Applying for Positions in USAJobs Using the PLC Authority What to Expect Applying for Positions in USAJobs Using the PLC Authority

First Step Create an account in USAJobs here You can build resumes in USAJobs (up to five) Keep in mind that the one or two page resume you were told you needed in college won’t work for government jobs. This isn’t a presentation on creating your resume. BUT Critical Tip: When putting dates on your resume for when you worked somewhere, do NOT just put “April 2015.” Put “April 1, 2015” if it’s a starting date and put “April 30, 2015” if it’s an ending date.

Find Your Job If you want to apply for a specific position that you already know it open, find it using the location, title, or the announcement number. If you’re “just shopping,” remember to search for jobs open to Federal employees. At the bottom of the search screen is a section called “Who May Apply.” Click the radio button YES – I fall into one of these categories (The PLC Authority is a non-competitive appointment authority – but yes, I realize you have to apply for the position and yes, you may be competing with other PLC eligibles)

We’ll assume this is “your job.” It tells you how many people will be hired (2), where they will work, that the position is full time, the salary range AND that the position is a GS-5

This section tells you that the position is Career/Career Conditional, which means that successful applicants will become “career” (permanent) employees on the “condition” that you complete one successful year . You still have to complete three years (or 36 months) of permanent work for career status. It also tells you that you have to move yourself to the location. The government will not be covering your moving expenses.

Always remember to read this section over, particularly if you are not familiar with the location or the type of position.

Other important information to note

The Assessment Questionnaire is Critical The Assessment Questionnaire is Critical. This tells you what they are looking for.

You’ll select and upload/attach your resume, then Save and Continue

You’ll also need to upload your PLC Hour Logs and your signed, dated Certificate of Eligibility as a PLC participant.

Small but critical details

Then it’ll take you to the Application Manager which looks like this

If you have never been a veteran, select No Preference Claimed Make sure to select the grade for the position. Yes, we’d all like to be a GS-15 but . . . If you have never been a veteran, select No Preference Claimed There will typically only be one selection. Check it.

There is usually only one choice This won’t apply to you

The best answer here is A but if you don’t have twelve months of qualifying experience as an intern, select B. If you select B, you need to submit a copy of your certified transcripts from your school. If you have a degree in an associated subject, this is not a requirement but I still suggest you include them if you do not have 12 months of qualifying work experience.

These are questions from this GS-5 Park Guide announcement These are questions from this GS-5 Park Guide announcement. They are likely similar to other announcements. Do not under-rate yourself. Consider yourself a C or a D on everything possible.

Hope this helps!