Instructions and Tips for Applying with USA Jobs

             This guide provides detailed instructions for applying for positions on USA Jobs, instructions on how to find job announcements, and other useful tips. 

1)  How to find a job announcement. Job announcement notifications will be sent out via ^A^ Distribution on the Army side and sent to the Air Guard Remotes on the Air side. These notifications are emails with hyperlinks to the job announcement being announced. Therefore, the first place to look for a job announcement would be the distribution of these emails.

            The second place to look would be the bulletin board outside of HRO. Most National Guard Members do not visit Beightler Armory on a regular basis so it would be best to find another way to be notified of job announcement publications. One great way to be notified of job announcements is to go to the USA Jobs Website at www.usajobs.gov and click on My USAJobs. If you do not already have a USAJobs account click on “Create your account now” and follow the instructions.

            Once you have created your USA Jobs account you will have the opportunity to create a USA Jobs “Agent” that will notify you of job announcements that fall within the parameters you request. To create an Agent, click on Manage Agents. Then click on Create New Agent. You will now see a page with several drop-down menus from which to customize your Agent. You can customize your agent(s) in any way you would like but I suggest the following criteria for you to try before making any changes:
 

  • Locations: Using the Control-key to highlight the area of Ohio: OH.
  • Agencies: Use the Control-key to highlight “Air National Guard Units” and/or “Army National Guard Units” depending on your military affiliation.
  • Applicant Eligibility: Select “Yes”.
  • Choose how often you would like to be notified: Daily or Weekly would be best.
  • Give your Agent a name

The above criteria will give you notification of all positions open in the state of Ohio in the service of your choice. You can further narrow down the list of jobs at your leisure by selecting specific pay grades, occupational series, etc. If you do not want to create an agent you can use the USA Jobs Search tool that can be reached from the USA Jobs homepage. To search for jobs start by clicking on Search Jobs. In the search fields listed below enter information using the following guidelines: 

  • Keyword Search: Enter - National Guard Units, Job Title, Job Announcement #, etc.
  • Location Search: Scroll down and click on ‘OH’.
  • Applicant Eligibility: Select ‘YES’. Selecting ‘NO’ may unnecessarily limit your search.
  • Click “Search For Jobs”

This is an excellent way to search for job announcements when you already know some information about the vacancy. (e.g. The Job Announcement Number, Title, Unit, etc.) 

2)  Uploading Document Tips. In the past HRO has required applicants to submit official copies of college transcripts when the applicant wants to use education in lieu of specialized experience and this can become an expensive ordeal when the applicants have to pay for more than one copy of their transcripts to apply for various job announcements. The following is a suggestion of how to work around this predicament:

                  ·        Obtain an official copy of your transcripts from you college or university.

·        Scan the document into one of the following formats: JPEG, TIFF, PDF, or GIF.

·        Then do one of the following:

o       Upload that file after completing an online questionnaire, or

o       Paste the picture into your resume and upload the electronic resume 

Scanning and saving your transcripts, DD214, or other required documents in this manner makes them readily available each an every time you apply for a job and you only have to pay once! 

3)  Tip for Printing Job Announcements. As you may have noticed the job announcements are organized into five (5) separate tabs. This can cause some difficulties in printing the job announcement in a neat manner. If you are going to print a job announcement to hang on a bulletin board or for your own use it would be wise to first click on the “Print Preview” button located at the bottom of the page of each tab of the job announcement. The job announcement will then open in a new window with all tabs laid out in order, one above the other. Once you have accomplished this you should click “Print.” Warning! The job announcements require several sheets of paper depending on the length of the assessment questionnaire. 

4)  Instructions for Applying using USA Jobs: The following instructions are included on every announcement on USA Jobs. This sample was taken from a Surface Maintenance job announcement. Other positions will vary slightly as far as the occupational assessment questions are concerned. 

Please remember that HRO will not accept hard copy applications for a position announced on USA Jobs. Applicants must use one of the following options for applying or a combination of options as may be necessary. If you experience problems with the application process please contact SGT Daryl Scott in HRO at COMM 614-336-7049, DSN 346-7049, or by email at daryl.scott@ng.army.mil. 

 

Detailed instructions for How To Apply for a position on USA Jobs
 
Applying for this position requires you to take two steps:

1) Complete the occupational questionnaire and 2) submit a resume and, if applicable, any supporting documentation. See the Required Documents section.

You are encouraged you to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and submit your documentation using the Online method since it is the most efficient way to process your application. If you are unable to submit your responses Online, several applications "Options" are explained below. Follow these instructions carefully.

Note: You can Save an incomplete online questionnaire and return to it at a later time to complete the process. Instructions are under, How to Properly Save and Return later to complete an Application/Occupational Questionnaire at the bottom of this page.

Option 1


To start a New occupational questionnaire click this link: Online Questionnaire

When you have completed the occupational questionnaire select the “Finish” button. At the next screen select the “Submit” button. After the occupational questionnaire is submitted you can upload your resume and any supporting documents. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen after you receive an acknowledgement that the occupational questionnaire is successfully submitted. Step-by-step document upload instructions are provided below. If you do not have all the requested documents in electronic format you can upload part and fax the remaining documents that you do not have in electronic format, such as veterans preference or transcript documentation. See Option 2 for Fax instructions.

1. Complete the Online Questionnaire and Press "Submit" to complete the Online Questionnaire or return to a "Saved" application outlined above under the How to Apply section.

2. After the Questionnaire is submitted you will receive a Notice that indicates the submission was successful. Press the "To upload a resume for this position click here" button to upload documents to this job announcement.

3. At the Document Upload screen, select the type of document you are attaching for upload from the drop down menu on the left side of the screen.

4. Select the "Browse" button and attach the file you want to submit.

5. Press the "Upload" button to submit the document file. You will receive an "Upload Successful" acknowledgement when the file has been received.


You may also start an occupational questionnaire by entering the following URL into your browser:

1. Enter> https://www.hr-services.org/usasonlineapp/usasonlineapp.aspx to start a " New " Online Occupational Questionnaire

2. To start a " New " Occupational Questionnaire scroll down the Online application screen until the "Vacancy Identification Number" box appears under the "Create a New Application for This Job" section on the left hand side. Insert the "Vacancy Identification Number - AB123456 or "Control Number" and click the "Submit" button.

Note: When you have completed the Online Occupational Questionnaire, click the "Finish" button. The Online Occupational Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 12:00 midnight EDT on CLOSING DATE.

Option 2


Complete the occupational questionnaire Online, as outlined above, and fax all or part of your documentation. If you choose to fax your documentation you must use a cover page. The information contained on the cover page should match the information you provided to the occupational questionnaire. The Vacancy ID number AB123456, your Name, and SSN should be written accurately and neatly. This cover page is used to match your documents with the record you established when you submitted the occupational questionnaire. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete you may not receive consideration for this position. To print a copy of the “Cover Page” click this link or click or insert this URL into your browser http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. The Fax number to submit your documents is:
1-478-757-3144

Option 3


Submitting you occupational questionnaire, resume and supporting documents in hard copy via fax or by mail. To complete the occupational questionnaire in hard copy form, click this link to print a copy of the OPM Form1203-FX or insert or type this URL into your browser http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf

You can also obtain a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703)724-1850. After the introduction Press 1 and follow the instructions.

Print a copy of this job announcement and use the Form 1203-FX as a response sheet when answering the occupational questionnaire portion of this announcement. You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents either by fax or by mail.

If you fax your documentation you must use a cover page. The information contained on the cover page should match the information you provided to the occupational questionnaire. The Vacancy ID number AB123456, your Name, and SSN should be written accurately and neatly. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete it will delay the processing of your application or you may not receive consideration for this position. To print a copy of the “Cover Page” click this link. The Fax number to submit your documents is: 1-478-757-3144
 

How to Properly Save and Return later to complete an Application/Occupational Questionnaire:

3. If you want to " Save " an incomplete Occupational Questionnaire and return later, select the "Save" button at the top or bottom of each of the application pages and click the "Logout" button.

4. If you have "Saved" an incomplete Occupational Questionnaire you may finish it by clicking on or inserting this link into your internet browser https://www.hr-services.org/usasonlineapp/usasonlineapp.aspx . Insert your SSN and Last Name into the right hand side section " Work On An Application I Have Already Started ." and click the " Login " button.

Once you are logged in, the top of the screen will display the vacancy ID for all incomplete questionnaires and, if applicable, the bottom portion of the screen will display any Vacancy IDs that require a resume or supporting documentation to complete the application process. To finish an incomplete application processes select the adjacent button and click OK.

Option 4

The USAJOBS Web site provides a "Create a Resume" feature that you may use to develop and submit a resume for this position. The completed resume can be attached to this vacancy announcement and submitted electronically. To do so, scroll down to the end of the vacancy announcement. Click on the "Apply Online" icon. Then follow the USAJOBS web site instructions.

After you complete and submit the online resume, you will receive a "Confirmation of Submission" message stating that your online resume has been successfully submitted. If you do not receive this message, please submit again as this indicates that your resume has not been received.

NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. 


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

 
 
  • Resume
  • Current Unit of Assignment
  • Current Military Rank/Grade
  • Current MOS/AFSC

Your application may need to include:

  • Transcripts (if substituting  college education for work experience)


To submit the documents requested follow the instructions below: Your resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process or fax. Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone and at least your last four digits of your social security number.

Note: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined under the Applying for a Federal Job link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/of0510.pdf

 


AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
 
2LT Daryl Scott
Phone: (614)336-7049
Internet: daryl.scott@ng.army.mil

Or write:
Ohio National Guard
JFHQ-HRO-TN-S
Columbus, OH 43235
USA


WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:


 
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official.  If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

Instructions for completing the OPM 1203-FX:

If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we can not process your application without it.


Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: AB123456



1. Title of Job

SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC


2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for your telephone number and the contact time.


3. E-Mail Address

Would you like to be notified by E-mail? If so, please enter your E-mail address in the space provided.


4. Work Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

9. Languages

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level (10-10) you will accept. 10

11. Miscellaneous Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

16. Availability Date

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Select/enter at least one occupational specialty. The specialty code for this position is: 001 Surface Maintenance Mechanic

21. Geographic Availability

Select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is:


004 Columbus, OH

22. Transition Assistance Plan

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

23. Job Related Experience

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

The Online Questionnaire will not ask you this question. On the C Form, you will leave this section blank.

Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Respond to all the questions below. For each question, choose the response below that best describes your experience and/or training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information your references provide.

1. Do you possess general experience, education or training which demonstrates your ability to repair, overhaul, and rebuild heavy mobile systems and vehicles; your ability to interpret technical manuals, illustrations, specifications, diagrams, schematics and similar guides to make repairs and modifications; and skilled in the use of diagnostic and test equipment to determine mechanical problems?

A. Yes.
B. No.

2. Do you possess 18 months of specialized experience in repairing, rebuilding and overhauling systems and major components of heavy mobile equipment (2 1/2 ton trucks and larger, engineer equipment and power generation equipment); specialized experience diagnosing malfunctions and determining remedies where complex relationships exists among different mechanical systems, requiring knowledge of units and systems with possible damage to equipment if incorrectly handled; specialized experience making mechanical repairs that required the use of precision measuring equipment and common hand tools (examples of tools used are micrometers, vernier calipers, dial indicators, wrenches and screwdrivers); and specialized experience using diagnostic and testing equipment such as digital multi-meters and engine analyzers?

A. Yes.
B. No.

3. Are you a Current Permanent Excepted Federal Employee of the Ohio Army National Guard? (If you are a Temporary Technician you are not in the Area of Consideration.)

A. Yes.
B. No.

4. Do you currently possess a valid state driver's license for the state in which you live or are principally employed?

A. Yes.
B. No.

For each of the following tasks, chose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I know little or nothing about this.

B- I have had study or training in this.

C- I have used my knowledge or ability, but I have been closely supervised.

D- I have used my knowledge or ability on my own, under normal supervision.

E- I am consulted by other journeypersons in difficult situations, or I am called on to do unusually difficult jobs.

5. Performed major repairs and maintenance on heavy mobile equipment and vehicles to include tanks, self-propelled artillery, tracked cargo and personnel carriers, bulldozers, road graders, mobile cranes, front loaders, 5 ton and larger trucks, tank retrievers, armored vehicles, mounted bridge launchers, and combat engineer vehicles.

6. Repaired and overhauled major systems to include diesel, gasoline and other internal combustion engines such as 2, 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines.

7. Repaired and overhauled major systems to include automatic and non-automatic transmissions.

8. Repaired and overhauled major systems to include heavy duty drive line systems, and hydraulic utility systems and controls.

9. Assisted higher level mechanics in the repair and overhaul of vehicles and equipment that are more complex and involve more complicated and varied systems.

10. Diagnosed the causes of mechanical failures by means of visual and auditory checks and test equipment such as engine analyzers, compression testers, voltmeters, ohmmeters, and pressure gauges.

11. Diagnosed the causes of mechanical failures to determine the exact nature or extent of repair.

12. Determined if any adjustments are necessary to complete work orders, and whether any additional repairs other than those stated in the work order are necessary.

13. Removed and disassembled engine and major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, and fuel, hydraulic, and oil pressure systems.

14. Made the appropriate repairs, overhaul, or modifications in accordance with the proper repair specifications and procedures.

15. Reassembled engines and other systems, and adjusted, tested, and reinstalled in vehicles and equipment as necessary.

16. Made adjustments and repairs to front end, suspension, and electrical systems.

17. Performed fuel injection equipment repair, overhaul, rebuild and calibration duties utilizing a variety of complex test and calibration equipment as well as common hand and power tools.

18. Determined proper specifications for a wide variety of fuel injection pumps and nozzles.

19. Performed detailed tests and calibration actions (on the vehicle as well as on the bench) and installed repair kits or made adjustments to produce serviceable items.

20. Proficient in electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of mechanical systems.

21. Proficient in hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls.

22. Proficient in electronics, sufficient to identify and replace defective components, such as sensors, diodes, and circuit boards.

23. Served as a commodity inspector during Command Maintenance Management evaluations (COMET) or as a member of a Maintenance Assistance Instruction Team (MAIT).

24. Provided direct and general support maintenance at unit locations as part of a contact team.

25. Recovered and evacuated inoperable vehicles from the unit location of breakdown.