What documents do I need to provide when I apply?
Job announcements will list the documents you’ll need to provide in the How to Apply section.
All
Cover letter
A cover letter may be included if there is additional information you wish to express to the hiring authorities that is outside of what is normally included in a resume.
Transcripts
A transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record from a high school or college. To get a copy, contact the high school and/or college registrar office for instructions. Refer to the job announcement for specific instructions on which transcripts, if any, should be included.
Other
If there are other additional documents that you wish to pass to hiring authorities, you can attach them under this document type. Some jobs may require specific documents outside of this list, such as writing samples, which can be uploaded as "other".
Senior Executives
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
If you're applying to a Senior Executive job within the Senior Executive Service (SES) you must demonstrate you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). The ECQs define the competencies needed to build a federal corporate culture that drives results, serves customers and builds successful teams and coalitions within and outside the organization. The ECQs are required for entry to the SES and are used by many departments and agencies in selection, performance management and leadership development for executive positions.
The ECQ requirement only applies to jobs within the SES. There may be other senior executive level jobs outside of the SES that require different qualifications.
Federal employees
OF-306
The OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment is used to determine your acceptability for federal career and contract employment, as well as your enrollment status in the government's life insurance program. You may be asked to complete this form at any time during the hiring process.
Follow instructions that the agency provides. If you are selected, before you are appointed you will be asked to update your responses on this form and on other materials submitted during the application process and then to re-certify that your answers are true.
SF-50
The SF-50 is a permanent record in your Official Personnel Folder that documents and reports all personnel actions (except mass transfer and mass change actions).
This form documents accessions, conversions and separations, as well as corrections and cancellations of these actions. It also details your series, grade, and proves your federal employment and rate of pay.
All current and former federal employees have an SF-50. Learn how to obtain a copy of your SF-50.
Veterans
DD-214
The DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" is issued to military members upon separation from active service. It contains information about the veteran's dates of military service and separation. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 Report of Separation and other military and medical records through the National Archives Veterans' Records Service.
SF-15
The SF-15 "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference" is used by Federal agencies and OPM examining offices to review individuals' claims for veterans' preference.