Federal Employment Application/Hiring Process

Applying for positions with the federal government is a SLOW process.  Begin the process early and BE PATIENT.  It could take anywhere from 9-18 months to complete the process.

NOTE:  The application/hiring process is complex and difficult to navigate for those that are unfamiliar with it.  To begin, read the information below.  You are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a CDC staff member to assist you through this process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  To schedule an appointment to review information on federal hiring, contact theCDC directly at 717-477-1484. 

STEP 1

Research information on federal job opportunities through one of the following:

• Call to Serve (Provides information about federal jobs and internships in a student-friendly language and offers guidance navigating the sites below): www.calltoserve.org
• USAJobs (federal government's main website for job postings): www.usajobs.gov
• Student Jobs (lists temporary employment and internship opportunities for students): www.studentjobs.gov
• The Washington Center for Internships (internship opportunities): www.twc.edu

STEP 2

• Obtain the vacancy announcement.
• Research and obtain specific information about the opportunities of interest to you.
• The vacancy announcement is an important source of information.  It will answer most questions you may have about the position.

Follow the application instructions carefully and completely.  Submit all required information and documents by deadline dates.Some jobs with unique requirements may also ask for additional/other forms to be completed and submitted.

It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and completely.  Submit all required information and documents by deadline dates.  Make sure that your application always contains the following:

A successful resume is one that places your unique experience/qualifications in a format that meets the needs of the individuals reviewing it.  When developing your resume, keep the following in mind:

• Your resume will be viewed as a sample of your work.
• It should demonstrate how well you organize and present information.
• It will demonstrate your ability to produce quality work – clean, neat and free of errors.
• Your resume should be easy to read.
• Present the text in short, easy to scan paragraphs.
• Make use of white space and spacing to make the information accessible and easy to read.
• Use headings, bold type, and all capitals to add emphasis to important information.
• Select an easy to read typeface, usually 10-12 point.

  Content

Your resume must include all items required by OPM (including, but not limited to):

• Include strong, action verbs and accomplishment statements to describe your duties and demonstrate your experience.
• Stress relevant recent and successful accomplishments.
• Include accomplishments resulting from unusual events (internships, co-ops, workshops/conferences).
• Consider including volunteer or outside activities, if they are relevant.
• Mention awards and honors to document the quality of your accomplishments.
• Provide details such as titles/dates of training, reason for award, software used and how you used it, so that you may receive full recognition for your qualifications.

• Consider using additional headings related to other qualifications, including:
• Foreign language capability
• Special skills (computer, laboratory, field, etc.)
• Licenses or certifications
• Awards, honors, and recognition
• Equipment competencies
• Training for both formal classroom as well as informal on-the-job training

Inserting a "Summary of Qualifications" at the beginning of your resume can be effective in demonstrating how you are a strong candidate.  A brief 5-8 line paragraph or bullets can direct the reader's attention to your qualifications.