Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a job, go to GovernmentJobs.com or the organization's website. An organization is the city, county, state, or educational institution where you submit applications.

• If you are on GovernmentJobs.com, enter search criteria in the boxes for Job Title, Keyword, and/or City or State. You can also search by clicking a Category or Location.
• If you are on an organization's website, locate where open positions are posted.
• Perform a job search to find jobs that match your interests. Then click on the job title to view the job posting.
• To initiate the application process, click the Apply tab. The Apply tab is located toward the top of the posting next to Job Details.
• Once you click on the link and log in, you can work on the application process steps.

The time it takes to complete an application depends on how much information you provide on your basic application. It can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes. When applying for a job, you may be required to answer some additional questions (organization-wide questions and supplemental questions), which will also vary in length, depending on the number and type of questions asked.

If you do not see an Apply tab on the job posting, this job posting is not accepting online applications. If the opening date suggests that the position should be open, contact the organization for further information. Our applicant/technical support team cannot add an Apply tab if it does not already exist.

You can sign up for Job Interest Cards through the organization's website so that you are notified when jobs become available. By selecting the job categories that you're interested in, filling out your contact information, and clicking Submit Request, you will receive email notifications when jobs open in your noted categories. After one year, your job interest card subscription expires, and notifications are no longer sent. Signing up for job interest cards is not the same as creating a user account. To apply for positions, you need to create a GovernmentJobs.com applicant account.

A closing date is when a job posting no longer accepts applications.

For detailed information on how to apply online for a job, refer to the Online Application Guide (PDF). (Download PDF reader)

Once established, a username cannot be changed.

Once established, an application template name cannot be changed. Application template names are for your reference only and are not visible to the organization with which you are applying.

The ability to create multiple application templates has been removed in the new application process. If you previously created multiple applications, you can continue to use them.