|
|
|
 |
www.dol.gov
|
 |
 |
 |
| November 4, 2008 DOL Home > DOL Online Opportunities Recruitment System |  |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction The Department of Labor Online Opportunities Recruitment System (DOORS) is a web-based e-Recruitment system that provides both Department of Labor (DOL) employees and outside job seekers the opportunity to apply for DOL specific jobs via the Internet. From an internal perspective, the Human Resources (HR) Division uses DOORS to help qualify, rate and rank job applicants producing quality candidates in a timely manner.
Q2: What happens when I am in the DOORS system? Q4: What if I don't have a computer? Q5: What if I don't have an e-mail account? Q6: What if I need help applying online? Q7: When exactly do jobs close in DOORS? Q8: Will DOL accept paper applications? Q9: Can DOL employees use their work email address? Q10: What if someone submits false information? Q11: How do DOL Agencies post dual announcements (DEU and merit staffing) under the DOORS system? Q12: What are question-based crediting plans? Q13: What is the difference between competency-based questions and KSAs? Applicant/Employee Information Q14: How do I apply to a DOL job via the USAJOBS website? Q16: Should an applicant retain a copy of their application once complete? Q17: If you are halfway through your application, will DOORS save your input? Q18: My application status says Application Started, but I completed my application already? Q20: What if I want to submit additional documents? Q21: As an applicant, can I apply from home? Q22: How is my application rated? Q24: How will my experience, education and the responses to my questions be verified? Q26: How is the confidentially of my Race and National Origin data protected? Q29: How do I apply for a Senior Executive Service (SES) position? Resume Related Questions Q30: Can I create a resume online? Q31: Do we need keywords in the resume in order to be more visible? Q32: I already have a resume prepared. Can I upload it into the USAJOBS system as an attachment? Q33: What if I want to submit a long version resume? Q34: How can applicants upload attachments to the resume? Q35: What happens if I don't submit a resume with my personal information when applying for a job? Q37: Is making the resume non-searchable and confidential the same thing? USAJOBS Related Questions Q39: Do I have to use USAJOBS to apply for a Department of Labor job? Q40: Do I have to use USAJOBS to search for Department of Labor vacancy announcements? Q41: How do I search by GS Grade Level? Q42: Can the Search Agent feature on the USAJOBS site search for all or multiple locations? Q43: Is it possible to have multiple identities in USAJOBS or DOORS? Submitting Supplemental Documentation (ex. College Transcripts and Veteran’s Preference documentation Q45: What are the methods of submitting supplemental documentation? Questions for Vacancies for Which You Are Asked to Generate a Fax Coversheet to Submit Your Supplemental Documentation Q48: Have you received my fax? Q50: How do I print fax coversheets? Q51: How come I only got one confirmation when I faxed 2 separate documents? DOL Manager/Selecting Official and Subject Matter Expert Questions Q52: What is the benefit of using the DOORS system? Q53: What part of the process does DOORS automate for the manager/selecting official? Q54: What is my role as a Selecting Official and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME)? Q55: Who is responsible for generating the certificate of eligibles under the DOORS system? Q56: What kinds of questions are stored in DOORS? Q57: Can new questions be added into DOORS? General Information A: The Department of Labor’s (DOL) e-Recruit System, called “DOORS” (DOL Online Opportunities Recruitment System), is the service delivery mechanism that automates the federal hiring process and is fully integrated with the Federal government’s USAJOBS (Recruitment One-Stop (ROS)) System. DOORS is used by DOL to build and post vacancies directly to the USAJOBS website and to receive on-line applications from job applicants. After the vacancy closes the HR office uses the system to help rate, rank and certify candidates. Top-talent is quickly identified and can be forwarded to the selecting official. Q2: What happens when I am in the DOORS system? A: In DOORS, 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 DOORS questions will become your application. After the vacancy closes, the Human Resource Specialist uses DOORS to identify those candidates with the related experience to refer to the hiring agency. A: Yes. DOORS runs on a private secure database, and DOL is the owner of the data. The system meets DOL’s stringent security requirements. Q4: What if I don't have a computer? A: Most career resource centers, unemployment offices, public libraries, college placement centers and job search agencies have computers and Internet access for their patrons to use. If applying online poses a hardship to you, please call the HR Specialist at least two (2) business days before the closing date of the announcement to request assistance. Q5: What if I don't have an e-mail account? A: There are several Internet Service Providers that offer free email accounts. You can access one of these providers to register for a free email account. For assistance, contact the Point of Contact noted on the vacancy announcement. Q6: What if I need help applying online? A: For assistance in applying for a DOL vacancy, you may review the Applicant At-A-Glance document at http://www.dol.gov/oasam/doljobs/apply/apply-overview.htm or contact the Point of Contact noted on the vacancy announcement. Q7: When exactly do jobs close in DOORS? A: Positions close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Q8: Will DOL accept paper applications? A: DOL strongly encourages the electronic filing of applications. Only the Human Resource Officer (HRO) may authorize the use of the alternative paper filing method on a case-by-case basis. If the alternative paper filing method is allowed, the applicant is required to respond to the same questions as applicants applying online and to submit a signed copy of their answers, all required supplemental documentation, and required applicant information by the timeframe specified on the announcement. Q9: Can DOL employees use their work email address? A: Yes, DOL employees can use their work e-mail as the primary contact in USAJOBS. However, employees should comply with DOL's computer usage guidance. Q10: What if someone submits false information? A: Falsifying or answering questions to mislead the system's automated process is no different than providing false or misleading information on your application under the old process. Applicants are reminded that this is a federal job application system. Providing false information, creating fake ID's or Social Security Numbers, or failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely may be grounds for not hiring you, for disbarment from Federal Service, or for dismissal after being hired. Falsifying a Federal job application, attempting to violate the privacy of others, or attempting to compromise this system is punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001). Q11: How do DOL Agencies post dual announcements (DEU and merit staffing) under the DOORS system? A: Multiple announcements are typically posted for positions advertised for merit and non-status positions. These announcements will have different vacancy numbers, but in order to be considered for both status and non-status, you must apply to each. Q12: What are question-based crediting plans? A: Previously, candidates were primarily evaluated based on their knowledge, skills and abilities. The competency question-based criteria provides an automated means for evaluating candidates early in the application process and reducing the lag-time associated with the use of panels. Q13: What is the difference between competency-based questions and KSAs? A: Competency- based questions are used to screen applicants on specific knowledge relevant to the vacancy posting. While applying online in DOORS, you will encounter a variety of question formats such as Multiple Choice, True/False, Multiple Answer/Multiple Choice, and Short and Long Narrative explanations. KSAs are more narrative in nature and allow a free format for applicants to explain their expertise based upon each competency specific to the vacancy. DOL has moved towards using predominantly competency-based questions. Applicant/Employee Information Q14: How do I apply to a DOL job via the USAJOBS website? A: For instructions on applying to a DOL job, please refer to the following link http://www.dol.gov/oasam/doljobs/apply/apply-overview.htm You must be a registered user of USAJOBS before you can apply for DOL jobs. Please review the procedures for logging into USAJOBS. Instructions are provided on the USAJOBS web site for your assistance http://www.usajobs.gov/firsttimers.asp. A: There are four methods for tracking your applications. First, you can print the application confirmation screen from USAJOBS when you complete the application process. Second, you can request to receive a copy of your responses to the application questions when you finish applying for jobs in DOORS. Third and most recommended, you can check individual application information by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking the “Applications” link. Last, you may request assistance from the point of contact noted on the vacancy announcement. Be sure to have the vacancy announcement number and title of the position available. Q16: Should an applicant retain a copy of their application once complete? A: Yes, it is a good idea for applicants to retain all copies of the application process for their records including the vacancy announcement, resume, application confirmation page and email of faxed confirmation of supplemental documentation (if applicable). Q17: If you are halfway through your application, will DOORS save your input? A: Yes, your responses will be saved provided you click the “Save” icon at the bottom of each page prior to leaving the system. Clicking on other USAJOBS tabs during the application process will not save your information. To complete the application from where you left off, you must search for the announcement, click ”Apply Online”, login to USAJOBS to retrieve and select your desired resume, and continue with the application process. DOORS will display any previously saved information. Q18: My application status says Application Started, but I completed my application already? A: The status changes to “Application Started” when you view your application and exit without going to the end of the application. If you are updating your application, make sure you go to the end of the application process (this entails clicking 2 “Finish” buttons to submit your changes). If you do not do this, you will not have additional options to review vacancy and application status. A: If the question is a short or long answer type question, DOORS provides an area where you can respond with text. Short answer questions allow for a 250 character response. Long answer questions allow for a 251 – 8,000 character response (based on the amount determined when the question was created). Additionally, you can edit your resume to include supporting supplemental information that you would like the hiring managers to consider for the specific vacancy. If selected for an interview, you may bring additional documents such as publications to support your application. Q20: What if I want to submit additional documents? A: You must submit the required documentation as specified within the vacancy announcement. Your application will not be considered if the required supporting documentation is not submitted or is not submitted in accordance with the time frames indicated in the announcement. You may provide additional documentation to the selecting official(s) during the interview process. Q21: As an applicant, can I apply from home? A: Yes. As an applicant, you can apply from any location. Most internal jobs are posted on www.USAJOBS.gov, but to view ALL public, status and internal DOL vacancies from offsite (i.e. a non-DOL computer), you must access the following URL address: http://www.doors.dol.gov/internalindex.asp. Q22: How is my application rated? A: For most jobs, the responses you provide to the questions are the basis for the rating calculated by DOORS or by a panel. The questions are determined by the selecting official, Subject Matter Expert and/or HR Specialist. A Human Resources Specialist will conduct a review of the application package for all applicants who make the best-qualified list and, if necessary, may request additional information from you to verify status. A: Nothing will prevent you from doing this. However, falsifying or answering questions to mislead the system's automated process is no different than providing false or misleading information on your application. Q24: How will my experience, education and the responses to my questions be verified? A: The resume, as well as the interview process, will be used to address questionable situations or issues. A review of the resume will be conducted for all applicants who make the best-qualified list. USAJOBS is working on a feature that will allow applicants to upload a maximum of 5 documents along with the job application. A: No. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is required in order to apply for a federal job. Only HR Staffing specialists and Selecting officials will view your application information. Q26: How is the confidentially of my Race and National Origin data protected? A: Applicants have the option to voluntarily and confidentially enter demographic information when initially registering in DOORS. To ensure the candidate's anonymity, the data is immediately encrypted and cannot be tied to a specific candidate. A: As a general rule, all applications and supplemental information must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If a situation occurs for which you believe an extension is warranted (ex: justified hardship), please contact the servicing Human Resources Specialist who can check to see on a case-by-case basis if an exception may be granted. A: In cases where a vacancy announcement is open to internal (Merit Staffing) and external (Delegated Examining) applicants, a vacancy announcement will typically be posted for each category. You must apply to each vacancy announcement to receive consideration. Q29: How do I apply for a Senior Executive Service (SES) position? A: SES vacancy announcements will be posted on USAJOBS, and the application process is the same as for non-SES positions. You are provided SES specific search capability at USAJOBS and on all DOL websites. Specific application requirements and required documentation will be identified in the vacancy announcement. Resume Related Questions Q30: Can I create a resume online? A: Yes. Once you have registered at USAJOBS, you will be required to create a Federal resume. In fact, you have the capability of creating and storing up to five resumes. Once created, you can update your resume(s) as necessary. When you apply for a particular vacancy, you will be asked to select a resume to submit as part of your application. If you apply for another vacancy, you may wish to update your resume at that time to correspond more closely with the new vacancy announcement. Q31: Do we need keywords in the resume in order to be more visible? A: No, keywords are not necessary for greater visibility. Resumes are only one part of the application. Responses to the vacancy specific questions will determine an applicant’s eligibility. It is best to provide thorough and accurate answers to these questions. Q32: I already have a resume prepared. Can I upload it into the USAJOBS system as an attachment? A: Not at this time, however you can copy and paste information from your resume into USAJOBS. Q33: What if I want to submit a long version resume? A: The Federal resume you create within USAJOBS will automatically become the default resume attached to your application or, if you created more than one resume, you will be asked to select which resume you wish to use. Q34: How can applicants upload attachments to the resume? A: Currently, there is no functionality which allows you to upload attachments to your online application. If applicants wish to cut and paste resume text, it is advisable to convert your material to “Plain Text” in lieu of the common “Rich Text”. Q35: What happens if I don't submit a resume with my personal information when applying for a job? A: You will be asked to submit a resume when applying online for a Department of Labor vacancy. If you do not select a resume, you will not be able to move forward in the application process. If your resume is not fully completed (for ex. Duties for a Work Experience are not fully documented) and attached to the announcement prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the HR Specialist may determine that your resume does not support your application and you may not be considered for the position.. A: No, your resume is only searchable by HR Specialists. Registering with USAJOBS allows applicants to expand their marketability. When a resume is designated as searchable, DOL HR specialists and other federal department HR specialists can identify candidates with requisite skills needed for their respective position and notify them of potential vacancy matches. Q37: Is making the resume non-searchable and confidential the same thing? A: No, “Searchable” resumes allow recruiters to find your resume, non-searchable resumes are kept private. Searchable and non-searchable resumes can be confidential. If you select your resume to be confidential, your name, current job and references will be hidden from recruiters. Recruiters who find your resume will contact USAJOBS who will forward the recruiter's message to the email address you have provided in USAJOBS. If you apply online with a non-confidential resume, ALL information will be visible to the recipient. USAJOBS Related Questions A: USAJOBS is the official job site of the Federal government and the Recruitment One-Stop (ROS) resource where you can search for jobs, create and edit resumes, and access information regarding your individual job search, e.g., the status of your applications. You may obtain more specific information on the www.USAJOBS.gov website. Q39: Do I have to use USAJOBS to apply for a Department of Labor job? A: Yes. You must create a user account and at least one Federal resume at the www.USAJOBS.gov website. 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 DOL E-Recruit System (DOORS) when you apply on-line. Q40: Do I have to use USAJOBS to search for Department of Labor vacancy announcements? A: No. You may begin a search for a Department of Labor job opening at http://www.jobs.dol.gov. DOL employees can also access DOL job vacancies on the LaborNet Intranet website. Q41: How do I search by GS Grade Level? A: The USAJOBS system provides a salary and grade level search option. To review current Federal pay, please see go to http://www.opm.gov/oca/07tables/index.asp. Q42: Can the Search Agent feature on the USAJOBS site search for all or multiple locations? A: Yes, you may have your search agent look for one or multiple locations. Simply click on your selection and while holding the “Ctrl” button, select the additional locations. Q43: Is it possible to have multiple identities in USAJOBS or DOORS? A: No. Your Social Security Number and your USAJOBS Username and Password identify you in DOORS. Any differences between an applicant’s name and SSN in USAJOBS and DOORS will be identified and create a system error. A: No, you have to create a separate login for each. Some agencies use USAJOBS as a vehicle to post vacancies, but link to separate application systems once you click to apply online. DOORS is integrated directly with USAJOBS which is why you must go through USAJOBS when applying for DOL jobs. Submitting Supplemental Documentation (ex. College Transcripts and Veteran’s Preference documentation Q45: What are the methods of submitting supplemental documentation? A: HR can ask that you submit supplemental documentation by:
*** Be sure to at least refer to the “How to Apply” section and the “Required Documents” sections of the Vacancy Announcement Information to ensure you submit the documents in the required manner. Each vacancy is different. A: Follow the instructions under the ‘How to Apply’ tab on how to fax/mail supplemental documents for the announcement. Please note: If the requested document does not apply to you, you will not be required to fax the document (for example, if you are not a Veteran, you will not be required to fax in the Veterans documentation). A: As a general rule, all applications and supplemental information must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. The servicing Human Resources Office, on a case-by-case basis, may review extenuating circumstances. Questions for Vacancies for Which You Are Asked to Generate a Fax Coversheet to Submit Your Supplemental Documentation Q48: Have you received my fax? A: If HR chose to use the “fax imaging” functionality to request for your fax documents, you will see that you are asked to generate a specific “Fax Coversheet” for each document. You will receive an e-mail confirmation for each fax that is received by the DOORS System. It may take at least 2 - 4 hours to get a fax confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive the e-mail within 24 hours, please fax the document again or contact the vacancy point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement as soon as possible prior to announcement closing. The e-mail confirmation is your official confirmation of receipt. A: No, you are only required to fax documents that are applicable to you. If you are not sure what the requested document is (for ex. CTAP/ICTAP documentation), more than likely, you will not be required to fax this documentation in, but you should contact the vacancy point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement for clarification. Q50: How do I print fax coversheets? A: To generate fax coversheets after submitting your application:
Q51: How come I only got one confirmation when I faxed 2 separate documents? A: If faxing more than one document type, you must NOT fax all documents under one coversheet. You must use the appropriate fax coversheet for each document type (e.g. use college transcripts coversheet once for all transcripts, SF-50 coversheet for SF-50) and fax each set SEPARATELY. Even though, they are going to the same fax number, they need to be faxed individually to show in the system correctly. Otherwise, you may not be considered for the job. DOL Manager/Selecting Official and Subject Matter Expert Questions Q52: What is the benefit of using the DOORS system? A: The former paper-based recruitment process was cumbersome for applicants, managers and HR Staff and did not lend itself to being competitive with private industry or other federal agencies already using new technology. DOORS is helping improve timeliness, reduces paper, provides an electronic audit trail of recruitment actions, and enhances customer service. Q53: What part of the process does DOORS automate for the manager/selecting official? A: The DOORS system enables managers to screen candidates quickly by providing an online certificate of eligibles, an “e-Certificate”. HR will need to request a DOORS account for a manager by emailing DOORS@dol.gov. Managers will then receive an e-mail from the HR Specialist with instructions on how to access the e-Certificate. The e-Certificate will allow managers to view the applicant’s resume, responses to core questions and responses to vacancy specific questions. Q54: What is my role as a Selecting Official and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME)? A: As the selecting official or SME, your role in the process is critical. You are the subject matter expert and possess the breadth of knowledge, experience and skills needed to identify the competencies to fill the position. As the Manager, it is critical that you take the leadership role in serving as the SME and work collaboratively with your HR Specialist in the development of competency based questions and rating criteria. Q55: Who is responsible for generating the certificate of eligibles under the DOORS system? A: The HR Specialist can use the DOORS system to generate a certificate of eligible candidates based upon minimum qualifications. The HR Specialist is responsible for forwarding additional documentation to the selecting official or the documentation will be available for review via the e-Certificate if HR used the fax imaging functionality. Q56: What kinds of questions are stored in DOORS? A: Questions pertain to both minimum qualification requirements as well as competency-based questions. Questions can be in a variety of formats, such as Yes/No, True/False, Short and Long Answer, Multiple Choice, and Multiple Answer/Multiple Choice. Q57: Can new questions be added into DOORS? A: Yes, the operating HR Office can add new questions (should first be validated by SMEs and the HR Office DOORS Content Controller) to the system at any time. These questions will be stored in the library and can be used for future vacancies. Q58: I routinely send my vacancy announcements to local and national organizations. Can DOORS help me with this? A: Yes, the Job Notifier feature in DOORS allows the HR Offices to load, save, categorize and store multiple recruitment sources in the system. As each vacancy is prepared for announcement, the HR Specialist can select specific professional associations, educational institutions, or community organizations to receive the vacancy announcement notification. The system then automatically sends an e-mail message to the designated organizations informing them of the vacancy. Q59: If the system rates and ranks candidates, do I still need to designate a subject matter expert (SME) or rating/ranking panel for my vacancy? A: No. The intent is for the system to relieve the HR Specialist from having to go through the manual process of determining basic qualification requirements and to eliminate the need for SMEs and rating/ranking panels to review applications although panels may be used for certain jobs. HR Specialists will consult up front with the manager or SME to determine the appropriate questions to be included in the vacancy. Using DOORS does not replace the need for subject matter input.
|
|
|||||||
| ||||||||
®
