Finding a job with the Federal Government in Seattle just got easier. Delivering mail or doing road construction is much better than standing in line at the Seattle unemployment office.
The USAJOBS website was created to assist you in your job search. It allows you to search for jobs that best match your skills and talents and to apply for them directly. Civilian federal job opportunities are announced through USAJOBS. There must be a vacancy announcement in order to apply for a job. The number will vary, but there are frequently around 25,000 listed on any given day, with new jobs added (and old ones closed) every day. A federal application consists of submitting a resume, completing an assessment, and providing additional information such as school transcripts, form SF-50 for government employees, or form DD 214.
Many excepted service agencies (such as the FBI, CIA, and some courts) also use USAJOBS to announce their job opportunities. You should contact the agency you are interested in for specific information on a position, grade, qualifications, and their evaluation process.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind while applying for jobs:
- Visit the USAJOBS website to learn about employment information, federal hiring processes, and how to assess your skills and interests to match potential career opportunities.
- Search for opportunities that match your skills and interests by using the search jobs function and then selecting your job requirements. When performing a “basic search” in the USAJOBS website, click the "?" icon next to the “Keyword Search” field. The link will take you to the “keyword search tips.” Once there, you can learn more about Boolean operators you can use to narrow your job search. You can also use the “My USAJOBS” system and create a search agent that will notify you when jobs meeting your requirements are added to the system.
- After finding a job of interest, it is very important that you carefully review the "how to apply" section of the announcement and follow the instructions exactly. Job announcement instructions vary as agencies use different applicant tracking systems to collect and evaluate applications. You may be able to apply online for a job or you may need to mail or fax your resume. This information will be included in the job announcement. When applicants do not follow the instructions provided, their application is considered incomplete and they are not considered for the job.
- When you apply for a position, we recommend that you print out the announcement so that you will have the information after the closing date. When an agency announcement is closed, it is removed from USAJOBS. We do not provide copies of closed announcements. A printed copy will also allow you to review information about the job before you go for an interview.