APPLYING FOR A FEDERAL JOB United States Office of Personnel Management COMPETIVE SERVICE Most of the jobs you know about and many you may never have heard of exist in the Federal Civil Service. Only about 12 percent of them are in Washington DC. Government employees work in offices, shipyards, laboratories, national parks, hospitals, military bases, and many other settings across the country and around the world. Most Federal civilian jobs are in the competitive service, which means that people applying for them must be evaluated, rated, and ranked along with other candidates for the vacancy. Candidates must apply directly to the agency for which they want to work. EXCEPTED SERVICE Some specific occupations (among them lawyers and chaplains) and some agencies (for example, the US Postal Service, the FBI, CIA) are exempt from OPM competitive service procedures. These positions are under the Excepted Service. If you are interested in an excepted service job, you should contact the agency directly. Also contact a Job Information Center for a list of excepted service agencies. FEDERAL JOB INFORMATION CENTERS The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) mantains Federal Job Information Centers (FJIC's) in several major metropolitan areas across the country to provide local job information. They are listed under "US Government" in the white pages of metropolitan area phone directories. In addition, Federal employment opportunities are posted in State Job Service (State Employment) offices. HOW JOBS ARE FILLED Job candidates are no longer required to go to the Office of Personnel Management to have their Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) evaluated. You need to go directly to the agency you are interested in. A personnel specialist will determine the applicant's basic eligibility and evaluate his/her qualifications for the job based on the application submitted. If you are rated eligible for the position your application is referred to a panel of experts who further ranks your application against qualifications criteria. The better you describe your qualifications in the experience section of the resume or 171 and the more thoroughly you cite examples of your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) the better the rating you will receive from the panel. CHANCES FOR EMPLOYMENT Your chances for being hired depend on your qualifications, how fast vacancies are occuring in the area you want to work, the number of qualified applicants who want the same kind of job and salary level you will accept. Because agency hiring needs vary from time to time and from one location to another, you might be able to apply in one location for a particular kind of job or the same kind of work in another location. Contact a FJIC to find out whether applications are being accepted in your area for the kind of work you are seeking. If you are not sure what kind of work you are interested in, Job Information Specialists may be able to suggest a type of job for which your education and background qualify you. If you call or write a FJIC be sure to state the following: 1. The level of education you have completed and the amount of paid and unpaid experience you have. 2. The kind of work that interests you. 3. The area or areas where you want to work. 4. The lowest salary you will accept. 5. Dates of your military experience, if any, or your child's or spouse's service. QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED Government jobs are classified by grade levels based on the job's level of difficulty and responsiblity. Salaries correspond to the grades, the higher the grade level the higher the salary. A Government employee's pay is determined by the level of the job he/she fills, not necessarily by the employee's qualifications (for example, if you are qualified for a GS-9 but accept a job at the GS-5 level, you will be paid the GS-5 salary, not the GS-9). There are several pay systems covering different types of jobs. The General Schedule system covers most white-collar jobs and protective service occupations. The Wage Grade (WG) system covers most blue collar jobs such as plumbers, electricians, etc. For all positions the grade level for which you qualify depends on your education or experience. WRITTEN TESTS Written tests are not required for many Government jobs. However, for others, including general administrative and clerical positions, a written test is required. If a written test is required for the kind of job you want, ask when and where to take the test, or the dates and times when the test is given. Many Federal Agencies give the test on site. It is not necessary to prepare for the test by taking a 'civil service' course. No school can guarantee that you will be found qualified or that you will be offered a job. 'RULE OF THREE' By law, agency hiring officials may choose from among the top three applicants referred to them for a particular job. This explains why a person lower on the list may be hired while the highest person is not. When veterans are included in the three names referred, the selecting official generally may not pass over a veteran to hire a non-veteran. Applicants not selected will be notified. JOB OPENINGS For job information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 912-757-3000, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) automated telephone system. Or, with a computer modem dial 912-757-3100 for job information from an OPM electronic bulletin board. You can also reach the board through the Internet (Telnet only) at FJOB.MAIL.OPM.GOV. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES You can find out about alternative formats by calling OPM. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "People with Disabilities." Or, dial our electronic bulletin board. If you have a hearing disability, call TDD 912-744-2299. HOW TO APPLY Review the list of openings, decide which jobs you are interested in, and follow the instructions given. You may apply for most jobs with a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other written format you choose. For jobs that are unique or filled through automated procedures, you will be given special forms to complete. (You can get an Optional Application by calling OPM or dialing our electronic bulletin board at the numbers above.) WHAT TO INCLUDE Although the Federal Government does not require a standard application form for most jobs, they do 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 by sending only the requested material. Type or print clearly in dark ink. You will need to inquire with the agency to which you apply for any additional supplemental forms that are required for the position being advertised. Many times you will be able to get the qualification information and forms you'll need at Federal Job Information Centers. You must submit a complete application or your package will be returned. Applications are generally not accepted when there are no openings. You should submit an application for a specific vancancy only. Here's what your resume or application must contain (in addition to specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement): JOB INFORMATION Announcement number, and title and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying PERSONAL INFORMATION * Full name, mailing address (with ZIP Code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code) * Social Security Number * Country of citizenship (Most Federal jobs require United States citizenship.) * Veterans' preference (See reverse.) * Reinstatement eligibility (If requested, attach SF 50 proof of your career or career-conditional status.) * Highest Federal civilian grade held (Also give job series and dates held.) EDUCATION * High school Name, city, and State (ZIP Code if known) Date of diploma or GED * Colleges and universities Name, city, and State (ZIP Code if known) Majors Type and year of any degrees received (If no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.) * Send a copy of your college transcript only if the job vacancy announcement requests it. WORK EXPERIENCE Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job for which you are applying. (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 * Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS * Job-related training courses (title and year) * Job-related skills, for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed * Job-related certificates and licenses (current only) * 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.) VETERANS' PREFERENCE IN HIRING * 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 our electronic bulletin board at 912-757-3100. * Veterans' 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 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. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION 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 make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. * 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. * The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. * Federal annuitants (military and civilian) may have their salaries or annuities reduced. All employees must pay any valid delinquent debts or the agency may garnish their salary. ____________________________________________________ PRIVACY AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS The Office of Personnel Management and other Federal agencies rate applicants for Federal jobs under the authority of sections 1104, 1302, 3301, 3304, 3320, 3361, 3393, and 3394 of title 5 of the United States Code. We need the information requested in this brochure and in the associated vacancy announcements to evaluate your qualifications. Other laws require us to ask about citizenship, military service, etc. * We request your Social Security Number (SSN) under the authority of Executive Order 9397 in order to keep your records straight; other people may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, we use your SSN to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you. Your SSN may also be used in studies and computer matching with other Government files, for example, files on unpaid student loans. * If you do not give us your SSN or any other information requested, we cannot process your application, which is the first step in getting a job. Also, incomplete addresses and ZIP Codes will slow processing. * We may give information from your records to: training facilities; organizations deciding claims for retirement, insurance, unemployment or health benefits; officials in litigation or administrative proceedings where the Government is a party; law enforcement agencies concerning violations of law or regulation; Federal agencies for statistical reports and studies; officials of labor organizations recognized by law in connection with representing employees; Federal agencies or other sources requesting information for Federal agencies in connection with hiring or retaining, security clearances, security or suitability investigations, classifying jobs, contracting, or issuing licenses, grants, or other benefits; public or private organizations including news media that grant or publicize employee recognition and awards; and the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Office of Special Counsel, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the National Archives, the Federal Acquisition Institute, and congressional offices in connection with their official functions. * We may also give information from your records to: prospective nonfederal employers concerning tenure of employment, civil service status, length of service, and date and nature of action for separation as shown on personnel action forms of specifically identified individuals; requesting organizations or individuals concerning the home address and other relevant information on those who might have contracted an illness or been exposed to a health hazard; authorized Federal and nonfederal agencies for use in computer matching; spouses or dependent children asking whether an employee has changed from self-and-family to self-only health benefits enrollment; individuals working on a contract, service, grant, cooperative agreement or job for the Federal Government; non-agency members of an agency's performance or other panel; and agency-appointed representatives of employees concerning information issued to an employee about fitness-for-duty or agency-filed disability retirement procedures. * We estimate the public burden for reporting the employment information will vary from 20 to 240 minutes with an average of 40 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering data, and completing and reviewing the information. You may send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Reports and Forms Management Officer, Washington, DC 20415-0001. SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THE AGENCY ANNOUNCING THE VACANCY. ___________________________________________________________________ REFERENCE INFORMATION Publications 1. How To Get a Federal Job by David E. Waelde Published by Federal Research Service, Inc. Contains helpful information on the Federal Employment process, how to apply for Federal jobs, tips on filling out applications, how to decipher vacancy announcements, etc. 2. KSA Workbook - Guide to presenting your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Federal Research) Contains useful tips on the do's and dont's of responding to KSA's on Federal Vacancy announcements. 3 Federal Job Winner's Tips - How to, 5 pamphlets (Federal Research) 1. Start Your Job Search 2. Select Your Occupation 3. Prepare your 171 4. Interview for Job Openings 5. Change Careers within Govt. 4. Federal Career Opportunties (64 page biweekly vacancy report) (Federal Research) Published every two weeks, contains the latest Federal Job Vacancies from all over ($6.00 an issue) 5. Book of U.S. Govt Jobs by Dennis V. Damp ($15.95) (Datatech) Contains useful information for the Federal job hunter. Good for people trying to get in the Federal Govt. as well as people in Govt. who want to change careers. SOFTWARE 1. Quick and Easy - Federal job application software Professional Windows based program that will allow you to create and print SF-171, Optional Form 612, or Resume on plain paper. Should be available in any software store. Can also be ordered through Federal Research. 2. OF-612 for Windows by Tom Murrell Shareware program that will allow you to fill out and print OF-612 on plain paper. Available at Fedworld FTP site. 3. SF-171 for Windows by Tom Murrell Shareware program that will allow you to fill out and print SF-171 on plain paper. Available at Fedworld FTP site. INTERNET World Wide Web Fedworld: www.fedworld.gov - site contains many links to various Government World Wide Web sites as well as a link to the FTP site ftp.fedworld.gov FTP ftp.fedworld.gov dir: pub/jobs Contains complete listing of Federal Job vacancies in txt format. Individual files for each city or state. Updated daily. Also contains shareware programs for filling out 171/OF-612. FTP or Telnet FJOB.MAIL.OPM.GOV dir: jobs Same as above, also contains Resume shareware programs and information on Reduction In Force and downsizing. OPM Bulletin Boards WASNET OPM Washington 202-606-1113 OPM Mainstreet OPM Washington 202-606-4800 PayPerNet OPM Washington 202-606-2675 OPM Express OPM Dallas 214-767-0565 FJIC OPM Detroit 313-226-4423 FederalJobLine OPM Los Angeles 818-575-6521 FJOB OPM Macon 912-757-3100 (telnet available) FedJobs OPM Philadelphia 215-580-2216 Other Bulletin Boards/Databases Federal Research Access Database - FCO On-Line $$ 1 Hour ($45.00 plus $25.00 connect fee) Allows you to search jobs by grade/series/location. Updated weekly. _______________ To order products from Federal Research call 1-800-822-JOBS or 703-281-0200. Or write: Federal Research Inc. 243 Church St. NW P.O. Box 1059 Vienna, VA 22183-1059 To order Book of U.S. Govt. Jobs send $15.95 (plus $4.50 S&H to: Datatech 6360 Flank Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112 or call 1-717-652-322