(Note: Some states give hiring preference to residents of the state. A few states will only accept applications from residents.)

You can find out about alternative formats by calling OPM. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "People With Disabilities." Or, dial the electronic bulletin board. If you have a hearing disability, call TDD (912) 744-2299

Applying for federal positions is as varied as there are departments. Many instructions will be included in the position, however it is important to remember that since different departments have different requirements, the application process may be lengthy. Though you may find multiple listings on a site like USAjobs.gov, you will have to follow the specific instructions set forth by that individual department to be a successful candidate.

You may also want to study the application guidelines offered by USAjobs.gov. They can help you build a federal resume and also help you assemble material that will be helpful for applying to multiple departments.

A. What to Include

Although the Federal Government does not require a standard application form for most jobs, they do require certain information to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment. In the federal employment process much more imporance is given to your written documents than in the private sector. Much more information is required in a federal appliation than in a private sector resume. If your resume or application does not provide all the information requested in the job vacancy announcement, you may lose consideration for a job.

A private sector resume will be much shorter than a federal resume, most are no longer than one or two pages. 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. Below, you can check your resume against the list of requirements compiled by the Office of Personnel Management.

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

Full name, mailing address(including zip code)and day and evening phone numbers(with area code)
Social Security Number
Country of citizenship
Veterans' preference
Reinstatement eligibility (if requested, attach SF 50 proof of your career or career-conditional status)
Highest Federal civilian grade held(including series and dates held)

High School
Name, City, State and Zip Code
Date of diploma or GED

Colleges or Universities
Name, City, State
Majors and Minors
Type and year of degrees earned(if no degree, indicate total credits earned)

Send a copy of your college transcript only if the job vacancy announcement requests it.

Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job for which you are applying:

Job title(including grade and series if a 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.

Job related training courses(title and year)
Job related skills (languages, computer skills, tools, machinery, typing speed)
Job related certificates and licenses
Job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (publications, memberships in professional or honor societies leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards)
Memberships in professional organizations

If you served on active duty in the U.S. 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. Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans." Or, dial our electronic bulletin board at (912) 757-3100.

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.

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 the age of 18 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.