Selection Process
The Department's on-line automated hiring system, "Gateway to State" is the newest way of applying for Civil Service jobs at the Department of State. This automated system helps to streamline the hiring process and applicants are able to track the status of their applications on-line.
As we continue to transition, it's important to note that you cannot yet apply for all of the Department's Civil Service jobs through the on-line Gateway to State system. Always read and follow the instructions under the "How to Apply" tab of the vacancy announcement before applying for a position.
How to Apply:
Applicants are required to complete and submit their on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. Information you provide in USAJOBS is general information completed by all applicants.
Although you have until MIDNIGHT Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to complete the three-step application process do not wait until the last day to apply.
Step One:
Identify the Job You Want
You must apply to a specific vacancy announcement, which may be used to fill a single vacancy or multiple vacancies over a period of time. Visit www.usajobs.gov for current vacancies.
Review the Vacancy Announcement
From the list of vacancies, click on an individual job title that interests you. The vacancy announcement provides information on specific duties, qualification requirements, ranking factors and application forms and procedures. Complete copies of the vacancy announcement can be printed from www.usajobs.gov.
To apply you must first register on USAJOBS at www.usajobs.opm.gov and create at least one federal resume. Your on-line resume must be typed or you may cut and paste an existing resume into the space provided. Failure to submit an on-line resume will result in an incomplete application and you will not be considered for the position.
Once you have completed the registration process, locate and print out the vacancy announcement for which you are applying and then select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions provided.
STEP 2:
Carefully Follow the Application Instructions
Required application materials and instructions regarding application must be submitted according to the application procedures in the vacancy announcement. It is essential that you follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the vacancy announcement to which you are applying.
When you apply through the Gateway to State, you will answer personal / core information and job specific questions which are necessary to evaluate your eligibility and qualifications for the specific vacancy to which you are applying. When completed, the information you provided at USAJOBS and the answers to the Gateway to State questions will become your application. After the vacancy announcement closes your application package will be automatically rated and ranked.
A further review is conducted by the Human Resources Office to determine if your background and/or education meet the eligibility and qualification requirements. Review your resume to make certain that it supports your responses to the personal information and the on-line job specific self-assessment questions. Once you submit your on-line application, you will see a screen telling you that your application has been successfully transmitted. If you do not receive this confirmation, you have not successfully completed your application.
Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm eastern standard time.
STEP 3:
Submitting Your Fax Documentation
Once you have completed the application process, you must fax the required supporting documentation listed on the vacancy announcement by the closing date in order to be considered for the position. Please click here for the instructions. Print the fax coversheet(s) generated at the end of the on-line application process. Then fax all supporting documentation to the number listed on the fax coversheet before the closing date of the announcement. Documents to be faxed are listed under the "How to Apply" tab in the "Required Documents" section of the vacancy announcement.
The fax coversheet(s) contains an important ID number, so do not cover it up when faxing and keep a copy for your files. Be certain to follow the fax instruction by clicking here, otherwise you may lose consideration for the job.
We recommend that you print and read these instructions and keep them handy while faxing.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. The evaluation will be based on information you provide in your on-line resume, your answers to the vacancy specific questions for the announcement, and a review of the documents that are requested as part of the announcement.
Interview for the Job
The names and applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred to the supervisor or selecting official. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.
Undergo a Background Investigation
All Civil Service positions in the U.S. Department of State require at least a secret security clearance. The clearance process considers such factors as registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a U.S. government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law, drug or alcohol abuse; or less-than-honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations, which usually take two to four months, include interviews with current and previous neighbors, supervisors and coworkers. Depending on the nature of the job, you may begin work on a provisional basis, pending completion of the clearance process.
