Hiring Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A: Applicants should upload and attach all relevant documents (e.g., resume, SF-50, transcripts) to their application based on the “Required Documents” section of the job announcement.

A: Applicants can update their application in the USAJOBS automated system until the job announcement closes. Once the job announcement has closed, you will be unable to update your resume or attach additional documents to your application. All supporting documents must be submitted in the USAJOBS automated system by the closing date of the job announcement.

A: There are four touchpoints in the hiring process:

(1) Application Received; (2) Notice of Results; (3) Notice of Referral; and (4) Disposition. All applicants will receive the Application Received notice after they have applied. The Notice of Results will be sent once the Office of Human Resources (OHR) begins reviewing applications. After the OHR review is completed, the Notice of Referral will be sent detailing whether your application was routed to the hiring office for consideration. Once the selection has been made, a Disposition notice will be sent detailing whether you or someone else has been selected.

The touchpoint notices will provide the most up to date information that OHR has regarding your application. As touchpoint notices are sent via email, please be sure to check your junk folder.

A: The Area of Consideration describes the individuals from whom the agency will accept applications. The Area of Consideration is referred to in the “Who May Apply” section on the job announcement. If you are not within the Area of Consideration and you are not eligible for a non-competitive hiring authority, your application will not be considered. An agency may use a non-competitive hiring authority (e.g., Persons with Disabilities, 30%+ Veterans, Attorneys below SK-14 grade level, Reinstatement eligibles, employees who currently or previously held same grade or higher on a permanent basis of announced position) to expedite the hiring of qualified candidates.

A: Positions are still considered active until the Disposition notice is sent to all applicants via email.

A: Once the referral list has been issued to the hiring office, you may be contacted for an interview. The hiring office determines who will be interviewed. Interviews are granted at the discretion of the hiring office. 

A: All candidates referred to a hiring office are not guaranteed an interview. Once a selection is made, you will receive a Disposition notice via email informing you of the selection outcome.

A: Unfortunately, we do not provide contact information for the hiring offices.

A: After an interview, applicants will either be contacted by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) about the final selection, or they will receive a Disposition notice via email. OHR is unable to provide information regarding the status of the interview process. For more information, please reach out to the point of contact that scheduled your interview.

A: The Office of Human Resources will not disclose the number of applicants or the name(s) of the candidate(s) who were selected for a job announcement. To request non-public records pertaining to the job announcement, you will need to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. For more information on a FOIA request, please visit the FOIA section on the SEC's public website.