How does the application process work?

This is a quick summary of how the federal application process works when you use USAJOBS to apply for positions.

1. Create an account with login.gov

   First, you need to create an account with login.gov. A login.gov account is required to sign in to USAJOBS.

2. Create a USAJOBS profile

   Once you have a login.gov account, you need to create a profile on USAJOBS to apply for any job.

   With a USAJOBS profile you can:

   • Apply to any job on USAJOBS.
   • Save jobs you're interested in.
   • Save and automate job searches.
   • Upload and save resumes or create one using our resume builder.
   • Upload and save required documents.
   • Have a more personalized experience.

3. Search for jobs

   Start your job search by typing in a keyword or location into the search box located at the top of the USAJOBS home page or the Search link in the top navigation. Use the search filters to narrow your results by salary, work schedule, agency and more.

   You can search for jobs without a USAJOBS profile, but it's best to create and sign into your profile before doing a search. Why? Because we can use your profile information to improve your job search results. Learn how to search for jobs.

   Save your search

   You can save a job search, which will save you time by automating a part of your search. When you save a search, we'll automatically look for jobs that match what you're looking for and email you, daily, weekly or monthly with those jobs. Learn how to save a search.

4. Review job announcement

   If you find a job you're interested in, read the entire announcement to make sure you're eligible and you meet the qualifications. For each job there are specific qualifications—your application must show how you meet the required qualifications.

   • Read the This job is open to section to determine if you're eligible to apply.
   • Read the Clarification from the agency, or the Who may apply sections for further eligibility details (not all job announcements will include this information).
   • Read the Requirements and Qualifications section to determine if you meet the job's qualifications. Understand the job announcement.

   Contact the hiring agency representative if you have questions. The contact information is listed below the How to apply section of the job announcement.

5. Prepare your application in USAJOBS

   Read the How to Apply section of the job announcement before starting your application. Click Apply to start your application—we'll walk you through a five-step process where you'll attach a resume and any required documents. You will need to be signed into your USAJOBS profile.

   What to include in your resume.

   What types of documents you might need to provide.

   During the application process you can review, edit, and delete your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. Learn how to create an application.

6. Submit your application to agency

   When your application is ready in USAJOBS, we'll send you to the agency application system where you can submit your application. Before you submit, you may need to complete other agency-required steps such as:

   • Providing more personal information.
   • Providing more documentation.
   • Answering eligibility questions.
   • Completing an occupational questionnaire—look for a preview of the questions under the Required documents section.

   It may take you longer to apply to some jobs than others, because some agencies and jobs require more information than others.

   After you submit your application to the agency, go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS profile and make sure the hiring agency received your application. Your application status will say you applied and include the date you submitted your application if it went through.

   You can always check the status of your application in your USAJOBS profile with the Track This Application link.

   How long will it take to receive an updated status?

   It may take a few hours after you submit your application for the agency to update your status. You may also receive an email confirmation from the agency application system, but not all agencies send those emails.

7. Agency reviews application

   The hiring agency will start reviewing applications after the job announcement closes. The hiring agency will review your application to make sure you're eligible and meet the job qualifications, and will place qualified applicants into these categories:

   • Minimally qualified
   • Highest qualified

   After the hiring agency reviews all applications, they will send the highest qualified applications to the hiring official.

8. Interview

   The hiring official will review the highest qualified applications and select applicants to interview based on agency policy. The hiring agency will contact applicants directly to schedule interviews.

   Hiring officials can interview applicants using:

   • A panel
   • In-person
   • Video
   • Phone

   There may be more than one interview round. For example, an applicant may have a phone interview and then an in-person interview.

   How long will it take to schedule an interview?

   It may take some time to schedule interviews, depending on the number of people being interviewed.

9. Agency selects candidate.

   After the agency completes all interviews, they will select a candidate(s) and contact them to start the job offer process. For those not selected, the hiring agency will update the job status to Hiring complete. If the hiring agency does not fill the position, the job status will update to Job canceled.

10. Job offer

    The hiring agency will extend a tentative job offer. Once this offer is accepted the agency will start the background investigation. The agency may require additional security checks for jobs that need a higher-level clearance.

    When is the job offer final?

    The job offer is final when the agency successfully completes the background investigation and any additional security checks. The hiring agency will contact the candidate(s) directly to set up a start date.