Steps to becoming an employee

1. Identify the Job You Want

You must apply to a specific vacancy announcement, which may be used to fill a single vacancy or multiple vacancies over a period of time. Click here for a list of current vacancies. Since vacancies can change every two weeks or so, it is a good idea to look today and check back often. Information on specialized government-wide recruitment programs, such as Presidential Management Interns and National Security Education Program Fellowships, is available on the USAJOBS website.

2. Review the Government Vacancy Announcement

From the list of vacancies, click on an individual job title that interests you. This is where you can see if your interests, skills and experience are a right match for the job. The vacancy announcement provides information on specific duties, qualification requirements, ranking factors and application forms and procedures. Complete copies of the vacancy announcement can be printed from the USAJOBS website.

3. Carefully Follow the Application Instructions

Required application materials and instructions regarding where the application must be submitted vary from announcement to announcement. You may apply for most jobs with a resume or an Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other written format you choose, as long as it contains the information required by the vacancy announcement. For jobs that are filled through automated procedures, you must submit a resume and other specialized forms. Jobs with unique qualifications may require copies of transcripts, licenses or certifications. It is essential that you follow the application instructions in the vacancy announcement to which you are applying.

4. Receive an Evaluation of Your Application

Your application will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the education and/or experience requirements for the position of interest, as stated in the vacancy announcement. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your application package will be evaluated to determine the best-qualified candidates based on job-related criteria. Evaluation procedures vary and will be specified in each announcement. In all cases, the evaluation is based on the application material you originally submitted.

5. Interview for the Job

The names and applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred to the supervisor or selecting official. She/he may interview candidates in person or by telephone. In rare cases, she/he may make a hiring decision based solely on the application material. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.

6. Undergo a Background Investigation

Almost all Civil Service positions in the U.S. Department of State require at least a secret security clearance. The clearance process considers such factors as registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a U.S. government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law, drug or alcohol abuse; or less-than-honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations, which usually take two to four months, include current and previous neighbors, supervisors and coworkers. Depending on the nature of the job, you may begin work on a provisional basis, pending completion of the clearance process.

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