Identify the Job You Want
Review the Vacancy Announcement
Carefully Follow the Application Instructions
Submitting your Fax Documentation
How You Will Be Evaluated
Interview for the Job
Undergo a Background Investigation

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. Visit www.usajobs.gov for current vacancies.

2. Review the Vacancy Announcement

   From the list of vacancies, click on an individual job title that interests you. 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 www.usajobs.gov.

3. Carefully Follow the Application Instructions

   Required application materials and instructions regarding application must be submitted according to the application procedures in the vacancy announcement. It is essential that you follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the vacancy announcement to which you are applying.

4. Submitting Your Fax Documentation

   Once you have completed the application process, you must fax the required supporting documentation listed on the vacancy announcement by the closing date in order to be considered for the position. Please click here for the instructions. We recommend that you print and read these instructions and keep them handy while faxing.

5. How You Will Be Evaluated

   You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. The evaluation will be based on information you provide in your on-line resume, your answers to the vacancy specific questions for the announcement, and a review of the documents that are requested as part of the announcement.

6. Interview for the Job

   The names and applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred to the supervisor or selecting official. Selection procedures are subject to Federal Civil Service laws, which ensure that all applicants receive fair and equal treatment in the hiring process.

7. Undergo a Background Investigation

   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.

Equal Opportunity Employer.