FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the United States Secret Service
General Information
- What is USAJOBS?
- What is CareerConnector?
- What is the relationship between USAJOBS and CareerConnector?
- What if I do not have a computer?
- What if I do not have an email account?
- How do I apply if I cannot apply online?
Searching and Applying for Jobs
- How do I search for Secret Service job openings?
- What are some helpful hints when applying for a job with the Secret Service?
- How do I apply for a position announced through CareerConnector?
- How can I save my application if I want to come back and finish it later?
- How do I know if my application has been received?
- How do I get a copy of the application that I submitted?
- How do I edit an application that I have already submitted?
Supporting Documentation
- What supporting documentation do I need to submit?
- Do I need to submit supporting documentation for all types of documents?
- How do I submit my supporting documentation?
- Do I have to use the CareerConnector generated fax cover sheet if I wish to fax my supporting documentation?
- Why am I unable to print the required fax cover sheets?
- How do I know if you have received my supporting documentation?
- What is the deadline for submission of supporting documents?
Application Status
- How do I check on the status of my application?
- What if I have additional questions about the status of my application?
General Information
- What is USAJOBS?
USAJOBS is the official job site of the Federal government and the Recruitment One-Stop (ROS) resource where you can search for jobs, create resumes, and access information regarding your individual job search (e.g., the status of your application). To access USAJOBS, go to http://www.usajobs.gov
- What is CareerConnector?
CareerConnector is the Department of the Treasury's system that automates the application process. Through an agreement with the Department of Treasury, the Secret Service is implementing CareerConnector.
- What is the relationship between USAJOBS and CareerConnector?
The Secret Service has integrated its recruitment system, CareerConnector, with USAJOBS to make it quicker and easier for applicants to find and apply for jobs in which they are interested. You must create a user account and at least one Federal resume at USAJOBS. This will become part of your application and will automatically be transferred to CareerConnector. In CareerConnector, you will answer Federal core questions, vacancy specific questions, and submit supporting documentation.
The information you provided in USAJOBS and CareerConnector becomes your complete application package.
- What if I do not have a computer?
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 at no charge. If you cannot apply online, please call the number listed under Agency Contact Information in the vacancy announcement to request a hard copy application package. Be advised, if you request a hard copy application package late in the announcement period, you will not receive an extension past the closing date.
- What if I do not have an email account?
There are several Internet Service Providers that offer free e-mail accounts, such as Hotmail, Juno, Lycos and Yahoo. You can access one of these providers to register for a free e-mail account.
- How do I apply if I cannot apply online?
You are strongly encouraged to apply online via USAJOBS. If you cannot apply online, please call the number listed under Agency Contact Information in the vacancy announcement to request a hard copy application package. Be advised, if you request a hard copy application package late in the announcement period, you will not receive an extension past the closing date. Application packages submitted via e-mail will NOT be accepted.
Searching and Applying for Jobs
- How do I search for Secret Service job openings?
You may view Secret Service job openings by going to www.secretservice.gov and clicking "Current Vacancies". You can also locate Secret Service job opportunities by going to http://www.usajobs.gov. Click "Search Jobs". Next click "Agency Search" located at the top of the screen and then select "US Secret Service" located under the Department of Homeland Security.
You may also call 888-813-8777 for a listing of our current vacancies.
- What are some helpful hints when applying for a job with the Secret Service?
The following are the most frequent omissions made by applicants. These errors often result in the applicant being excluded from consideration. Please take the time to review this list. You may use it as a basic checklist when reviewing your application(s) for future announcements.
- Detailed description of your duties for all previous employment must be provided. We may not assume qualifying experience on the basis of "job title", employer, or employment type. We may only credit experience specifically described.
- All required supporting documentation, as specified in the vacancy announcement, must be submitted. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
- How do I apply for a position announced through CareerConnector?
If you are not registered with USAJOBS, you will need to establish an account. Go to www.usajobs.gov to complete your initial user information.
- To get started, at the USAJOBS website click "My USAJOBS" located near the top of the screen.
- Click "Create your account now".
- Complete the user information and click on "Submit".
- You will need to create a resume. Click "Create New Resume".
Returning users will return to this screen upon logging in. Returning users may create a new resume or edit existing resumes.
- Follow the prompts to complete your resume. If you are unable to complete your resume at this time and need to return later, you may click "Save for Later".
- If you wish to upload supporting documentation (i.e. transcripts, DD-214, SF-50) to USAJOBS, you may do so my clicking on "Portfolio". NOTE: Any documentation that you upload to USAJOBS can be submitted to the Secret Service application system, CareerConnector. If you do not upload supporting documentation to USAJOBS, you will have the opportunity to download it from your computer while you are in the CareerConnector system. In addition, you will have the opportunity to generate fax cover sheets in CareerConnector if you wish to fax your supporting documentation.
If you clicked on "Portfolio", select the document type from the dropdown menu. Click "Browse" to locate and select the file. Complete the description that identifies the document to be uploaded and then click "Upload".
- Now you are ready to search for jobs. Click "Search Jobs".
- Click "Agency Search". Select U.S. Secret Service under Homeland Security. Then click "Search for Jobs".
- Select the vacancy to which you wish to apply by clicking on the job title.
- After carefully reading the announcement, begin the application process by clicking "Apply Online" at the bottom of the announcement.
- Select the resume you would like to submit and click "Apply for this position now". USAJOBS will transfer you and your resume to our system where you will complete the application process.
- Once you have been transferred, follow the screen prompts. Be certain to read the instructions thoroughly before continuing. You will be asked to review your contact information and complete the core Federal questions in our system.
Returning CareerConnector users are strongly encouraged to review contact information and responses to the core Federal questions. To review this information, click "Update my Information that is on File".
- After reviewing your contact information and core Federal questions, you will be asked to respond to questions specific to this vacancy. You must respond to all questions in order to save or proceed with the application process.
There will be several screens of questions you will need to answer. Click "Next" at the bottom of each page after you have responded to the questions.
- Next, you will be taken to a page where you can upload supporting documentation from your computer, download supporting documentation from USAJOBS that you previously loaded, and/or obtain fax cover sheets to fax your supporting documentation.
To upload supporting documentation from your computer, click on "Upload", located beside the document type. Complete the description field that identifies the document to be uploaded. Click "Browse" to locate and select the file. When the file has been selected, click "Upload Document".
To download a document from USAJOBS, click on "USAJOBS", located beside the document type. If your documents are currently on USAJOBS and you wish to use the same documents for this vacancy, click the dropdown menu. Select the document to be retrieved from USAJOBS and click "Download from USAJOBS".
To fax a document, click "Fax", located beside the document type. The "Fax a Document" screen will be displayed. It is recommended that you view the fax instructions prior to printing the coversheet that will be sent with your fax. Click "Fax Instructions" or if you are aware of the fax instructions, click "Generate Cover Sheet".
Returning CareerConnector users will have the ability to reuse supporting documentation that was have submitted in the past. To do this, click "Reuse Existing Document" located beside the document type. From the dropdown menu, select the document type that you have previously submitted for a vacancy announcement. Then click "Select Document".
After you have uploaded documentation from your computer, downloaded documentation from USAJOBS, and/or generated fax cover sheets, click "Next". - The final step is to review your information for accuracy and completeness.
- Once you are satisfied with your application click "Finish", located at the bottom of the web page, to submit your application.
- Upon submission of your application you will be redirected back to USAJOBS where you may view your application status, continue to browse for open positions and/or apply for additional positions. You may return at any time until midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement to update or make changes to your application.
- How can I save my application if I want to come back and finish it later?
In order to save your application and return to finish answering the questions later, you must place answers in all of the vacancy specific questions. Our announcements require answers to all questions prior to saving your application. Therefore, we recommend you select an answer for all questions and type one or two words in the text boxes for the long and short answer questions. These answers do not have to be your final answers. Once you reach the end of the questions, having filled something in for all questions, you will be allowed to save your application.
- How do I know if my application has been received?
You may check to see if your application has been received by checking your vacancy status at the USAJOBS website: http://www.usajobs.gov. Login to My USAJOBS and click "Applications". You will then be able to view a list of all positions to which you have applied. Your application status should read "Resume Received ".
If your status indicates "Application Started" and the announcement is still open, follow the instructions for editing an application.
If your status indicates "Application Started" and the announcement is closed, you will still receive updates regarding your application via email. Notifications will be sent to the email address used for your USAJOBS registration.
- How do I get a copy of the application that I submitted?
You may obtain a copy of your submitted application by completing the following steps:
- Go to http://www.usajobs.gov
- Fill in your USAJOBS Username and Password and select the "Applications" link.
- You will now see a complete list of all vacancies to which you have applied and the current status of your application for each vacancy. You initial status should read "Resume Received" with a link below it for more information.
- To see more detailed information regarding your status for positions you have applied for with the Secret Service, click on the "More Information" link found in the application status column.
- You will be redirected to the system used by the Secret Service to view the details of your application status.
- Once you have been redirected, the "View Detailed Status of applications with this agency" option will be selected for you. Click "Continue".
- The list of positions for which you have applied to will be displayed. Click "Email" for the particular submitted application to be emailed to you. The application will be emailed to the address to which is linked to your USAJOBS account.
- Go to http://www.usajobs.gov
- How can I edit an application that I have already submitted?
Until midnight of the vacancy closing date, you can make any necessary edits to your application and submit the required supporting documentation
Login to USAJOBS. If you need to edit your resume, click "Edit" for the resume you wish to make changes to. After making any necessary edits, activate the resume.
Locate the vacancy announcement, and then click "Apply Online" at the bottom of the announcement.
Select the resume you are using to apply to this position and click "Send updated resume". You will be transferred to your previously completed answers in our system.
To update your responses to the Federal core questions, select "Update my information that is on file". Otherwise, select "Take me to the assessment" to update your responses to the vacancy questions.
After reviewing your answers to the vacancy questions, click "Next". You will be taken to a page where you can upload supporting documentation from your computer, download supporting documentation from USAJOBS that you previously loaded, obtain fax cover sheets to fax your supporting documentation, and/or use existing supporting documentation that you have submitted to positions announced through CareerConnector. Click "Next" to proceed to the final step.
You have now arrived at the final page of the application process. Review all of the information you are submitting with the exception of faxed supporting documentation. At the bottom of the web page, click "Finish". Our system will now return you to USAJOBS.
Supporting Documentation
- What supporting documentation do I need to submit?
The required application materials may vary from announcement to announcement. Be certain to read the entire vacancy announcement for the position you are applying to for complete instructions on what to submit. As a general guideline, supporting documentation for Special Agent and Uniformed Officer positions require the supplemental application packet. Other supporting documentation may include the following:
Documentation of Education:
College transcripts are required if:
- The position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field (as explained in the Qualifications section.)
- You are qualifying for the position based on education, or you are claiming Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) to qualify at the GS-7 level (as explained in the Qualifications section.)
NOTE: Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. The U.S. Department of Education may be of some help in providing information on these organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of Education at the following web site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Veterans Preference and Veteran Appointing Authority Documents:
***If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you must submit the following proof of eligibility:
- Five Point Preference: DD-214 (Member Copy 4 for the period of service which you are claiming Veterans' Preference)
- Ten Point Preference: DD-214 (Member Copy 4 for the period of service which you are claiming Veterans' Preference), Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference) and the proof requested on the Standard Form 15. To obtain the Standard Form 15, visit: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf
- VRA: DD-214 (Member Copy 4)
- VEOA: DD-214 (Member Copy 4) NOTE: This authority is only applicable when the area of consideration is open to applicants outside of Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- 30% Disabled Veteran: DD-214 (Member Copy 4), Standard Form 15 and the proof requested on Standard Form 15. To obtain the Standard Form 15, visit: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf
*Special note to those currently on active duty:
Applicants who do not have a DD-214 because they are on active duty should submit a letter from their Command. The following information should be included in the letter:
- Date of service (e.g. 1/5/08 to present);
- Branch of Service; and
- Rank.*NOTE: For more information about Veterans' Preference or Veteran Appointing Authorities, go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.htm
Documentation of Federal Employment:
ALL current and former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of an SF-50B, Notification of Personnel Action.CTAP/ICTAP Documentation
Individuals in the competitive service who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must apply for positions at or below the grade level from which they are (or may be) separated that do not have more promotion potential. They must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they meet the qualification requirements for the position; possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position; and able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
CTAP/ICTAP applicants must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. Therefore if you are applying to an announcement as CTAP or ICTAP you must submit the following:
- Documentation proving eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of removal for declining a reassignment, etc.)
- A copy of your most recent Performance Rating (must be at least Fully Successful)
- A copy of your most recent SF-50 showing the position, grade level, and duty location of the position from which you were (or will be) separated. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
For additional information, visit the following OPM sites:
People with Mental Retardation, Severe Physical Disabilities, or Psychiatric Disabilities and have documentation from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits may apply for non-competitive appointment through the Schedule A (5 C.F.R. 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Such documentation must be submitted with the application.
Additional Hiring Authority Documentation
Peace Corps and Vista Volunteer Eligibility Documentation
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who have successfully completed their service are granted one year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal appointments, under Executive Order 11103. The certification for noncompetitive eligibility is contained in the RPCV's "description of service (DOS)." This document is signed by the country director of the RPCV's country of service.
Returned Vista Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed a full year of service, earn non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs for one year. This one year of non-competitive eligibility begins the first day after you complete your full year of service. To establish your non-competitive status, you will need VISTA certification as proof of eligibility.
***If you are eligible for appointment based on any other special authority, please submit proof of eligibility.
- Do I need to submit supporting documentation for all types of documents?
No, the documents listed in the application process are all of the possible documents you may need to submit. Not all of the document types listed will pertain to you; only submit those documents needed to complete your application package. For example, the Schedule A Certification document must only be submitted by individuals applying based on eligibility for appointment due to a disability. The SF-50 is a form current and former Federal employees submit to document their Federal employment status. See the vacancy announcement regarding the required supporting documentation for the specific position.
- How do I submit my supporting documentation?
After you have answered the vacancy specific questions, you will be taken to a page where you can upload supporting documentation from your computer, download supporting documentation from USAJOBS that you previously loaded, obtain fax cover sheets to fax your supporting documentation, and/or use existing supporting documentation that you have submitted to positions announced through CareerConnector.
To upload supporting documentation from your computer, click on "Upload", located beside the document type. Complete the description field that identifies the document to be uploaded. Click "Browse" to locate and select the file. When the file has been selected, click "Upload Document".
To download a document from USAJOBS, click on "USAJOBS", located beside the document type. If your documents are currently on USAJOBS and you wish to use the same documents for this vacancy, click the dropdown menu. Select the document to be retrieved from USAJOBS and click "Download from USAJOBS".
To fax a document, click "Fax", located beside the document type. The "Fax a Document" screen will be displayed. It is recommended that you view the fax instructions prior to printing the coversheet that will be sent with your fax. Click "Fax Instructions" or if you are aware of the fax instructions, click "Generate Cover Sheet".
To reuse supporting documentation that you have submitted in the past, click "Reuse Existing Document" located beside the document type. From the dropdown menu, select the document type that you have previously submitted for a vacancy announcement. Then click "Select Document".
Supporting documentation sent via email will NOT be accepted.
- Do I have to use the CareerConnector generated fax cover sheet if I wish to fax my supporting documentation?
Yes. The CareerConnector generated cover sheet contains a bar code and identifying information that is read by the optical scanner to direct the document(s) to be attached to your specific personal profile record. This coding also tells the system which document is being transmitted. If you use your own created fax coversheet, it will not be directed and attached to your personal profile record.
- Why am I unable to print the required fax cover sheets?
If you click "Generate Cover Sheet" and the requested fax cover sheet does not appear in a separate window, you should check the settings on your Internet browser to see if a pop-up blocker is enabled. If so, you will need to temporarily turn off the blocker, or adjust settings to allow pop-ups for this website.
- How do I know if you have received my supporting documentation?
If you successfully uploaded supporting documentation from your computer, downloaded supporting documentation from USAJOBS that you previously loaded, and/or used existing supporting documentation that you had submitted, you will immediately see the document under "Description".
If you successfully faxed your supporting documentation, you will receive an email indicating receipt of your fax.
- What is the deadline for submission of supporting documentation?
All supporting documentation must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Application Status
- How do I check on the status of my application?
You may check the status of your application online 24 hours a day through the USAJOBS website.
To check on your application status:
- Go to http://www.usajobs.gov/
- Fill in your USAJOBS username and password and select the "Applications" link.
- You will now see a complete list of all vacancies to which you have applied and the current status of your application for each vacancy. You initial status should read "Resume Received" with a link below it for more information.
- To see more detailed information regarding your status for positions you have applied for with the Secret Service, click on the "More Information" link found in the application status column.
- You will be redirected to the system used by the Secret Service to view the details of your application status.
- Once you have been redirected, the "View Detailed Status of applications with this agency" option will be selected for you. Click "Continue" and you will see a more detailed explanation of your status.
If your USAJOBS status reads "Application Started", it means the application process was exited early and you may not have properly completed the application. If your status indicates "Application Started" and the announcement is closed, you will still receive updates regarding your application via email. Notifications will be sent to the email address used for your USAJOBS registration.
- Go to http://www.usajobs.gov/
- What if I have additional questions about the status of my application?
Contact the HR Office whose number is listed on the vacancy announcement and provide the vacancy announcement number for which you applied.