Applying for
Clerical and Administrative
Support Positions (Grades GS-2/3/4)
Applying for a clerical position just got easier! Taking the Clerical and
Administrative Support Exam is no longer the only way to obtain a clerical
position at the GS-2/3/4 grade levels with the Federal Government.
Agencies can choose among several options to fill a position, (e.g.,
commercially developed test, work sample, etc.) . This new procedure will help
simplify the process of filling clerical positions.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will no longer administer the Clerical
and Administrative Support Exam on a regular basis. It will only be given if
requested by the hiring agency to fill a position.
Question and Answers
In what ways can an agency fill a clerical position?
The hiring agency may use one or a combination of the options when filling a
clerical position. The option the agency selects will be listed on the vacancy
announcement for the position. These options may include, Commercially
developed test; Rating Schedule/Crediting Plan; Work Sample, and Structured
Interviews.
How can I find out what option an Agency is using to fill a position?
The hiring agency will state in the vacancy announcement the option it plans to
use. Vacancy announcements can be found on the USAJOBS web site at
www.usajobs.opm.gov.
I have already taken the clerical exam and have a valid Notice of Results.
Can I use it to apply for a clerical position?
The hiring agency will make the decision on whether to accept notices of
ratings previously issued. The agency will post it's decision in the vacancy
announcement for the position.
Must agencies use the same hiring option for all clerical positions?
No, typically an agency will decide on a hiring option when it announces a
position. Agency decisions on which option to use may vary for each position.
Likewise, there is no requirement to use the same hiring option each time an
agency fills a specific position.
Experience and Education Requirements for Clerical Positions:
For grade GS-2, you are required to have a high school diploma (or equivalent)
or 3 months of experience. For grades GS-3 and GS-4, additional education
and/or experience are required.
Some positions may have special requirements in addition to the ones listed
above. For example, clerk-typist, office automation clerk, and computer-
related positions require typing or other skills. Requirements for the position
will be listed in the vacancy announcement.
How to Apply for Clerical Positions
To apply for clerical positions, you must conduct your own job search. The U.S.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has developed USAJOBS to assist you along
the way. USAJOBS is available by Internet and phone. By using USAJOBS, you can
access federal job listings, as well as, some state and local government, and
private sector listings. USAJOBS provides current information, is updated
daily, and is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.
STEP 1: USE ANY OF THE AUTOMATED COMPONENTS OF THE FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT
INFORMATION SYSTEM
On the USAJOBS web site http://www.usajobs.opm.gov, job seekers can access
worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets,
applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs online.
Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the web site. The USAJOBS web
site has an Online Resume feature. Resumes created on USAJOBS can be printed,
saved and edited for future use, or sent by Fax or mail to employers.
Many of the hiring agencies will accept electronic submissions of resumes
created through USAJOBS for vacancies listed on this site.
Automated Telephone System - An interactive voice response telephone system can
be reached at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.
Job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information
fact sheets, and applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs
by phone.
STEP 2: OBTAIN THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Once you have found an opportunity that interests you, using STEP 1, you will
need more information on the specific job and appropriate application forms.
Use USAJOBS to obtain a copy of the vacancy announcement. The vacancy
announcement is an important source of information. Be sure to read this
closely. It will specify the information you need to know to apply for clerical
positions. Most of the questions you may have will be answered as you read
through the announcement. For example: closing/deadline dates for applications,
specific duties of the position, whether or not a written test is required,
educational requirements, duty location, salary, etc.
STEP 3: FOLLOW THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
You may apply for most jobs with a resume, or the Optional Application for
Federal Employment (OF-612), or any written format you choose. For jobs that
are filled through automated procedures, Federal agencies may require that you
submit a resume and/or other specialized forms. Jobs with unique requirements
may require special forms.
AS OF: 9-13-2001
Federal Employment Information Factsheet can be
printed as it appears on your browser.
It also can be printed as an exact replica of the official publication
(ei-63.pdf). Download the file by clicking on the .pdf file name and
follow print help instructions
below.
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