USAJOBS Guide: How to Find and Apply for Federal Jobs

USAJOBS is the official website for jobs with the US federal government. Federal agencies hire for a wide range of roles, from office support and customer service to maintenance, security and transportation. Applying is free, but the process is more detailed than on most job sites, so it pays to know how it works before you start.

What USAJOBS is

USAJOBS is where federal agencies post their openings. You search by job or keyword and by where you want to work. The site recommends signing in first, so it can use your profile information to improve results. Each announcement explains the duties, qualifications, who may apply and how to submit your application.

Who it suits

USAJOBS suits people who want stable public-sector work and are willing to follow a careful application process. It is also the place for students and recent graduates looking at federal programs, and for veterans, who have their own hiring path.

Understand hiring paths

Hiring paths show which jobs you may be eligible to apply for and why. You can fall under more than one. The main paths listed on the site include:

• Open to the public for most job seekers.
• Students for current students and recent graduates.
• Federal employees for people already working for the government.
• Veterans for those who served.

Check the hiring path on every announcement before you spend time on an application. USAJOBS also has a "Learn about all hiring paths" page with the full list.

How to search well

After a first search, narrow results with filters for location, salary, work schedule and agency. Use the site's search tips page for more ideas. Try plain keywords that describe the work, such as "clerk", "custodial", "driver" or "customer service", and then read the announcement titles closely, since federal job titles can differ from private-sector ones. You can save favorite jobs and searches, and automate saved searches from your profile so new matches come to you.

How to apply

You need a free USAJOBS profile to apply for any job. From your profile you can upload resumes and documents, make your resume searchable and attach the right files when you apply. A few tips:

• Read the qualifications and required documents sections carefully and follow them exactly.
• Make your resume detailed. Federal reviewers look for evidence that you meet each requirement, so include dates, duties and hours worked.
• Use Track This Application in your profile to see where each application stands.

Before you apply, read the whole announcement, including the "This job is open to" section, the closing date, the duties and the "How you will be evaluated" or qualifications sections. Many announcements ask you to answer a questionnaire about your experience; answer honestly, because your resume must back up every answer. If the process feels confusing, an American Job Center or a local library can help you prepare.

The Help Center covers common questions and how to complete each step.

Stay safe

The Federal Trade Commission says honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask you to pay to get a job, and that government and postal jobs are always free to apply for. Never pay anyone who promises a federal or postal job, exam help or a guaranteed spot. Apply only through USAJobs.gov or, for the Postal Service, usps.com/employment. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and read the FTC's job scam advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to apply for a federal job?

No. The FTC says honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask you to pay to get a job. Anyone charging for a federal job or a guaranteed spot is not legitimate.

What does "Open to the public" mean on USAJOBS?

It is one of the hiring paths that shows who can apply. USAJOBS says you are eligible for jobs open to the public if you are a US citizen or national, and some announcements also accept non-citizens, while other paths are limited to groups such as students, veterans or current federal employees.

Are Postal Service jobs on USAJOBS?

The Postal Service runs its own careers site, reached through usps.com/employment. The FTC lists both USAJobs.gov and usps.com/employment as the official places to apply.

Can I see where my application stands?

Yes. Your USAJOBS profile includes a Track This Application link that shows the status of applications you have submitted.

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Sources

• USAJOBS - Homepage
• USAJOBS Help Center - Open to the public hiring path
• FTC - Job Scams

Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.