Federal Government Jobs
are Something to Consider

• Many Federal agencies fill their jobs like private industry by allowing applicants to contact the agency directly for job information and application processing.

• Most Federal agencies are responsible for their own hiring actions.

• Usually, a resume is the preferred tool when applying; however, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, OF 612, is also accepted.

• Some federal government jobs, such as Homeland Security jobs, Government contract jobs and most Federal Police jobs may require additional application paperwork to be filled in.

• There are two classes of jobs in the Federal Government:

• Those in the competitive civil service jobs, and those in the excepted service. 

• Competitive civil service jobs are subject to the civil service laws passed by Congress to ensure that applicants and employees receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.

• A basic principle of Federal employment is that all candidates must meet the qualification requirements before they hired into the position. 

• This is evident when applying for post office jobs and some airport jobs where applicants are administered formal tests as well as a background screening.

• Excepted service agencies set their own qualification requirements and are not subject to the same Congressional laws; however, they are subject to Veterans' preference.

• Government agencies are required to post their competitive service positions on OPM's (Office of Personnel Management) USAJOBS system whenever they are seeking applicants from the general public and outside of their own agency.

• Although agencies are not required to post their excepted service positions on USAJOBS, many do so they can get additional applicants.

• Remember, an agency is under no obligation to make a selection. In some instances, an agency may cancel the posting and choose to re-announce the vacancy at a later time.

• Most Federal agencies as well as state government jobs do their own recruiting and hiring. Agencies post their announcements with all of the instructions and procedures for applying to that particular position.

• Because agencies do their own hiring and have different requirements, procedures and information required are often varied between agencies.

• All agencies require the basic resume information but it varies on how much additional information is needed in order for the agency to process your application.

• Examples include transcripts, forms, narrative descriptions of competencies, questionnaires, etc. It's recommended that you follow the instructions very carefully. 

• Many announcements allow applicants to apply online directly to the agency. Using the online method, you decide which resume to submit for that particular job.