The Smithsonian The Smithsonian follows merit principles and processes to ensure that applicants are evaluated and selected based on the requirements for the position listed under “Qualifications” and “Factors” in the vacancy announcement. In both the electronic and paper application systems, your application is scored against job related criteria. The highest scoring applicants are referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection.
As you prepare your short or long narrative responses, think of the factors as questions in an interview. How would you respond? What information would you give the interviewer to show that you have the experience, training or ability related to that particular question. The quality of the information you provide in your application package is extremely important. The responses can be in bullet or narrative format. Relevant work experience, volunteer experience and education all count.
The Smithsonian employs individuals in Federal Civil Service and non-Federal (Trust) positions. See FAQ section of this website for explanation of Federal and Trust employment.
Our electronic system is called STARS: Smithsonian Tracking & Applicant Referral System and is compatible with USAJOBS.
Use the resume builder on USAJOBS to develop your resume. You can maintain 5 different resumes on the system.
You will be asked to answer a number of questions that cover personal data and vacancy specific questions on knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) relevant to the job, which will be used to help determine your basic qualification for the position. The questions are in different formats such as yes/no, multiple choice, true/false and possibly short or long written responses. When you are finished developing your resume and answering questions, follow directions on the screen to submit your application. Make sure that you also submit any supporting documentation requested in the announcement. Once your application is transmitted, you will receive an acknowledgement email.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The Smithsonian is transitioning to an automated employment process. Some positions require a traditional paper resume while others may be submitted electronically.
Read each announcement carefully and follow the instructions on how to apply. Clicking on the job link on our website takes you directly to the USAJOBS site to begin the online application process.
The Federal government’s jobs website: www.usajobs.opm.gov
Responses to the questions are the basis for a numerical rating. The top scoring applications are reviewed by a Human Resources Specialist to ensure that answers on the electronic application reflect the skills and experience on the resume. After the review of applications is completed, those with the highest total scores will be notified via email of their referral to the hiring manager. All applicants will receive a final email notification after a selection is made.
Note: Your responses to the online questions must be substantiated by your resume. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher in response to vacancy questions than is evident from the experience, and/or education stated in your resume, your score may be adjusted. Falsifying answers to mislead the automated process is grounds for not hiring you or dismissal after you are hired.
Applicants are encouraged to read the entire vacancy announcement completely and following the instructions on how to apply.
You are asked to submit a resume OR a Federal application form SF 612, including responses to the factors on the announcement and other supporting documentation relative to the job requirements. You will receive an acknowledgement letter of receipt in the mail within 7 work days of applying.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be completed and compared to the qualification requirements listed on the job announcement to determine minimum eligibility for the position. We will then establish your final numeric score based on your resume and responses to the factors in the announcement. The best way to respond to the factors is to use extra sheets of paper separate from your resume. Describe your specific experience, education, or training for each of the factors.
Applicants who score the highest are referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants will receive a mail notification on the final outcome of the position.