How to Apply

While the process is similar to that in the private industry, there are differences due to the laws, executive orders, and regulations that govern Federal employment. USPTO, like many Federal agencies, fill jobs like private industry by allowing applicants to contact the agency directly for job information and application processing. USPTO’s announcements allow applicants to apply online directly to the agency. Resumes are preferred when applying; however, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, OF 612, is also accepted. Using the online method, you decide which resume to submit for that particular job. Contact information at the agency is also given in the announcement. If you have questions about the announcement, you can call or email the contact person listed in the announcement.

When applying for federal jobs, veterans' preference matters. To be considered, you must meet the following:

• If you served on active duty in the United States Military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veteran's 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.
• Veteran's preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current or former Federal career or career-conditional employees).
• To claim 5-point veteran's 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 veteran's preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

The USPTO Recruits and Hires People with Disabilities

President Obama issued Executive Order 13548, which directs Executive departments and agencies to improve their efforts to employ Federal workers with disabilities and targeted disabilities through increased recruitment, hiring, and retention of these individuals.

The USPTO uses special appointment authorities, including Schedule A, to hire people with disabilities. For more information on eligible disabilities, visit the website: http://www.opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp.

For additional information about the hiring of individuals with disabilities here at the USPTO, please call (800) 642-5670 or email Recruitment@USPTO.gov.

To view current opportunities with the USPTO, please visit us here.

Are you ready to become a member of the USPTO team? Great! We've provided some helpful tips (PDF 1.21MB ) to navigate through USAJobs, as well as the steps below.

Step 1: Search USPTO’s Job Listings

For a list of current USPTO job vacancies, please go to http://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Search/GetResults?OrganizationID=CM56

Step 2: Review Job Announcement

Once you have found a job you are interested in, please read the specific job announcement carefully. Each job announcement will have information pertaining to the job duties, salary, duty location and benefits. Please pay close attention to job qualification requirements. This section will help you determine if your professional background makes you a good match for the job.

Step 3: Complete the Application

The final step in the application process is critical. To make the process simple and fast, we strongly encourage you to follow the application instructions provided on USAJOBS website. Application procedures and requirements vary from one USPTO job to another, so please read carefully.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or questionnaire process, please notify the human resources specialist listed in the announcement.

Once you’re on, http://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Search/GetResults?OrganizationID=CM56, and you’ve searched the job type you’re interested in (for example, “Patent Examiner” or “Attorney Advisor”), you can select applicable vacancies and begin the application process by choosing the “How To Apply” tab.

Please follow these instructions if you are applying for a Patent Examiner position:

If you want to apply online:

Use the Application Manager. You can either use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, or fill out an online questionnaire. If you’re using the USAJOBS Resume Builder, scroll down near the bottom of the page and click the “Apply Now” button. OR, if you’re not using the USAJOBS Resume Builder, click “Online Questionnaire.” Proceed to create an account in “Application Manager,” and complete your application.

If you want to apply offline:

Use the Paper Qualifications Questionnaire. Print out the job announcement and the 1203-FX form (link), and then fax 1203-FX form, resume, and any supporting documents by fax to: (478) 757-3144.

It is required that you follow the application instructions very carefully. Information not submitted can result in your application not being evaluated. If additional information is needed in order for the agency to process your application such as transcripts, forms, narrative descriptions of competencies, questionnaires, etc, this must be submitted by the due date listed in the announcement. Late applications will not be accepted.

Assistance with USAJOBS

Should you need assistance with the USAJOBS website, you can contact them directly at: http://www.usajobs.gov/Home/ContactUs.