HOW TO APPLY

Review the list of openings, decide which jobs you are interested in,
and follow the instructions given. You may apply for most jobs with a
resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other
written format you choose. For jobs that are unique or filled through
automated procedures, you will be given special forms to complete. (You
can get an Optional Application by calling OPM or dialing our electronic
bulletin board at the numbers above.)

WHAT TO INCLUDE

Although the Federal Government does not require a standard application
form for most jobs, we do need certain information to evaluate your
qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal
employment. If your resume or application does not provide all the
information requested in the job vacancy announcement and in this flyer,
you may lose consideration for a job. Help speed the selection process
by keeping your resume or application brief and by sending only the
requested material. Type or print clearly in dark ink.

Here's what your resume or application must contain (in addition to
specific information requested in the job vacancy announcement):

JOB INFORMATION

Announcement number, and title and grade(s) of the job for which you are
applying.
PERSONAL INFORMATION

* Full name, mailing address (with ZIP Code)
and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
* Social Security Number
* Country of citizenship
(Most Federal jobs require United States citizenship.)
* Veterans' preference (See reverse.)
* Reinstatement eligibility (If requested, attach SF 50
proof of your career or career-conditional status.)
* Highest Federal civilian grade held
(Also give job series and dates held.)

EDUCATION

* High school
Name, city, and State (ZIP Code if known)
Date of diploma or GED
* Colleges and universities
Name, city, and State (ZIP Code if known)
Majors
Type and year of any degrees received
(If no degree, show total credits earned and
indicate whether semester or quarter hours.)
* Send a copy of your college transcript only if
the job vacancy announcement requests it.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience
related to the job for which you are applying. (Do not send job
descriptions.)

* Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
* 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
* Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

* Job-related training courses (title and year)
* Job-related skills, for example, other languages, computer
software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed
* Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)
* Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for
example, publications, memberships in professional or honor
societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and
performance awards
(Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.)

VETERANS' PREFERENCE IN HIRING

* If you served on active duty in the United States Military and were
separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for
veterans' preference. To receive preference if your service began
after October 15, 1976, you must have a Campaign Badge,
Expeditionary Medal, or a service-connected disability. For further
details, call OPM at 912-757-3000.

* Veterans' preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service
jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current or
former Federal career or career-conditional employees).

* To claim 5-point veterans' preference, attach a copy of your DD-214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof
of eligibility.

* To claim 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF 15, Application
for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that
form.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for
Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment
and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask
you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your
application. If you make a false statement in any part of your
application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin
work; or you may be fined or jailed.

* If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959,
you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have
an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.

* The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or
recommending their relatives.

* Federal annuitants (military and civilian) may have their salaries
or annuities reduced. All employees must pay any valid delinquent
debts or the agency may garnish their salary.
PRIVACY AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS

The Office of Personnel Management and other Federal agencies rate
applicants for Federal jobs under the authority of sections 1104, 1302,
3301, 3304, 3320, 3361, 3393, and 3394 of title 5 of the United States
Code. We need the information requested in this brochure and in the
associated vacancy announcements to evaluate your qualifications. Other
laws require us to ask about citizenship, military service, etc.

* We request your Social Security Number (SSN) under the authority of
Executive Order 9397 in order to keep your records straight; other
people may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential
directive, we use your SSN to seek information about you from
employers, schools, banks, and others who know you. Your SSN may
also be used in studies and computer matching with other Government
files, for example, files on unpaid student loans.

* If you do not give us your SSN or any other information requested, we
cannot process your application, which is the first step in getting a
job. Also, incomplete addresses and ZIP Codes will slow processing.

* We may give information from your records to: training facilities;
organizations deciding claims for retirement, insurance, unemployment
or health benefits; officials in litigation or administrative
proceedings where the Government is a party; law enforcement
agencies concerning violations of law or regulation; Federal
agencies for statistical reports and studies; officials of labor
organizations recognized by law in connection with representing
employees; Federal agencies or other sources requesting information
for Federal agencies in connection with hiring or retaining, security
clearances, security or suitability investigations, classifying jobs,
contracting, or issuing licenses, grants, or other benefits; public
or private organizations including news media that grant or publicize
employee recognition and awards; and the Merit Systems Protection
Board, the Office of Special Counsel, the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the
National Archives, the Federal Acquisition Institute, and
congressional offices in connection with their official functions.

* We may also give information from your records to: prospective
nonfederal employers concerning tenure of employment, civil service
status, length of service, and date and nature of action for
separation as shown on personnel action forms of specifically
identified individuals; requesting organizations or individuals
concerning the home address and other relevant information on those
who might have contracted an illness or been exposed to a health
hazard; authorized Federal and nonfederal agencies for use in
computer matching; spouses or dependent children asking whether an
employee has changed from self-and-family to self-only health
benefits enrollment; individuals working on a contract, service,
grant, cooperative agreement or job for the Federal Government;
non-agency members of an agency's performance or other panel; and
agency-appointed representatives of employees concerning information
issued to an employee about fitness-for-duty or agency-filed
disability retirement procedures.

* We estimate the public burden for reporting the employment
information will vary from 20 to 240 minutes with an average of 40
minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering data, and completing and
reviewing the information. You may send comments regarding the
burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Office of
Personnel Management, Reports and Forms Management Officer,
Washington, DC 20415-0001.

SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THE AGENCY ANNOUNCING THE VACANCY.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Within four to six weeks after the closing date applications will be screened and the most qualified applicants will be selected to receive further consideration. A letter detailing the next steps in the process will be sent to those who are being considered further. Those who are not receiving further consideration will also be notified.

Depending upon the requirements of the position examinations may include a written exam, an oral exam, and/or a performance exam.

WRITTEN EXAMS: Written exams range from exercises evaluating grammar and writing skills to more complex technical and professional exercises. Each is tailored to the skills and qualifications for the position.

PANEL (ORAL) EXAMS: When candidates arrive they are provided with a few minutes to review the questions they will be asked by the panel. Notes may be made during the review and may be used during the exam if the candidate wishes. The candidate is then taken to the panel where the questions are read aloud by a panel member and the candidate is given an opportunity to reply to each question. The panel members will take notes as the candidate is responding. When the oral exam is completed and the candidate has departed, panel members will use a rating guide to evaluate each answer. When all candidates have completed the oral exam, the top group is notified of the next step, which is usually a final interview with the hiring supervisor. Those not in the top group will also be notified.

PERFORMANCE EXAMS: This type of exam tests a candidate's skill and ability in performing tasks that they will typically perform on the job. For example, changing a tire or typing. Typing exams are conducted on a PC using a typing test program. The candidate is given verbal instructions by the test administrator and then begins the program. The program repeats the instructions and walks them through both a warm-up exercise and then two typing exams. The typing exam scores are available immediately.

APPLICATION TIPS

*Make a master copy so you can sign, date, and send out. This will save time when applying for more than one position.

*Use a typewriter or computer to fill out your application form. If cannot use a typewriter or computer then neatly use a blue or black ink pen.

*Provide a complete employment history and be specific.

*Provide a complete educational history.

*Separate and avoid putting your employment history into one long paragraph.
List all qualifications, skills, experience, awards, professional references, and honors.

*Put the job announcement number on all application materials.
Include a college transcripts only if the job announcement requests one.

*You do not have to say yes when the application asks whether personnel may contact your present employer. Saying no may not affect your employment opportunity, however, try to provide some form of letter of recommendation or evaluation.

*Include the entire zip code, including the zip plus four, with addresses on the application. This shows diligence.