Sign up for Washington, DC Vacancies e-mail updates
Sign up for Fort Worth, TX Vacancies e-mail updates

How To Apply For A Federal Position:

You may apply for Federal positions by using OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment or a resume. If you submit a resume, it must include the employment and personal history information outlined in the Office of Personnel Management's flyer titled "Applying for a Federal Job" (OF-510). You may obtain a copy of OF-510 and OF-612 by calling (202) 927-8423 and leaving your name and address; by dialing into the Office of Personnel Management's electronic bulletin board system at (912) 757-3100, through Internet (TELNET connections only at: FJOB.MAIL.OPM.GOV).

What vacancies to look for:
Review the list of openings, decide which jobs you are interested in, and follow the instructions given. Applicants who have never worked in the Federal Government should look for vacancy announcements that are open for "Non-status" or to "All Sources". For the most part, OPM no longer maintains registers of eligible individuals for positions.

What to include:
We need certain information to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment. If your resume or application does not provide all the information requested in the job vacancy announcement and in this flyer, you may lose consideration for a job. Help speed the selection process by keeping your resume or application brief and to the point and by sending only the requested material. Type or print clearly in dark ink. Include:

1. The announcement number, and title and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying. You must apply for a specific announcement.
2. Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day and evening phone numbers with area code.
3. Country of citizenship (most Federal jobs require United States citizenship).
4. Veteran's preference and supporting documentation.
5. Reinstatement eligibility documentation if applicable (attach SF 50 proof of your career or career-conditional status).
6. Highest Federal civilian grade held (give job series and dates held).
7. Name, city and state of high school and date of diploma or GED.
8. Name, city and state of colleges and universities attended and list types and year of any degree received. (If no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.) Send a copy of your college transcript(s) only if the job vacancy announcement requests it.
9. Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience (do not send job descriptions): Job title (include series and grade if Federal job) Duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (month and year) Hours per week Salary
10. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.
11. Job-related training courses (title and year)
12. Job-related skills, for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, typing speed.
13. Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)
14. Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards. (Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.)
15. Address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the vacancy announcement.

Additional information:
If you served on active duty in the United States Military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans' preference. To receive preference if your service began after October 15, 1976, you must have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, or a service-connected disability. For further details, call OPM at (912) 757-3000. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans", or dial OPM's electronic bulletin board at (912) 757-3100.

Veterans' preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service (SES) jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current or former Federal career or career-conditional employees).

To claim 5-point veterans' preference, attach a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility.

To claim 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a "Declaration for Federal Employment" to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application.

If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.