What Happens After You Apply to a Federal Job

After the Application Period Closes

When the application period closes, a human resources professional will  review and assess every application. After reviewing each application, a list of qualified candidates who meet the basic qualifications required of the position is created and sent to a selecting official. The selecting official chooses which candidates to interview.

Most agencies strive to fill their open positions within 80 days or sooner. However, the average “time to hire,” or the time between applying and receiving an offer, is still close to 100 days. It is important to remember this timeframe as you apply to positions.

How to Track an Application

The agency notifies you at four points in the process (if you are being considered for the job): 

1. When the application is received.
   
2. If someone meets the minimum qualifications.
   
3. When the application is referred to agency official who will make a selection.
   
4. When a job candidate is offered the position. 

If you do not hear that the agency received your application within 15 to 20 days after the closing date, you may want to get in touch with the contact listed in the job announcement. You can email or call to confirm that the agency received your application and verify that you completed the application materials correctly. 

Always have a specific reason for calling. If the application period has not closed, for example, are you calling to request additional information? To make sure your application was received? You also can track your application status through your USAJOBS account or the agency system you used to apply.

Reference the announcement number
Each job announcement has a reference number. Use that number when you communicate with an agency so your application can quickly be located. You can find the job announcement number in the overview section of the job announcement.