United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Overton Brooks VA Medical Center | Shreveport  LA
Three Steps To Applying For A Federal Job

Looking for employment in the Federal Government is as easy as 1-2-3.  The Office of Personnel Management has developed an automated Federal Government Employment System called USAJOBS External link indicator(http://www.usajobs.opm.gov) to assist job seekers by providing vacancy information, employment information fact sheets, job applications and forms on-line. 

STEP 1:  Use Any Of The Automated Components Of The Federal Employment Information System.

Job seekers can apply on-line to more than 12,000 worldwide job opportunities and the list is updated every business day!  USAJOBS has on-line resume development and electronic transmission capabilities.  It is convenient, user friendly, accessible through the computer or telephone at (478) 757-3000, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

STEP 2:  Obtaining The Vacancy Announcement

Once you have found a job 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.  Most of the questions you have will be answered as you read through the announcement.

STEP 3:  Follow The Application Instructions

You may apply on-line for most jobs with the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any written format you choose (i.e., resume).  For jobs that are filled through automated procedures, Federal agencies may require that you submit a resume and/or other specialized forms.  Jobs with unique requirements may also occasionally require special forms.

Whatever application method you select (or is required), it is essential that you follow the instructions for applying that are given in the vacancy announcement and that your application contains the following:

  • Job Information- Announcement number, title and grade.
  • Personal information- Full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers and social security number.
  • Education- High school name, city and state, colleges or universities, name, city and state, majors and type and year of any degrees received.
  • Work Experience- Job title, duties and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates, hours worked per week and salary.
  • Other Qualifications- Job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills, job-related certification and licenses, job-related honors and awards