Section 11: After you Apply - Application Status and Next Steps

After submitting your application through USAJOBS, you can monitor its progress directly in your USAJOBS account. NIST will contact you if additional information or action is required.

Checking Your Application Status

To view your application status:

• Log into USAJOBS.gov
• Select the “Applications” or “Home” tab
• Locate the vacancy announcement
• Review the current status message

USAJOBS status updates are system-generated and reflect specific stages in the review process. These messages may not provide detailed explanations of how applications are being evaluated.

If your application requires action, such as completing an assessment or providing clarification, you will be contacted directly by email.

For additional information about status messages, visit:

USAJOBS Help Center — Understanding Application Status

Application Review Process

After the vacancy closes, applications generally move through the following stages:

• Eligibility review
• Qualification review
• Assessment completion (if applicable)
• Referral determination

Not all applications move through each stage at the same pace. Review timelines vary based on applicant volume, hiring path, and assessment requirements.

Assessments After Submission

If assessments are required for the position:

• You will receive instructions by email after submitting your application
• All assessments must be completed by the stated deadline
• Failure to complete required assessments will remove your application from consideration

Assessment requirements are always described in the vacancy announcement.

Communication About Referral And Selection

If your application is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted for:

• An interview
• Additional assessments, if required for the position

Being referred does not guarantee an interview or selection. Hiring officials may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred applicants.

If you are not referred, your USAJOBS status will update once HR completes the review process. Applicants may also receive automated email notifications when status changes occur.

If You Are Selected

If you are selected for a position:

• A NIST HR specialist will contact you to discuss a tentative offer
• You will receive instructions for pre-employment requirements
• A final offer will be extended once all conditions are met

Conditions may include background investigation, verification of education, and completion of required forms.

Applicants should ensure their email address and phone number remain current in USAJOBS.

If You Are Not Selected

If you are not selected or not referred, you may apply to future NIST vacancies. Each announcement is unique, and applicants are encouraged to:

• Carefully review specialized experience requirements
• Tailor resumes to each vacancy
• Ensure all required documents are included with each application

Applicants may also sign up for job alerts on USAJOBS to receive notification when new NIST positions are posted.

Frequently Asked Questions