Your federal resume is just one part of your application. Many federal job announcements also require you to complete application questionnaires, respond to written prompts and submit additional documentation.
Some agencies may require additional assessments. For example, if you apply to become a foreign service officer with the State Department, you must take and pass the Foreign Service Exam as part of the selection process.
Application Questionnaires and Essays
How to answer application questionnaires
Application questionnaires vary in length and format. They may include yes/no, true/false, multiple-choice or short essay questions. In most cases, you will complete the questionnaire as part of your USAJOBS application submission.
Your responses should closely align with the experience described in your resume. If you rate yourself as having experience performing a specific task, make sure that experience is clearly documented. Hiring managers might compare your questionnaire responses with your resume, so it is important that the two are consistent. Think of the questionnaire as another opportunity to reinforce your qualifications.
Application essays
Each job announcement lists certain qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities—or KSAs—the agency is seeking. When responding to the essay prompts or KSAs, succinctly describe your experiences in a way that matches the qualifications listed in the job announcement. Focus on your direct contributions and avoid acronyms unless they are widely recognized or clearly explained.
Use the same terminology that appears in the position description if it accurately reflects your experience. Many agencies use automated systems to screen applications for required qualifications, so aligning your language with the announcement maystrengthen your application. Be clear and direct in describing how your experience meets the stated requirements.
Provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications, even if the experience is also described in your resume. Explain the situation, the actions you took and the results you achieved. Focus on your individual contributions and measurable outcomes whenever possible.
If you are just starting out professionally, you can draw from internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, student organizations or academic projects. The key is to show how you used relevant skills in real situations and what impact your work had.
New essay questions under the 2025 Merit Hiring Plan
As part of federal hiring reforms introduced in 2025, many job announcements at the GS-05 level and above now include a set of short essay questions in addition to your resume and questionnaire. These questions are part of the Merit Hiring Planissued by the Office of Personnel Management. They provide an opportunity to explain, in your own words, how your experience and values align with the mission and priorities of the federal government.
While agencies include these questions on many applications, official guidance from OPM states that your responses are not scored or rated like exam results and that you will not be automatically disqualified for choosing not to answer.
If you do choose to answer, focus on clear, specific examples from your academic, work, volunteer or leadership experiences that demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for federal service. Keep each answer concise and relevant to the job youare seeking. Also ground each answer in your professional experience.
Other common application materials
In addition to your resume and questionnaire, you may need to submit supporting documents, such as college transcripts, professional certifications or proof of eligibility under specific hiring authorities.
Noncompetitive status refers to eligibility for certain hiring paths that limit applicant pools, such as veterans, people with disabilities, or current or former federal employees. Carefully review the job announcement for instructions on how to submit required documents, as most agencies require you to upload materials directly through USAJOBS or the agency’s application system.
Agencies may also request cover letters, letters of recommendation, writing samples or other materials. Make sure each of these documents reinforces the knowledge, skills and abilities requested in the position description and reflects the experience outlined in your resume
Transcripts
Many federal positions require transcripts to verify your degree, coursework or education. Review the job announcement carefully to determine whether official or unofficial transcripts are required. If you cannot obtain an official transcript before the application deadline, contact the listed HR representative to confirm whether unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
Verification of status
You must submit documentation to verify claims to veterans’ preference or another type of “noncompetitive status.” Required forms are usually listed in the job announcement. USAJOBS also provides guidance and links to commonly required documentation.