While job searching I’ve found a few federal jobs (in the US) that look like they might be a good fit for me. I applied to them using their online website (applicationmanager.gov,) and got them the documents they asked for. Of course, being an idiot, only after submitting to the job did I take a good look at the information they need and realize my resume doesn’t meet their requirements, because they require stuff on it that most employers don’t, or even use (social security number, civilian job grade, etc…)
So did I just screw myself out of this job, or can I just apply again?
And when applying to future jobs, I can just use form OF 612 instead of a resume, right? That way I don’t have to worry about having all the information, cause it’s already there.
In my experience, your application will be rejected as incomplete and you may get a letter from them telling you so. For federal jobs, you have to be 100% complete and answer ALL questions on the requirements, knowledge, skills, etc. You can always reapply.
You will most likely get a somewhat cryptic e-mail from OPM, simply rejecting your application as incomplete, not explaining what was missing, not identifying anyone you can contact, and not giving you any appeal rights.
Most fed jobs are open for specific periods. If the posting you applied under is closed, you will likely need to wait until it is posted again.
If the application period is over, you might be SOL, but it can’t hurt to try calling the contact listed for the job opening.
If the application period is still active, have you tried going on the website and seeing if there’s an option to re-open your application?
I did, and it doesn’t look that that is an option. The position is open until June 29th, so I have plenty of time to resubmit if I can find a way how…
And speaking of form OF 612, it only has listings for my two most recent jobs…I would really like to go back to my third most recent one since it has ALL of the relevant experience for the jobs I’m applying to (it bumps me from a GS-5 to a GS-7…I think…maybe from a 7 to a 9?) Can I just make a copy of that page and put in the other job info on it?
I did the apply online method, which sent them the resume I created on the federal website, which has all the required info. However, I need to email or fax them my transcript. I uploaded them to the “MyUSAJOBS website”, but this job doesn’t accept uploaded documents using that website, they have to be emailed or faxed separately. First off, this is beyond moronic. I really which all these damn federal agencies would just agree to use the same damn website. What’s the point of having a centralized job search and application site if no one uses it?! I applied to a similar job posting for the Air Force and they also didn’t accept uploaded documents in that website, but instead had to go you their own website to upload the same damn documents.
Anyway, I have a cover sheet for faxing them, but I’d rather email, but it gives no instructions about the form the email has to have. I assume that something along the lines of, “Hey, I applied to this job, here’s my resume” is out, so what, then? Should I just follow the form of the cover sheet for the fax method?
If so, I have another question. The fax cover sheet asks for the “Vacancy Identification Number.” It it an eight character ID number for the job, it seems. Only…I can’t find that number anywhere in the job description. I see a “Job Announcement Number,” but that is TEN characters, not eight!
There should be a point of contact listed for the job announcement. Call them.
The form says nothing about chronological order. You should list the work experience most related to the job first. The next most related under additional work experience. If you wish to include more experience, type it up and attach it.
By all means re-apply. That initial attempt was summarily round-filed as “incomplete”. There won’t be anyone on the other end who will look at your second submission and say “Waitaminnut – this person already applied and sent in a messed-up application! No job for you!”.
Sure – might as well use the OF 612 if it helps you ensure that everything is in order.
Are you filling out an online OF 612? I only have familiarity with the paper version … never have seen it online.
In any case, when I was in your shoes, I was advised to go back 15 years in my job history. That took several extra pages … making copies of that page and including them in your application is not a problem.
This may come off the wrong way, but if you find this level of bureaucracy and redundant paperwork frustrating you may want to reconsider a job working for the government/military.
That said, it doesn’t need to be anything that complicated:
A day or two later, email or call the contact person to make sure that the email was received and that your application is complete.
usajobs - and their associated applications manager - are horribly user-unfriendly sites.
And OPM may well e the most incompetent component of the federal government.
Truly a shame that is the portal so many people must pass through to obtain government employent.