Understanding VA vacancy announcements
Vacancy announcements provide information to potential applicants about positions being advertised. While they might look different from federal agency to federal agency, the content should be similar. Click on the following items for an explanation of the types of information that will be included in the vacancy announcements:
Position TitleThe Position title provides the official position title for the position being advertised. Sometimes similar positions can have different position titles so it's important that you read the duty statements and qualification requirements in vacancy announcements. Series and GradeThe series and grade provides information on the occupational series used in the Federal Government for positions and the grade level that has been assigned to the position. All positions in the Federal Government have a position title and a four-digit occupational series number. All similar positions are grouped according to their occupational series. For example, all secretary positions are in the 0318 occupational series, all information technology specialist positions are in the 2210 occupational series. Therefore, as you start looking for possible positions in the Federal Government you should pay close attention to the position title and occupational series of positions you are interested in and look for other positions in that occupational series. Salary RangeThe salary range provides the range of salaries for the grades of the position being advertised. For example, if the position is announced as GS-11/12, you will see the salary range for both the GS-11 and GS-12 grade level. Promotion PotentialThe promotion potential indicates the highest-grade level for the position being advertised. Employees competing for jobs with promotion potential may be promoted to the higher levels without having to compete for promotions. Promotions are not entitlements; employees must be performing at the next higher grade level to earn a promotion to that level. Type of AppointmentThe type of appointment indicates whether the position is permanent or temporary and whether it is full-time or part-time. Location of PositionThe location of the position provides the name of the location, the city and state where the position is located. Announcement NumberThe announcement number provides the announcement number for the position being advertised. Each position has a different announcement number. You should always indicate the announcement number on the application you are submitting and on any documents submitted separately from your application so that the documents can be matched to the correct case file. Opening and Closing DatesThe opening and closing dates provide the opening and closing dates for the announcement. The vacancy announcement will indicate whether the application must be to the contact person by the closing date or if postmarked or other received date applications will be accepted. You should pay close attention to the closing date. If your application is late you will probably be excluded from consideration. Area of ConsiderationThis item indicates the area from which applications will be accepted. For example, if the area of consideration is:
DutiesThis item describes the main duties and responsibilities for the position being advertised. QualificationsThe qualifications section describes the main qualification requirements for the position being advertised. In this section you’ll find information about education and experience requirements. You will see KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) expressed in this section in terms of "Specialized Experience" and in some instances as "Selective Factors." Application InformationLists what must be included in your application package for you to be eligible for consideration. Failure to submit required information may result in your not being considered for a position. Other Important InformationThis section provides other information related to the application process and Federal hiring rules and regulations. Contact InformationContact information provides information on where and how your application can be submitted. Also provides contact information that can be used if you have a question about the position or your application. |
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Reviewed/Updated Date: November 9, 2009