Frequently Asked Questions About Employment

General Questions

1. Do I need to add separate application materials (cover letter, etc.) to be considered for more than one job?
2. If I applied for a position two months ago and now see a new job announcement, should I submit my materials again?
3. How do I determine the closing date of a job announcement?
4. Can I submit a regular résumé or does CBO require an SF 171 and information on my knowledge, skills, and abilities?
5. How do I determine the General Schedule level of jobs?
6. What information should I provide in my cover letter?
7. How do I submit my transcripts if I can't e-mail them?
8. My school would prefer to mail the transcripts. Can they be sent by Federal Express to ensure prompt delivery?
9. Does CBO require official transcripts?
10. What type of a writing sample should I submit?
11. When a job announcement requests three references, does CBO want letters of reference or recommendation?
12. What information does CBO want in a salary history?
13. Does CBO consider noncitizens for employment?
14. How will I know if CBO has received my résumé?
15. What do I do if I don't receive an e-mail indicating that CBO received my initial application materials?
16. There are several jobs I am interested in, but I will not be available for employment until I graduate. Should I submit my application materials now?
17. Will I receive any additional information about the status of my application?
18. If I am interviewed and not selected for a specific job, will I remain under consideration for other jobs?
19. I applied for an internship; will that application allow me to be considered for full-time employment?
20. Is there any way that I can find out about new job announcements in a specific division?

Answers

1. Do I need to add separate application materials (cover letter, etc.) to be considered for more than one job?
   No, although you should indicate which specific jobs you are interested in. Your application materials will be reviewed for consideration for all positions for which you are qualified for 180 days from the date of your initial application.
   
   
2. If I applied for a position two months ago and now see a new job announcement, should I submit my materials again?
   There is no need to resubmit materials if you originally applied within the past 180 days unless you need to update your materials to indicate newly acquired experience or education. However, you may indicate your interest in any new job by accessing your online application, selecting that job, and clicking the "Submit" button.
   
   
3. How do I determine the closing date of a job announcement?
   CBO does not have closing dates for its announcements. Job announcements remain on the agency's Web site until the position is filled. When you apply for a job, CBO may be at any step of the recruitment process for that position.
   
   
4. Can I submit a regular résumé or does CBO require an SF 171 and information on my knowledge, skills, and abilities?
   Please submit a regular résumé with the additional materials that are requested in the job announcement.
   
   
5. How do I determine the General Schedule level of jobs?
   CBO's salary structure does not follow the General Schedule. CBO offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications.
   
   
6. What information should I provide in my cover letter?
   Use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight specific experience or education that you feel qualifies you for the position.
   
   
7. How do I submit my transcripts if I can't e-mail them?
   Transcripts must be submitted through the online application system. If you can't download a transcript from your university, do one of the following:
   
   
   • Use a scanner to create an electronic file of your transcript and then upload the file.
   • Manually enter the information from your transcript into the online application system.
   • Download CBO's Transcript Form, fill it out with the information from your transcript, and then upload the completed Excel file.
   
   
8. My school would prefer to mail the transcripts. Can they be sent by Federal Express to ensure prompt delivery?
   CBO is not accepting application materials outside of the online application. Please add your transcript information by one of the methods described in the online application system.
   
   
9. Does CBO require official transcripts?
   For evaluation purposes, CBO will accept unofficial transcripts.
   
   
10. What type of a writing sample should I submit?
    If possible, submit a short writing sample for which you have conducted research and completed a quantitative analysis of the subject. A sample on subject matter relating to the particular unit or division that you are interested in would also be desirable.
    
    
11. When a job announcement requests three references, does CBO want letters of reference or recommendation?
    No, CBO requests that you provide contact information for references who would be able to describe your qualifications for the position. Typical references include a previous supervisor or faculty member.
    
    
12. What information does CBO want in a salary history?
    Please provide salary information for the last 10 years of employment (if applicable). The preferred method would be to indicate the base salary, cost-of-living increases, merit increases, and any bonuses as separate items for each year.
    
    
13. Does CBO consider noncitizens for employment?
    CBO may employ individuals who are not U.S. citizens if certain immigration and the other legal requirements are met. Please review the citizenship requirements to determine employment eligibility before submitting an application.
    
    
14. How will I know if CBO has received my résumé?
    You will receive an automatic e-mail confirming that the materials you submitted were received.
    
    
15. What do I do if I don't receive an e-mail indicating that CBO received my initial application materials?
    If you don't receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your materials within a week, send an e-mail to jobs@cbo.gov requesting that confirmation.
    
    
16. There are several jobs I am interested in, but I will not be available for employment until I graduate. Should I submit my application materials now?
    CBO may extend offers for certain jobs to candidates who have not yet graduated and may negotiate a start date following graduation. You will remain under consideration for all appropriate positions for 180 days from your application date.
    
    
17. Will I receive any additional information about the status of my application?
    You may be contacted if CBO requires further information from you or would like to schedule an interview. If you are interviewed, CBO will contact you regarding your status.
    
    
18. If I am interviewed and not selected for a specific job, will I remain under consideration for other jobs?
    You will remain under consideration for all appropriate jobs for 180 days after the date you submit your application. You may resubmit application materials during that time to restart the 180-day period of consideration.
    
    
19. I applied for an internship; will that application allow me to be considered for full-time employment?
    No, the Summer Internship Program requires a separate application process and has a specific deadline. To also be considered for full-time employment, you must submit a separate application.
    
    
20. Is there any way that I can find out about new job announcements in a specific division?
    You may register to receive new job announcements as they are posted to the CBO Web site.