What Happens After You Apply for 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 for 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 an agency official who will invite candidates for an interview. 
4. When a job candidate is offered the position.  

If you do not receive notification that the agency received your application within 15 to 20 days after the closing date, you may want to get in touch with the HR 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 or 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.

USAJOBS

Remember that you should be able to track all submitted applications in your USAJOBS account. Be sure to log in frequently to receive status updates.