How to Apply: Applying on USAJobs.gov

Video Resources

• Building a USAJobs Profile
• Understanding and Applying to Federal Job Announcements
• Creating a Federal Resume

Before you begin your application

1. Create an account:

   To apply for a position using USAJobs, first register by going to USAJobs.gov and clicking on “My Account” at the top. To open an account you will need your first name, last name, a telephone number, and an email address.

2. Upload or create a resume:

   From "My Account," select "Resumes" to either:

   • Upload a resume in Word, PDF, or another format into your USAJobs account, OR..

   • Build a resume right in your account.  You can create and store up to five different resumes, and you can make a resume searchable, so that agencies can find you.

     Resume Builder Help

   Your resume's content should reflect the experience, education, and qualifications outlined in the specific vacancy announcement to which you are applying. Note:

   • The resume you have on file for private-sector jobs may not meet the requirements of the federal job vacancy announcement. The announcement may require that your resume include information like your birthday, citizenship, veteran status (if applicable), security clearance, civil service status, and your supervisor’s name, your salary, and your hours for all previous work experiences.

   • Consider developing a resume tailored to the job you are applying for, with the announcement number on it. In your resume, use language as close as possible to the language in the "Qualifications" sections of the job announcement. Remember to speak directly to these qualifications and to the duties described in the announcement.

   • Resumes created using the Resume Builder feature do not always provide a printer-friendly format, so they may not be ideal to present to interviewers.

   • Don't forget to check your grammar and punctuation, and to spell check.

   • You can make one or more of your resumes searchable, either when you create it or anytime after. If you make your resume searchable, your profile information and all resume information will be visible to recruiters searching our resume bank. If you have included personal information on your resume, this will also be available to recruiters.

   • If you need to edit or review your USAJOBS resume while you are applying for a job, you will need to log into your USAJobs account to make any changes, and then return to your job application.

   • More information:

     • VIDEO from USAJOBS.gov on writing your resume
     • Tutorial on creating a resume in USAJobs
     • Resume and application tips
     • Tips on describing your experience and skills

3. Read the following:

   1. The entire announcement. You will need to follow the "How to Apply" instructions precisely.

      • Print the instructions if that helps, and check off each item as you get it done.

      • Don't forget to review the "Required documents" section under the "How to Apply" tab. All required documents must be submitted with your application online.

      • Do not submit the application materials to the Human Resources Officer named as the contact unless the announcement states to do so. Materials must be submitted through USAJobs.

   2. USAJobs FAQs on how to apply and EPA FAQs on how to apply.

   3. The EPA Job Vacancy Announcements: Policies and Procedures page.

Completing your Application

Most applications will take you through the following steps:

1. Click on the “Apply Online” button on the right side of the announcement. If you've already created a resume on your computer and uploaded it on to USAJobs, select the resume. If not, you can create a new resume as part of filling out the job application. 

2. Once you have submitted your resume and other required materials (for example, transcripts, SF-50s, or your VA Disability letter), click on the "Apply for this position now!" button at the bottom of the page. You're not done applying yet; instead, by clicking on this button you will be redirected away from USAJobs and into EPA's hiring system.

   You will be asked to provide:

   • Some basic personal information.
   • Information about your military service, if any, and whether you are claiming a veteran's preference.
   • Basic demographic information about yourself.

   The demographic data are immediately encrypted and cannot be tied to a specific candidate. Once the vacancy announcement closes, a demographic report can be generated; however, neither EPA human resources staff nor the selecting official is able to associate the demographic data to a specific individual.

   You will also be able to review your resume. When applying for a job, if you cannot finish the session, if you get interrupted, or if you want to 'SAVE' work you have completed, proceed to the end of the job application questions and click on FINISH to save the information you have provided so far. You will have to answer any questions marked with a red asterisk to finish. You can return at anytime and edit your responses as long as the vacancy announcement has not closed. All vacancies close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.

3. Once through these steps, you will see an "Account Creation" screen and another "Apply to this vacancy" button. You're not done applying yet; instead, by clicking on this button you will be taken to a series of questions about your eligibility and the series, grade and location in which you are interested.

4. Next, you may be asked to outline any skills and abilities you have to meet specific qualifications required for the job. If this is not the case, skip down to step 5 below.

   However, if this is the case, you'll need to provide a narrative for each set of required skills and abilities, and you'll be told how long it should be.

   You'll have to either:

   • Upload each narrative from your computer (check to see that you don't exceed any character limitations).
   • Retrieve it from your account in USAJobs (this assumes you've posted it there).
   • Fax it (if fax instructions are provided).

5. When you're done, you'll have an opportunity to review your responses. Note that you will not be considered for the position if any part of the application is incomplete. After reviewing, click “Finished” and a USAJobs Application Status screen will appear confirming that your application has been submitted. NOW you're done! You can log into your USAJobs account later to periodically check for updates to your application status.

6. Your application will not be evaluated until the period for the vacancy announcement has closed. Prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement, you can go back into the system and change your responses or update your resumé, as necessary.

If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the Human Resources Officer named on the job announcement on the right side of the page, under "Questions about this job."

What to expect after applying

Visit the What to expect After Applying page for more information.