Become a PMF
Application Process
NOTE: New
regulations impacting the PMF Program took effect on July 10, 2012.
We will soon update the PMF website to reflect the new changes,
including the application process for the PMF Class of 2013. You
may want to subscribe to our PMF Listserv and monitor
our News & Events section to be
informed of any updates. Thank you.
Overview
Applying is only the First
Step
The PMF Program accepts applications annually, usually in the
fall. When the application window opens, you will find an
announcement on USAJOBS. Before you apply, however, we
strongly encourage you to review the entire application
process.
Applying to the Program is only the first step in becoming a
PMF. After you apply, you must take an on-line
assessment. If you score at a sufficiently high level
on the on-line assessment, been found eligible, you will be
deemed a semi-finalist and invited to the in-person
assessment. Then, if you score at a sufficiently high level
on the in-person assessment, you will be deemed a Finalist,
and you'll be eligible to be appointed to a participating
agency in a PMF position.
If you don't get the application right, you won't get to those
next steps, and you'll miss this year's window. Remember, we
only open the application once each year to eligible graduate
students, so it's important to carefully follow the instructions
below.
During the application process on USAJOBS, applicants are asked
to voluntarily answer a few questions in regards to "Demographic
Information on Applicants". These demographic questions are used to
help the PMF Program Office plan its recruitment and outreach
efforts. Answers to these questions have absolutely no impact on
applicants and is strictly used for internal analysis. Applicants
are encouraged to answer these questions.
USAJOBS and Application
Manager
The PMF Program uses two separate online systems to process your
application: USAJOBS and Application Manager. USAJOBS is where
many Federal job opportunities are posted. There, you can build a
resume (or upload your own) and find the posting for the PMF
Program. We also use Application Manager, which as its name
suggests, is the system that processes your application. You may
need to create a separate user account on USAJobs and Application
Manager.
If you encounter difficulty specifically with either
USAJOBS or Application Manager during the application process,
please send an email to pmfapplication@opm.gov. Include
your name, school, contact information, and a detailed description
of your issue. This email address should be used for any inquiries
relating to the application, assessment, and selection
process. Any such emails sent to pmf@opm.gov will be rerouted
to pmfapplication@opm.gov.
Because of the number of applications we receive, we ask that you
not contact the PMF Program Office directly.
System and Browser
Requirements
The browser requirements for the systems used during the
application process appear below. Please use the recommended
browsers and settings. To prevent inconsistencies and any technical
problems, applicants should refrain from using other browsers not
supported.
USAJOBS:
USAJOBS is compatible with all
leading browsers. If you encounter any technical difficulties,
please send an email to mayday@fedjobs.gov.
APPLICATION MANAGER:
You can use any of the following browser
versions or higher with Application Manager (these are
minimum requirements); these have been tested and
are known to work: Internet Explorer 7.x, AOL 7, Firefox 1,
Mozilla 1.7, and Netscape.
If you are using Internet Explorer 9 there may
be a problem not being compatible with some of the features
of Application Manager. When you get to the Application
Manager website please place Internet Explorer 9 in "Compatibility
Mode". The easiest way to do this is to go to the URL line
and click the button that looks like a broken piece of paper.
It is next to the two arrows that refresh the page and the
red X. You can also do this by clicking on "Tools" and then
selecting "Compatibility View".
Note to Mac users:
At this time, the Safari browser is not on the above
list because it did not pass our tests for proper functionality. We
are still working to resolve these issues so that we can add Safari
to the list of supported browsers in the
future.
ON-LINE
ASSESSMENT:
The following system requirements
must be met for the on-line assessment to display and function
properly on your computer:
- A broadband internet connection is recommended. Use of dial-up
connections will affect the performance of the system and are not
recommended.
- Use of either Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, or Firefox 3.0 or
above is required.
- Interface browsers such as AOL or CompuServe are not compatible
with the assessment site.
- Make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled.
- Pop-up blockers must be disabled prior to accessing the
assessment site.
- Some of the assessment may require speakers and a sound card to
hear the audio portion of the assessment. NOTE: The audio portion,
if any, is presented in closed-captioning.
- Adobe Flash Player is required. You will be provided with the
opportunity to download the free Flash player, if necessary.
- If you have questions about the computer requirements or
encounter technical difficulties during the on-line assessment,
please contact HelpDesk@USAJOBSAssess.gov.
Contact Information
All Program communications are conducted via email. It is
your responsibility to update and maintain a
current email address. You may want to use a third-party email
provider instead of your school email address. Should you
have a name or email address change prior to becoming a Finalist,
please submit it to pmfapplication@opm.gov. As
a Finalist or Fellow you should utilize the Information Worksheet to submit
changes to your contact information. Agency PMF Coordinators
needing to update appointment information should use the "Agency System for
Automated Processing (ASAP)".
Forms and Fax Cover
Sheets
Document |
Description |
File Type |
Resume Fax Cover Sheet for
2012 |
As a Class of 2012 Finalist you need to use this
customized fax cover sheet (showing the 2012 Vacancy Identification
Number of 519543) to update your on-line resume. NOTE:
This document is only valid for when 2012 Finalists are
selected. |
[209
KB] |
Resume Fax Cover
Sheet for 2011 |
As a Class of 2011 Finalist you need to use this
customized fax cover sheet (showing the 2011 Vacancy Identification
Number of PH380135) to update your on-line resume. This form is
only valid through March 31, 2012, which is the appointment
deadline for the PMF Class of 2011 Finalists. |
[11
KB] |
SF 15, Application for
10-Point Veterans Preference |
The SF 15 collects information, along with any supporting
documentation, to determine eligibility for 10-point veterans'
preference. |
[152 KB] |
BIA Form 4432, Indian
Preference |
The BIA 4432 is used to claim and provide evidence of
entitlement to Indian preference. Indian preference only applies to
positions in the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian
Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'
Indian Health Service. If these agencies have PMF positions
available and require Indian preference, they would be posted in
the Projected Positions System for current Finalists. |
[34
KB] |
UPDATED: 01-23-2012, 3:20 PM (ET)