Section 3: General Application Tips

Applying to federal positions can feel different from applying to private-sector jobs. The following tips will help you prepare a complete and competitive application.

• Read the entire vacancy announcement carefully, including specialized experience requirements, assessments, and required documents.
• Tailor your résumé to the position and explicitly address each specialized experience requirement listed in the announcement.
• Follow the two-page résumé limit required by OPM. Do not shrink font size or margins to fit additional content.
• Start early and allow time for technical steps such as questionnaires and assessments.
• Verify that all required documents are attached before submitting your application.
• Monitor your email after applying, especially for USA Hire assessment instructions.
• Use a reliable personal email address rather than a work email that may block automated messages.
• Save a copy of each vacancy announcement for reference after it closes.
• Ensure all statements and responses are truthful and written in your own words.

Required Documents: What To Know Before You Apply

The documents you must submit with your application depend on the hiring path you select, the position’s qualification requirements, and any preference or priority you claim, such as veterans’ preference or CTAP/ICTAP.

Your application must include all required documents before the vacancy closes in order to be considered.

NIST must be able to verify, as applicable:

• Your eligibility for the hiring path claimed (for example, Open to the Public, Merit Promotion, VEOA, Schedule A)
• Any education used to qualify
• Veterans’ preference claims
• CTAP/ICTAP eligibility
• Eligibility under special appointing authorities

If required documentation is missing, incomplete, or unreadable at the time of application, NIST cannot consider you further.

Important reminders:

• Upload documents to the correct section in USAJOBS
• Ensure documents are legible and complete
• Confirm documents are attached to the correct vacancy announcement
• Documents do not automatically carry over between applications

Always review the vacancy announcement carefully to confirm which documents are required for your specific application.

For full guidance by applicant type, visit:

https://www.nist.gov/careers/applying-jobs-required-forms

Integrity Of Application Materials

Applicants must ensure that all application materials are truthful, accurate, and written in their own words. Applications that contain plagiarized, fabricated, or otherwise falsified information — including false statements about experience, altered documents, or copied or AI-generated responses — may be removed from consideration.

Such conduct may also impact future eligibility for federal employment.