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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: If I am a civilian can I get a government job?
- A: Yes. The Department of Defense (DoD) employs more than 700,000 civilians in non-military jobs. Civilians do challenging work and receive great rewards. One of these careers can be yours!
- Q: How do I apply for Federal jobs with the Department of Defense?
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- On this website, click on Search Careers.
- Search the database for jobs that are of interest to you and are in a location where would like to work.
- Once you find a job of interest, read the announcement carefully and follow all instructions on who may apply and How to Apply.
- Q: How do I check on the status of a position I applied for?
- A: After you have successfully applied for a position on-line, the status of your application can be found in your Application History in your on-line account. You can also inquire about the status of your application by contacting the agency point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement.
- Q: When can I expect to hear from someone after I have applied for an announcement?
- A: Generally, you will hear back from the agency in about 15-30 days after the closing date of the announcement. If not, please contact the point of contact listed in the vacancy announcement.
- Q: Whom can I contact if I am disabled?
- A: Each DoD agency has Selective Placement Program Coordinators that you may contact for assistance. A list of Coordinators can be found at http://apps.opm.gov/sppc_directory/searchlist.cfm
- Q: I am a veteran. How does Veterans Preference work?
- A: See DoD Veterans at http://www.dodvets.gov/vetqa.asp for detailed veteran's information.
- Q: How can I find out about job fair information?
- A: Contact local Colleges and Universities as well as the State employment office, and visit http://www.godefense.com/events.html for DoD sponsored events.
- Q: Are there job opportunities for students?
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A: Yes. DoD has several programs designed for students. Below is a brief description of two of our most popular student programs, the Student Temporary Experience Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP).
The STEP/SCEP program provides work-study partnerships between students, educational institutions, and various Federal agencies and prepares the student for a possible future career in the Federal government
Student Temporary Experience Program (STEP) Program Features:
- Open to students from high school through graduate or professional schools including technical and vocational schools
- Offers temporary summer employment
- Can work as long as you are a student
- Work does not have to be related to academic field
Student Career Experience Program SCEP Program Features:
- Open to students from high school through graduate or professional schools including technical and vocational schools
- Gain work experience directly related to an academic field of study
- Flexible work schedule on a part-time or full-time basis
- Earn leave credit for illness and vacation
- Work can lead to permanent employment
- Includes health and life insurance options
Eligibility requirements for STEP and SCEP:
Students are eligible for if they are:
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree student (diploma, certificate, etc.) in an accredited institution
- Are at least the minimum age required by Federal, state or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors
- Are taking at least half-time academic or vocational or technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school
- U.S. citizen or a national
Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if:
- (1) Permitted by a Federal agency's appropriations act; and
- (2) Eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws.
U.S. citizenship is required for conversion to permanent employment under this program.
Students may contact their school guidance office, career planning and placement office, teachers, or Federal agency employment office where they are interested in working.
- Q: Where can I find scholarship information?
- A: Scholarships and Fellowships provide assistance to high school and college students/graduates. To view DoD scholarships and fellowships available, click on links below:
- Q: What are KSA's?
- A: KSA's are knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a job. A vacancy announcement may list several KSA's and ask that you provide a narrative description of how your experience and/or training relate to each KSA. Your experience and possibly education will be evaluated against these job requirements to determine your qualifications for the job to which you are applying.
- Q: Where can I get personal career advice?
- A: Contact the Defense Applicant Assistance Office (DAAO) at 1-888-DOD-4USA or daao@cpms.osd.mil.
