Section 9: How to Apply

Sign in to your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs.gov.

If you do not already have an account, you will be prompted to create one.

Tip: Ensure the email address in your USAJOBS profile is current, as this is how USAJOBS, OPM (for assessments), and NIST will contact you.

You may find NIST positions by:

• Searching for “NIST” in USAJOBS
• Using the NIST job search link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=CM57&p=1
• Filtering by location, hiring path, job category, or pay scale

Review the vacancy announcement carefully before applying.

These sections outline:

• Which documents must be uploaded
• Whether USA Hire assessments are required
• Whether Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) applies
• The closing date and submission timeline

Prepare all required documents before starting your application.

Clicking Apply will take you through the USAJOBS application wizard, where you will:

• Select a résumé
• Attach required documents
• Answer eligibility and hiring path questions
• Certify the accuracy of your application materials

Ensure the correct résumé and documents are selected for this specific announcement.

After completing the USAJOBS steps, you will be redirected to the agency application system, where you will:

• Answer vacancy-specific questions
• Complete application forms
• Provide short-answer responses, if you choose to submit them

Your application is not submitted until you complete the final certification and submission step.

Once all steps are completed, you must submit the application within the agency system.

• USAJOBS will send a confirmation email
• Your USAJOBS application status will update

If assessments are required, you will receive instructions after submission.

If USA Hire or other assessments apply:

• Instructions will be sent by email after submission
• All assessments must be completed by the stated deadline

Failure to complete required assessments will remove your application from further consideration.