile that will never be reviewed.  Not the case, if you’ve applied for a position, unless the job has been cancelled, your package will be reviewed by an HR Specialist.  However, if you are missing any part of the Required Documents, that may be a factor in determining your qualifications.  HR Specialists will not contact you to request missing documentation, so it’s very important review the job announcement. 

Each organization has a slightly different process for notifying you, at each phase of the process.  Each job announcement provides ‘Next Steps’ and the contact information for the HR Specialist/Office managing the vacancy.  Also check out the USAJobs FAQs   Also, USAjobs.gov provides general information on the application process.

I truly hope this information has been helpful.