One of the reasons that job seekers don’t apply to federal positions is the complexity of the vacancy announcement. When I conduct FREE résumé consults, I discuss how the potential client’s qualification for a federal position is based on these five areas of a federal vacancy announcement. The best way to “demystify a federal vacancy announcement” is to carefully review these five things FIRST.
- This Job is Open To – There are at least 15 groups (open to the public, federal employees-competitive service, federal employees – excepted service, internal to an agency, veterans, etc.) or a combination of these groups that you must be in to be considered for a vacancy.
- Open & closing dates – This is the date in which the job was posted and the final day you can apply to be considered. The last time to apply is usually 11:59 p.m. ET. A vacancy may also mention it will close when the agency receives a certain number of applications.
- Qualifications – This is minimum education or experience requirements for eligible applicants or a link to the Office of Personnel Management site for qualification standards. You must have the specific requirements (“one year equivalent to . . .”) or a combination.
- How You Will Be Evaluated – This often contains a list of competencies you must possess and/or a link to an occupational questionnaire. You must clearly demonstrate these competencies and your responses on the occupational questionnaire in your résumé.
- How to Apply – This is a detailed list of everything required to apply for this position (transcripts, performance appraisals, link to an occupational questionnaire, etc.) or it may contain a list of steps and tips to correctly apply for the position.
Want to learn more about the federal job search? Contact me for a FREE résumé consult! Connect and follow fedjobseekercom Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Instagram @adellejdantzler. But most importantly, subscribe for general hints and tips to “demystify the federal job search!”
