STRAIGHT TALK ON . . . The Federal Job Search
A "3-Step Process"

Forget what you have heard about the complexities in finding a Federal job. We have made the process simple! Your job search for Federal career opportunities is now a "3-Step Process".

Although the actual job search is your responsibility, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has developed the USAJOBS to assist you along the way. USAJOBS is composed of four user-friendly components for conducting your personal job search. By using USAJOBS you have access to not only Federal job listings but some state and local governement as well as private sector listings. USAJOBS provides current information, updated daily, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

STEP 1: USE ANY OF THE AUTOMATED COMPONENTS OF THE FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

USAJOBS, the Federal Government's Employment Information System, is easily accessible Federal employment information. USAJOBS provides worldwide job vacancy information, employment information fact sheets, job applications and forms, and has on-line resume development and electronic transmission capabilities. In many instances, job seekers can apply for positions on-line. USAJOBS is updated every business day from a database of more than 7,500 worldwide job opportunities. USAJOBS is available to job seekers in a variety of formats, ensuring access for customers with differing physical and technological capabilities. It is convenient, user friendly, accessible through the computer or telephone and available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

USAJOBS consists of:

Internet - The official world wide web site for jobs and employment information, may be accessed at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. [FedQuest: See our own simplified search tools for accessing OPM's database.]

On the web site, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs online. Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the web site. The USAJOBS web site also has an Online Resume Builder feature. Using the resume builder, job seekers 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.

Touch Screen Computer Kiosk - A kiosk network of self-service information providers located in OPM offices and many Federal buildings nationwide.

At the touch of a finger, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, and applications and forms. Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the kiosk.

Electronic Bulletin Board - An electronic bulletin board which can be reached via modem at (912) 757-3100 or Telnet fjob.opm.gov.

Through the board, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs online. Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the board.

Automated Telephone System - An interactive voice response telephone system which can be reached at (912) 757-3000 or TDD (912) 744-2299 or at 17 OPM Service Centers located throughout the country (local numbers listed in the blue pages).

By telephone, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, and applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs by phone. Federal agencies list job opportunities on the Federal Employment Information System. The System is accessible from a number of user friendly mediums.

STEP 2: OBTAINING THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Once you have found an opportunity that interests you, using STEP 1, you will need more information on the specific opportunity and appropriate application forms. Use USAJOBS to obtain a copy of the vacancy announcement. The vacancy announcement is an important source of information. Most of the questions you may have will be answered as you read through the announcement. For example: closing/deadline dates for applications, specific duties of the position, whether or not a written test is required, educational requirements, duty location, salary, etc.

STEP 3: FOLLOW THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

You may apply for most jobs with a resume, or the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any written format you choose. For jobs that are unique or filled through automated procedures, you may be given special forms and/or instructions in the job announcement. Although the Federal Government does not require a standard application form for most jobs, certain information is needed to evaluate your qualifications. If you decide to submit any other format, other than the OF 612, (i.e., a resume), the following information must be included:

• Job Information - Announcement number, title and grade.
• Personal Information - Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code), social security number, country of citizenship, veterans' preference, reinstatement eligibility, highest Federal civilian grade held.
• Education - High school name, city and state, colleges or universities, name, city and state, majors and type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours).
• Work Experience - job title, 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 and indicate whether or not your current supervisor may be contacted. Prepare a separate entry for each job.
• Other Qualifications - job related training courses (title and year), job related skills, job related certificates and licenses, job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments.

AS OF: 10-05-98