Hints for Getting Started

Here is a list of items that will help you successfully use the website for applying to jobs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We encourage you to review this list and make the necessary preparations before you apply for jobs. Following these suggestions will ensure a successful and easy session on .

• Familiarize yourself with the website by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions section.
  
  
• Use the Internet Explorer (IE) browser, version 5.5 or Netscape Navigator 7.0. Other browsers can be used.



• Click here if you just want to BROWSE vacancy announcements.



• When Browsing Vacancies you can choose to view an announcement and select the following options:
  
  1. E-Mail to a Friend
  2. Apply to this Vacancy
  3. View Vacancy Questions (here you can print vacancy questions; use the Print button on your browser


• Print and review vacancy announcements and vacancy questions before applying.



• You must REGISTER before applying to a specific vacancy announcement.



• To REGISTER, click on Login/Register/Browse and follow the instructions on the screens.



• If you are a New User, at the "Welcome" page, select the "New User" option and click on NEXT at the bottom of the page. You will come to a registration page. Please complete the registration information. Be sure to choose a Secret question and Answer (limited to 5 to 25 characters). Proceed to the Continue button which will save your registration information. You will receive a page that says “Your registration information has been saved! It will contain your User I.D. , Password, and email address.



• Save your registration information in a safe location.



• Use your numerical I.D. to reenter the system to avoid login errors. You also have the option of using the email address you selected and password to login.



• ALERT!!!
  If you cannot remember or have lost your registration (User I.D., email address or password), DO NOT attempt to re-register, please contact us by sending an email to feedback.hr@epa.gov.



• Set up your email notification preferences during the registration process. will notify you of upcoming vacancies of your choice.
  
  
• Review basic qualifying information to see if you qualify for the position by visiting the Office of Personnel Management website.
  

• Prepare your resumé in advance using word processing software such as Word or Wordperfect. Refer to Resumé Tips on this website for additional tips on resumé preparation. Copy and paste your resumé in the appropriate space during the registration process. You can edit and/or update your resumé at any time. To edit your resumé, log in using your I.D. and password and select the “Edit personal information or resumé” option. forwards your resumé to the Human Resources Office immediately following the closing date of the vacancy announcement to which you applied.
  
  
• Use the resumé check length button to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum space requirement of 16,000 characters which includes spaces (approx. 8 single spaced pages of text) to avoid encountering error messages.
  
  
• Prepare your narrative responses to long answer questions in the job application using word processing software such as Word or Wordperfect ahead of time. Copy and Paste responses in the appropriate place in the job application. Use the “check length” button to avoid error messages.



• Set aside a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour of uninterrupted time to apply for jobs.



• ALERT!!!
  When applying for a job, if you cannot finish the session, get interrupted, or want to 'SAVE' work you have completed, proceed to the end of the job application questions and click on FINISH to save the information you have provided so far. Any questions marked with a red asterisk, you will have to answer in some form to finish. You can return at anytime and edit your responses as long as the vacancy announcement has not closed. Remember that all vacancies close at 11:59 pm eastern standard time on the closing date of the announcement.
  
  
• Always, select the option to have your application emailed back to you at the FINISH. Save this document for confirmation purposes.
  
  
• ALERT!!!
  All vacancies close at 11:59pm eastern standard time on the closing date of the announcement. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO BEGIN THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS.
  

We wish you success in your job search. Thank you.

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