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1. Read the Entire USAJOBS Announcement
Read the full job announcement before applying. USAJOBS announcements include important eligibility, documentation, and application requirements. Missing any requirement may result in your application not being considered.
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2. Apply to the Correct Announcement
Some positions may have more than one announcement.
- Merit announcement: Usually has an announcement number ending in “ST”. Review the “This job is open to” section to confirm you are eligible.
- Public announcement: Usually has an announcement number ending in “D” and is open to the general public.
If you are eligible under both announcements, apply to both.
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3. Complete the Announcement Questionnaire
You must complete the questionnaire as part of your application. Read each question carefully. Some questions may require documents that are not listed in the main Required Documents section.
For example, you may need to upload proof of a Merchant Mariner Credential or a deck or engine military qualification. If required documents are missing, your application may not be considered.
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4. Prepare a Clear, Targeted Resume
Use the USAJOBS resume builder and complete all required sections.
Your resume should:
- Be no more than two pages
- Include the number of hours worked per week for each job or volunteer position
- Address qualifications, specialized experience and major duties listed in the announcement
- Describe what you did, how you did it, and the results you achieved
- Spell out all acronyms the first time you use them
- Proofread for spelling, grammar, formatting, and consistency
Pay close attention to the Qualifications and Duties sections of the announcement:
- Qualifications: This section explains the specialized experience required for the position and grade level. Your resume must clearly show how you meet each required specialized experience statement.
- Duties: This section describes the work performed in the position. Tailor your resume to show which duties you have performed and how your experience relates to the job.
Avoid adding unrelated work experience, long summary paragraphs, graphics, or photos. Use the limited space to show how you meet the job qualifications, specialized experience and duties.
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5. Provide Required Proof for Selective Placement Factors
Some NMC positions require specific education, credentials, certifications, or military qualifications.
If the announcement includes a Selective Placement Factor, make sure your resume addresses it and that you upload any required supporting documents. Stating that you meet the requirement is not enough if documentation is required.
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6. Submit the Correct SF-50, if Applicable
If you are a current or former federal employee, upload the correct SF-50. You may upload more than one.
Do not submit an award SF-50 or pay adjustment SF-50, as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. When required, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date at least 52 weeks before the job announcement closing date.
Recommended documents include your most recent promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50 that shows a date at least 52 weeks before the job announcement closing date.
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7. Complete USA Hire Assessments
Most National Maritime Center positions require USA Hire Assessments. After applying, you will receive instructions in USAJOBS and by email, including the deadline. The deadline is usually about 48 hours after the announcement closes.
Plan for about two hours to complete the assessments. In most cases, your results are reused for one year. If you do not perform well, you generally cannot retake the same assessment for one year, so prepare before you begin.
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8. Contact the Listed Point of Contact
Each announcement includes an agency contact name and email address. Use that contact for questions about the application process or the status of your application.