Government Jobs - How to Apply

By Alison Doyle

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy 

There are a variety of ways to apply for a government job. In all cases, the first step is to review current openings. Then you can decide which jobs you are interested in and follow the instructions on how to apply. In most cases job seekers can apply for federal jobs with a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment or any other written format. The Optional Application for Federal Employment is available as a Microsoft Word document (.doc), a text file (.txt) or as pdf file. If you choose not to submit the application, use it as a guide for what you will need to include.
Government Job Search
The USAJOBs web site has an Online Resume Builder. Users can create online resumes specifically designed for applying for Federal jobs. Resumes created on the USAJOBS resume builder can be printed from the system for faxing or mailing to employers; and saved and edited for future use. For many of the vacancies listed on the site, job seekers can submit resumes created through USAJOBS directly to hiring agencies through an electronic submission process.
Regardless of the format you choose, you will need to include certain information in addition to the specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement:
Job Information
Announcement Number, Title and Grade(s)
Personal Information
Full Name, Mailing Address, Zip Code, Phone Numbers (day and evening)
Social Security Number
Country of Citizenship - in most cases you will need to be a U.S. Citizen
Veterans' Preference - if you are a veteran
Reinstatement Eligibility - if you have a previous worked for the federal government
Highest Federal civilian grade held
Education
High School - Name, Address, Zip Code, date of diploma/GED
College/University - Name, Address, Zip Code, Degree(s), Major(s)
List credits earned if you did not graduate
Work Experience
For each job:
Job Title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties and Accomplishments
Employer's Name and Address
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number
Note whether your current supervisor can be contacted
Start and End Dates (Month/Year - Month/Year)
Hours Per Week, Salary
Other Qualifications
Job-related training courses (give title and year)
Job-related skills (other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)
Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (publications, memberships in professional/honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards)
Give dates, but do not send documents unless requested.