Applying and Hiring Paths
Applying Through USAJobs
USAJOBS connects job seekers with Federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. As the Federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS helps the right people find the right jobs. As a part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS helps recruit and retain a world-class government workforce for the American people.
First Steps
- Create a profile on USAJOBS (be sure to select New Orleans commuting area as your location or even remote in the New Orleans commuting area).
- Create or upload a resume (be sure it includes all the information required for the online resume, including education and coursework completed).
- Set up reminders for vacancy announcements (daily, weekly, etc.) directly to your email address.
- Apply to any jobs of interest.
Great! You are on your way to becoming a potential Federal employee in the New Orleans commuting area. For more information on USAJobs, be sure to check out the USAJobs Frequently Asked Questions page.
Individuals with Disabilities
If you're an individual with a disability, you can apply and compete for any job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications, but you also may be eligible for a special hiring authority. The Federal Government hires each person using a hiring authority (the term comes from the federal regulation that describes it). Federal agencies can use the Schedule A Hiring Authority to hire an individual with a disability.
Schedule A Hiring Authority
Schedule A refers to a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional, and potentially quicker, way to hire individuals with disabilities. Applying under Schedule A offers an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You can apply for jobs using Schedule A, if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability or a psychiatric disability.
To be eligible for Schedule A, you must provide a proof of a disability letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability. You can get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any federal, state or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
Applying using Schedule A can be a great way to get a federal job, but it is one of many options that may be available and you still have to compete with other eligible applicants. Federal agencies hire people using many options, so applying under Schedule A does not guarantee you a job. Learn more about eligibility for Schedule A.
Open to the Public
If you're a U.S. citizen or national you can apply to jobs that are open to the public. Anyone, including current federal employees, can apply to these jobs. But, if you're a current federal employee and you apply to an open to the public job, you'll have to compete against the general public. Your status as a federal employee does not guarantee you'll get the job.
Military Spouses & Family Members
Military spouses and eligible family members may be able to apply under the Special Hiring Authorities for Military Spouses and Family Members. This authority enables a hiring manager to non-competitively appoint a military spouse who meets certain criteria to any position in the competitive service for which he or she is qualified. There is no grade level limitation.
For more information on this hiring authority, including eligibility requirements, please visit OPM's Special Hiring Authorities for Military Spouses and Family Members page.
Students & Recent Graduates
If you're a current student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for federal internships and job opportunities through the Pathways and other student programs. The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three different paths available.
Internship Program
The Internship Program is for current students. If you're a current student in high school, college, trade school or another qualifying educational institution, you may be eligible. This program offers paid opportunities to work in federal agencies and explore federal careers while completing your education. Learn more about the Internship Program.
Recent Graduates Program
The Recent Graduates Program is for those who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The Recent Graduates Program offers career development with training and mentorship. You must apply within two years of getting your degree or certificate (veterans have up to six years to apply due to their military service obligation). Learn more about the Recent Graduates Program.
USDA 1890 National Scholar Program
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 1890 National Scholars Program, which is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resource, and other related sciences. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. Learn more about the USDA 1890 National Scholar Program.
Veterans
If you're a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans' preference, as well as other veteran specific hiring options. With Veterans' Preference, you may receive preference over non-veteran applicants in the hiring process. Veterans' Preference can be used when applying to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service (of the executive branch).
Claiming Veterans' Preference
When claiming Veterans' Preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, certificate of release or discharge from active duty or other acceptable documentation. Applicants claiming 10-point preference will need to submit Form SF-15 or other acceptable documentation. You can upload and save documents to your USAJOBS account. Once uploaded, you can submit these forms with your job application as needed.