Step 1 Read the entire job announcement carefully! First and foremost, make sure you understand the position duties, how you will be evaluated, and which documents are required for the submission. (Note: for some jobs, you may have to take a USAHIRE test. You’ll have 48 hours to complete the test.) Not sure if you should apply? Simply make sure you meet the minimum qualifications for the job. For example, if it requires you have 6 months of work experience in comparable “customer service”, you will HAVE to show that your volunteer/paid work experience, has the equivalent of 6 months aka 1,040 hours (40 hours per week x 26 weeks). In other words, if you have not worked fulltime at one place for minimally 6 months, you can still qualify for the position if your combined customer service experience can add up to 1040hrs— if you do, move on to Step 2! And remember that volunteer/unpaid experience counts as well. Step 2 Your resume is important! Federal resumes are often 5 pages or more since the reviewers are evaluating whether your past work/volunteer experiences are in line with the job requirements and support your answers to the application questionnaire. It is strongly encouraged to use the usajobs.gov RESUME BUILDER, since it will automatically place required resume information (US Citizen, address, phone number and email, # of hours worked at each position, etc.) in the resume for you. Resume Tips:
Step 3 Don’t undersell yourself! Some applications will send you to a page where you are asked to rate yourself in the occupational questionnaire. Do not be humble! Most people aren’t! Don’t lie, but make sure you give yourself the highest rating that you can justify. Also remember that your resume must support the rating that you give yourself. Once you have submitted all the required documents, be on the lookout for all emails. Check your SPAM folder as well as your inbox! If HR does not hear from you, they will assume you are no longer interested in the work. Good luck with your application! *For any questions, please email both Ken Bigley at ken_bigley@nps.gov and Natalie Craig at natalie_craig@nps.gov |
Last updated: March 7, 2024