Job Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

  • What information should I provide in my cover letter?

    A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and may be individualized for each position for which you are applying. Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight specific experience or education that reflects your knowledge of CBO’s needs and how you could contribute and to demonstrate your interest in CBO. Managers review cover letters to assess a candidate’s knowledge about CBO, how their skills could be utilized, and their communication skills.

  • HELP! I've forgotten my password.

    There is a link on the login screen labeled “If you do not remember your password click here.” Click on this link and then enter the email address you used when you created your profile. The system will automatically email your password information. Be sure that your spam filter allows emails from tbesupport@taleo.com.

  • HELP! I cannot remember my username.

    Please note that your username is your email address. If you cannot remember the email address you used, then please contact us via phone and our system administrator will attempt to find the email address you used. If we cannot locate your information, you will need to create an entirely new profile, so please retain your username and password when you first register.

  • How will I know if CBO has received my résumé?

    You will receive an automatic email confirming that the materials you submitted were received.

  • Can I submit a regular résumé or does CBO require an SF 171 and information on my knowledge, skills, and abilities?

    Please submit a regular résumé with all additional materials that are requested in the job announcement.

  • There are several jobs I am interested in, but I will not be available for employment until I graduate. Should I submit my application materials now?

    CBO may extend offers for certain jobs to candidates who have not yet graduated and may negotiate a start date following graduation.

  • Does CBO consider noncitizens for employment or internships?

    CBO may employ individuals who are not U.S. citizens if they are permanent residents of the United States who are seeking citizenship, as outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B). Please review the citizenship requirements or contact CBO Human Resources at careers@cbo.gov to determine employment eligibility before submitting an application.

  • How do I determine the General Schedule level of jobs?

    CBO’s salary structure does not follow the General Schedule. CBO offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications.

  • How do I submit my transcripts if I can't email them?

    Transcripts must be submitted through the online application system. If you can’t download a transcript from your university, do one of the following: 1) Use a scanner to create an electronic file of your transcript or 2) Transcribe your information into a Word document or an excel spreadsheet. Then upload the file.

  • My school would prefer to mail the transcripts. Can they be sent by Federal Express to ensure prompt delivery?

    CBO does not accept application materials outside of the online application. Please add your transcript information by one of the methods described above.

  • Does CBO require official transcripts?

    For evaluation purposes, CBO accepts unofficial transcripts.

  • What type of a writing sample should I submit?

    If possible, submit a short writing sample for which you have conducted research and completed a quantitative analysis of the subject. A sample on subject matter relating to the particular unit or division that you are interested in would also be desirable. If your writing sample is more than 5-10 pages, you should consider adding a page that will direct reviewers to specific pages where your research and/or quantitative analyses are best displayed.

  • When a job announcement requests three references, does CBO want letters of reference or recommendation?

    CBO requests that you provide contact information for references who would be able to describe your qualifications for the position. Typical references include a previous supervisor or faculty member.

  • What constitutes a useful editing sample?

    To be useful, editing samples need to show your work. Markups, files with changes tracked electronically, or before-and-after documents are all fine, but a finished piece (without an indication of your editing) is not an informative sample. Samples that are from, say, 3 to 20 pages long tend to be most useful. A sample should be accompanied by a description of the task and the circumstances: In your description, you should place the task on the spectrum of editing—from substantive review to copyediting–and include any other relevant information (perhaps the timing or something about your interaction with the author or reviewers). You should feel welcome to submit multiple samples if they show different aspects of your approach and style. At least one sample should focus on substantive review or substantive editing, showing an ability to transform the original. All samples will be handled confidentially.

  • What information does CBO want in a salary history?

    Please provide salary information for the last 10 years of employment (if applicable). The preferred method would be to indicate the base salary, cost-of-living increases, merit increases, and any bonuses as separate items for each year.

  • What do I do if I don't receive an email indicating that CBO received my initial application materials?

    If you don’t receive an email confirming receipt of your materials within a week, check your spam filter in the event that the confirmation has been captured there. If not, send an email to careers@cbo.gov requesting that confirmation.

  • If I am interviewed and not selected for a specific job, will I remain under consideration for other jobs?

    If you wish to be considered for other positions at CBO, you will need to return to your online application to apply specifically to new jobs. Please note that you may apply for more than one position at a time.

  • I applied for an internship; will that application allow me to be considered for full-time employment?

    No, the Summer Internship Program requires that you apply specifically to the internship program as it has a specific deadline. To also be considered for full-time employment, you must submit a separate application for those positions.

  • Will I receive any additional information about the status of my application?

    CBO receives a number of applications for each position. When your application is received you will receive an email confirmation. Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted if we require additional information or wish to schedule an interview. You will receive an email if you are not being considered. If you are interviewed, CBO will contact you regarding your status; otherwise, you will receive an email when the position(s) for which you have applied are filled.

    If you would like to check the status of jobs for which you applied, please log back into the online application system. After logging in, go to “Check the status of your application” to see your status. Please note that jobs are removed from the CBO Web site when we are no longer accepting applications for a position or when they have been filled.

  • How do I determine the closing date of a job announcement?

    CBO does not have closing dates for most of its announcements. Job announcements remain on the agency’s Web site until we are no longer accepting applications for that position or until the position is filled. When you apply for a job, CBO may be at any step of the recruitment process for that position.

  • What does it mean when a position states ‘Apply by XX date to ensure consideration’? Can I still apply after that date and will I be considered?

    If the position remains open on CBO’s website, you may submit an application after the date indicated you should apply by but there is no guarantee that your application will be considered. Applications received by the date indicated will be reviewed. The hiring division will determine if they have received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates who applied by the date indicated to determine if they will consider candidates who applied after that date or not.

  • Can I submit my résumé online?

    Yes, CBO only accepts applications that are submitted online. In fact, by uploading your résumé on our site, our system will automatically populate some fields on the application for you. You will then only need to fill in the additional fields to apply.

  • Can I just submit my résumé for future consideration and without applying for a specific position now?

    Candidates may apply only once a specific job vacancy exists; that is, CBO does not accept general applications for future vacancies.

  • Will I be considered for other positions when I apply for a specific position or do I need to apply separately for each position I am interested in?

    It is possible your profile may be reviewed for other current or future positions should you fit the specific job requirements of those positions and we may contact you to suggest that you apply for another position. However, if you’d like to be considered for a position, you must apply online directly for each position that is of interest to you. Once you have applied for a position, your online profile will be stored in our system which you will be able to access with your username (email address) and password. You can use the same profile to apply for several jobs. Jobs are removed from the CBO website when we are no longer accepting applications or once an offer has been extended.

  • HELP! I've forgotten my password.

    There is a link on the login screen labeled “If you do not remember your password click here.” Click on this link and then enter the email address you used when you created your profile. The system will automatically email your password information. Be sure that your spam filter allows emails from tbesupport@taleo.com.

  • HELP! I cannot remember my username.

    Please note that your username is your email address. If you cannot remember the email address you used, then please contact us via phone and our system administrator will attempt to find the email address you used. If we cannot locate your information, you will need to create an entirely new profile, so please retain your username and password when you first register.

  • What browsers are supported by this application?

    All major browsers including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and AOL are supported.

  • How do I find driving directions to your location?

    Directions to CBO.

  • Do you offer relocation assistance to candidates?

    No. Unfortunately, CBO is not authorized to provide relocation assistance.

  • I received an email that I was missing a writing sample and/or unofficial transcripts. Can I email them to you?

    CBO positions may require different documents, such as writing samples, unofficial transcripts, etc. You will not be considered for positions if you haven’t submitted the required materials. If you have been informed that your application is missing materials, please log back into your application, upload the missing document(s), naviagate to the bottom of the application and re-enter the date, place a check mark in the box that states ‘I understand and wish to submit my application.’ and click on the ‘Submit’ button. Be sure to email careers@cbo.gov and to inform the staff that you have added the requested documents so they can review your application again.

  • If I am applying to more than one position, do I need a separate cover letter for each position?

    A separate cover letter for each position may not be necessary. If you are applying for several similar positions (for example, several economist positions), you could prepare a single cover letter. However, if you have experience or skills that relate differently to several positions, it is probably worthwhile to write a separate cover letter for each position. If you upload several cover letters, please provide information in the titles as to which position each pertains.

  • How do I search for jobs?

    Click on the “Search” button to view all open positions.

  • How can I find all positions open where I live?

    All positions with the Congressional Budget Office are located in Washington, D.C.

  • How do I find out more information on an open position?

    You can find out details on a position by clicking on the title of the open position which will bring you to the Job Description page. The Job Description page will have the Job Description, Qualifications, and materials requested. You will also be able to apply directly from this page by entering your email address and clicking the “Apply for this position” link which is located at the bottom of the Job Description page. Returning applicants should submit their email and click on the “Add to my jobs” button. We encourage you to review and update your application when you apply to new jobs.

    Information on the Division pages may also be helpful in learning about a position. This information is available on “our staffing” page.

  • How do I determine the General Schedule level of jobs?

    CBO’s salary structure does not follow the General Schedule. CBO offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications.

  • Does CBO consider noncitizens for employment or internships?

    CBO may employ individuals who are not U.S. citizens if they are permanent residents of the United States who are seeking citizenship, as outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B). Please review the citizenship requirements or contact CBO Human Resources at careers@cbo.gov to determine employment eligibility before submitting an application.

  • There are several jobs I am interested in, but I will not be available for employment until I graduate. Should I submit my application materials now?

    CBO may extend offers for certain jobs to candidates who have not yet graduated and may negotiate a start date following graduation.

  • Can I submit my résumé online?

    Yes, CBO only accepts applications that are submitted online. In fact, by uploading your résumé on our site, our system will automatically populate some fields on the application for you. You will then only need to fill in the additional fields to apply.

  • Can I apply for employment if I do not have a résumé?

    No, you will need to create a résumé in order to apply for employment at CBO.

  • What if I am not ready to fill out the online application at this time?

    If you have started, but do not wish to complete the online application at this time, just simply close the browser window and with that all your information will be deleted.

  • What if I am unable to fully complete my application at this time?

    Unfortunately you cannot partially complete and save your application, so please make sure you have all the necessary information ready before you start the online application process. Please allow yourself enough time to fill out the initial application; all required fields must be completed, otherwise you won’t be able to submit your application to us. You will only need to do this the very first time you use our online application system, after that you’ll be able to access your profile online and make changes.

  • Do I have to include my Social Security Number (SSN/SIN) to apply?

    CBO does not request your Social Security Number for the initial application.

  • Is it safe to enter my information on your website?

    Yes, our web pages are secure. We take the utmost care to protect your information whether you are browsing on our website or applying for employment.

  • Can I just submit my résumé for future consideration and without applying for a specific position now?

    Candidates may apply only once a specific job vacancy exists; that is, CBO does not accept general applications for future vacancies.

  • Will I be considered for other positions when I apply for a specific position or do I need to apply separately for each position I am interested in?

    It is possible your profile may be reviewed for other current or future positions should you fit the specific job requirements of those positions and we may contact you to suggest that you apply for another position. However, if you’d like to be considered for a position, you must apply online directly for each position that is of interest to you. Once you have applied for a position, your online profile will be stored in our system which you will be able to access with your username (email address) and password. You can use the same profile to apply for several jobs. Jobs are removed from the CBO website when we are no longer accepting applications or once an offer has been extended.

  • What browsers are supported by this application?

    All major browsers including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and AOL are supported.

  • Can I submit a regular résumé or does CBO require an SF 171 and information on my knowledge, skills, and abilities?

    Please submit a regular résumé with all additional materials that are requested in the job announcement.

  • What information should I provide in my cover letter?

    A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and may be individualized for each position for which you are applying. Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight specific experience or education that reflects your knowledge of CBO’s needs and how you could contribute and to demonstrate your interest in CBO. Managers review cover letters to assess a candidate’s knowledge about CBO, how their skills could be utilized, and their communication skills.

  • How do I submit my transcripts if I can't email them?

    Transcripts must be submitted through the online application system. If you can’t download a transcript from your university, do one of the following: 1) Use a scanner to create an electronic file of your transcript or 2) Transcribe your information into a Word document or an excel spreadsheet. Then upload the file.

  • My school would prefer to mail the transcripts. Can they be sent by Federal Express to ensure prompt delivery?

    CBO does not accept application materials outside of the online application. Please add your transcript information by one of the methods described above.

  • Does CBO require official transcripts?

    For evaluation purposes, CBO accepts unofficial transcripts.

  • What type of a writing sample should I submit?

    If possible, submit a short writing sample for which you have conducted research and completed a quantitative analysis of the subject. A sample on subject matter relating to the particular unit or division that you are interested in would also be desirable. If your writing sample is more than 5-10 pages, you should consider adding a page that will direct reviewers to specific pages where your research and/or quantitative analyses are best displayed.

  • When a job announcement requests three references, does CBO want letters of reference or recommendation?

    CBO requests that you provide contact information for references who would be able to describe your qualifications for the position. Typical references include a previous supervisor or faculty member.

  • What information does CBO want in a salary history?

    Please provide salary information for the last 10 years of employment (if applicable). The preferred method would be to indicate the base salary, cost-of-living increases, merit increases, and any bonuses as separate items for each year.

  • How do I determine the closing date of a job announcement?

    CBO does not have closing dates for most of its announcements. Job announcements remain on the agency’s Web site until we are no longer accepting applications for that position or until the position is filled. When you apply for a job, CBO may be at any step of the recruitment process for that position.

  • How do I apply to a position of interest?

    You can apply to a position by clicking on the title of the open position which will display details about the position. You can then apply directly from this page by entering your email address and clicking the “Apply for this position” link which is located at the bottom of the Job Description page. Returning applicants should submit their email and click on the “Add to my jobs” button. We encourage you to review and update your application when you apply to new jobs.

  • Can I submit a paper application?

    No, you need to apply online for all positions. Individuals who require an accommodation should contact CBO Human Resources at careers@cbo.gov or 202-226-2628. If you are experiencing any trouble applying online, please contact our support team.

  • I do not have an email address. How can I apply for employment?

    We maintain the vast majority of communication with our candidates via email and this is also how you can stay informed about our job openings, so it is important to have an email address. If you do not currently have an email address, please create an email account with one of the free services like Yahoo!, Gmail, Hotmail, Mail.com, or AOL. Select the email provider you would like to host your free email account and follow their instructions for account set up. If you use spaces in your email account name, please note that it may not work with our online application system.

  • What kinds of file attachments are accepted?

    Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe PDF, and other text formats (txt, rtf) are the preferred formats.

  • Can I copy selected information from another electronic document?

    Yes, you can copy and paste the information from any text format document, such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Notepad, or other text formats directly into the appropriate fields in the application form.

  • Can I apply for employment if I do not have a résumé?

    No, you will need to create a résumé in order to apply for employment at CBO.

  • What if I am not ready to fill out the online application at this time?

    If you have started, but do not wish to complete the online application at this time, just simply close the browser window and with that all your information will be deleted.

  • What if I am unable to fully complete my application at this time?

    Unfortunately you cannot partially complete and save your application, so please make sure you have all the necessary information ready before you start the online application process. Please allow yourself enough time to fill out the initial application; all required fields must be completed, otherwise you won’t be able to submit your application to us. You will only need to do this the very first time you use our online application system, after that you’ll be able to access your profile online and make changes.

  • Can I drop off, mail, fax, or email my résumé to you?

    CBO no longer accepts résumés via drop off, mail, email, or fax. To be considered an applicant, you must apply online.

  • If I have applied for a job opening using your online application, should I also send my résumé to you via mail or fax?

    No, CBO no longer accepts hard copies of résumés. Applying online is the only way to be considered for job openings at CBO. We maintain a secure website where all of your information is available for consideration.

  • Do I have to include my Social Security Number (SSN/SIN) to apply?

    CBO does not request your Social Security Number for the initial application.

  • Is it safe to enter my information on your website?

    Yes, our web pages are secure. We take the utmost care to protect your information whether you are browsing on our website or applying for employment.

  • Can I just submit my résumé for future consideration and without applying for a specific position now?

    Candidates may apply only once a specific job vacancy exists; that is, CBO does not accept general applications for future vacancies.

  • What happens to my job application once I hit the submit button?

    Your résumé enters CBO’s applicant tracking system. This system provides us with a talent pool and serves as one of many sourcing sites for our staff to identify candidates for specific job openings.

  • How do I change or update my information on my online profile?

    When first registering your information through our online application system, your email address becomes your username and you will be asked to create a password. With your username (email address) and password, you have the ability to log back in to your application and update any information. If there is a change in your skills or employment history (for example, you want to add a new employer to your profile) or you need to update your contact information, you can log in at your convenience to make those updates. You may also upload a revised résumé.

  • What constitutes a useful editing sample?

    To be useful, editing samples need to show your work. Markups, files with changes tracked electronically, or before-and-after documents are all fine, but a finished piece (without an indication of your editing) is not an informative sample. Samples that are from, say, 3 to 20 pages long tend to be most useful. A sample should be accompanied by a description of the task and the circumstances: In your description, you should place the task on the spectrum of editing—from substantive review to copyediting–and include any other relevant information (perhaps the timing or something about your interaction with the author or reviewers). You should feel welcome to submit multiple samples if they show different aspects of your approach and style. At least one sample should focus on substantive review or substantive editing, showing an ability to transform the original. All samples will be handled confidentially.

  • I received an email that I was missing a writing sample and/or unofficial transcripts. Can I email them to you?

    CBO positions may require different documents, such as writing samples, unofficial transcripts, etc. You will not be considered for positions if you haven’t submitted the required materials. If you have been informed that your application is missing materials, please log back into your application, upload the missing document(s), naviagate to the bottom of the application and re-enter the date, place a check mark in the box that states ‘I understand and wish to submit my application.’ and click on the ‘Submit’ button. Be sure to email careers@cbo.gov and to inform the staff that you have added the requested documents so they can review your application again.

  • What does it mean when a position states ‘Apply by XX date to ensure consideration’? Can I still apply after that date and will I be considered?

    If the position remains open on CBO’s website, you may submit an application after the date indicated you should apply by but there is no guarantee that your application will be considered. Applications received by the date indicated will be reviewed. The hiring division will determine if they have received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates who applied by the date indicated to determine if they will consider candidates who applied after that date or not.

  • If I am applying to more than one position, do I need a separate cover letter for each position?

    A separate cover letter for each position may not be necessary. If you are applying for several similar positions (for example, several economist positions), you could prepare a single cover letter. However, if you have experience or skills that relate differently to several positions, it is probably worthwhile to write a separate cover letter for each position. If you upload several cover letters, please provide information in the titles as to which position each pertains.

  • How will I know if CBO has received my résumé?

    You will receive an automatic email confirming that the materials you submitted were received.

  • What do I do if I don't receive an email indicating that CBO received my initial application materials?

    If you don’t receive an email confirming receipt of your materials within a week, check your spam filter in the event that the confirmation has been captured there. If not, send an email to careers@cbo.gov requesting that confirmation.

  • Will I receive any additional information about the status of my application?

    CBO receives a number of applications for each position. When your application is received you will receive an email confirmation. Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted if we require additional information or wish to schedule an interview. You will receive an email if you are not being considered. If you are interviewed, CBO will contact you regarding your status; otherwise, you will receive an email when the position(s) for which you have applied are filled.

    If you would like to check the status of jobs for which you applied, please log back into the online application system. After logging in, go to “Check the status of your application” to see your status. Please note that jobs are removed from the CBO Web site when we are no longer accepting applications for a position or when they have been filled.

  • If I am interviewed and not selected for a specific job, will I remain under consideration for other jobs?

    If you wish to be considered for other positions at CBO, you will need to return to your online application to apply specifically to new jobs. Please note that you may apply for more than one position at a time.

  • I applied for an internship; will that application allow me to be considered for full-time employment?

    No, the Summer Internship Program requires that you apply specifically to the internship program as it has a specific deadline. To also be considered for full-time employment, you must submit a separate application for those positions.

  • If I have applied for a job opening using your online application, should I also send my résumé to you via mail or fax?

    No, CBO no longer accepts hard copies of résumés. Applying online is the only way to be considered for job openings at CBO. We maintain a secure website where all of your information is available for consideration.

  • What happens to my job application once I hit the submit button?

    Your résumé enters CBO’s applicant tracking system. This system provides us with a talent pool and serves as one of many sourcing sites for our staff to identify candidates for specific job openings.

  • After I submit my job application will I receive a response?

    When you first register on our website and submit your profile or when you apply for a specific position, you will receive an acknowledgement email that we have received your submission. After that we will contact all candidates directly who are selected for an interview or if we require additional information. Also we email candidates when they are no longer being considered or when a position they applied to is filled.

  • How do I change or update my information on my online profile?

    When first registering your information through our online application system, your email address becomes your username and you will be asked to create a password. With your username (email address) and password, you have the ability to log back in to your application and update any information. If there is a change in your skills or employment history (for example, you want to add a new employer to your profile) or you need to update your contact information, you can log in at your convenience to make those updates. You may also upload a revised résumé.

  • Can I change the answers to a Screening Questionnaire after I've already taken it?

    Screening Questionnaires cannot be edited once they are completed. They are not timed tests, so please take your time to think about your answers before completing the questions.

  • How can I check the status of my application?

    Once you have submitted your application for a specific position, you can check the status of your application online at your convenience. On our main career page, there is a log in window for returning applicants. Simply log in using your email address and the password you created when you first applied. Click on the “Check the status of your application” link and all the jobs you applied for and the status of each will be listed. If you click on the “status,” a full description will be displayed.

  • HELP! I've forgotten my password.

    There is a link on the login screen labeled “If you do not remember your password click here.” Click on this link and then enter the email address you used when you created your profile. The system will automatically email your password information. Be sure that your spam filter allows emails from tbesupport@taleo.com.

  • HELP! I cannot remember my username.

    Please note that your username is your email address. If you cannot remember the email address you used, then please contact us via phone and our system administrator will attempt to find the email address you used. If we cannot locate your information, you will need to create an entirely new profile, so please retain your username and password when you first register.