Section 14: Reconsideration of Qualification Determinations

If you believe your application was incorrectly found ineligible, not qualified, or otherwise did not meet the minimum qualification requirements, you may request reconsideration of that determination.

Reconsideration allows you to explain why you believe the original decision was made in error based solely on the documents you submitted by the vacancy announcement’s closing date. It is not a reopening of the application and does not allow submission of new or revised materials.

How To Request Reconsideration

Each vacancy announcement lists an Agency Contact for questions and reconsideration requests. To request reconsideration:

• Locate the Agency Contact listed at the bottom of the vacancy announcement
• Submit your request within three (3) business days of the status update in USAJOBS
• Use the subject line:

Reconsideration Request – [Announcement Number]

Include the following in your message:

• The vacancy announcement number
• A clear explanation of why you believe the determination was incorrect
• The specific qualification factor(s) you believe were not evaluated accurately
• Clarifying information that points to existing content in your resume or documents submitted before the announcement closed

Human Resources will review the request and issue a determination. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.

What Reconsideration May Address

Reconsideration may be appropriate if you believe:

• Qualifying experience documented in your resume was overlooked
• Experience was misinterpreted or not aligned correctly to the specialized experience requirements
• Education or eligibility documentation you submitted was not credited
• A clerical or administrative error may have occurred

What Reconsideration Cannot Address

Reconsideration cannot be used to:

• Add, replace, or update documents after the vacancy has closed
• Submit a new or revised resume
• Upload new transcripts or eligibility documentation
• Change questionnaire responses or written statements
• Appeal referral decisions, interview selections, or final hiring outcomes

Tips For A Strong Reconsideration Request

• Reference specific language from the Qualifications or Specialized Experience section of the announcement
• Point to exact sections of your resume that demonstrate the experience or requirement in question
• Be concise, factual, and specific
• Avoid general statements such as “I am highly qualified” and focus on documented evidence

Keep in mind that your resume must have met all formatting and length requirements at the time of submission.

What To Expect After Requesting Reconsideration

Human Resources will re-review your application using only the materials submitted prior to the vacancy announcement’s closing date. Once a determination has been made, you will receive an email notification.

For additional context, the following resources may be helpful:

USAJOBS — Understanding Your Application Status

https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/

USAJOBS — How Federal Jobs Are Filled

https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/how-federal-jobs-are…