FSJO Frequently Asked Questions

Locating and Applying for Vacancies

	How do I access FSJO?
	Am I required to apply for a vacancy when I go into the system?
	How do I apply for a specific vacancy?
	Do I have to answer questions for every job I apply for? Some of them have the same questions but different job numbers.
	What if I don't answer the position-specific questions, and/or enter a résumé?
	When exactly do jobs close?

Q8: How do I access FSJO?

A8: Go to http://www.foodsafetyjobs.gov, or to the OPM’s web site, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov, which also links to the FSJO system.

Q9: Am I required to apply for a vacancy when I go into the system?

A9: No. Applicants may browse vacancy announcements, including the questions, but are not required to transmit any information.

Q10: How do I apply for a specific vacancy?

A10: Follow these steps:

1. Go to www.foodsafetyjobs.gov.
2. Click on the “Login” button and register as a user.
3. Enter the personal information requested, such as name, SSN, address, telephone number, date of birth, e-mail address, etc.
4. Answer “core” questions that are used to screen applicants for basic eligibility, such as career or career-conditional status, veterans’ preference, and highest grade held.
5. Type or copy a résumé into the system.
6. Answer a set of questions that are related to the specific vacancy.

Applicants may edit saved information at any time. When applying for a specific 
vacancy, the résumé must be entered and the core and position-specific 
questions answered before the announcement closes. 

Q11: Do I have to answer questions for every job I apply for? Some of them have the same questions but different job numbers.

A11: Applicants only have to answer the “core” personal information questions one time, when first registering. (See Q&A 10.) Applicants may change the answers to the core questions at any time.

Applicants must answer the position-specific questions for every vacancy. These questions are considered part of the vacancy announcement itself, and are used to establish the applicant’s qualifications for a particular job.

Q12: What if I don't answer the position-specific questions, and/or enter a résumé?

A12: Applicants must enter their résumé and answer the core and position-specific questions in the vacancy announcement by the time the vacancy closes in order to be considered.

Q13: When exactly do jobs close?

A13: Positions close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement; keep in mind that it may be serveral hours earlier in your time zone. After midnight Eastern Time, jobs that have closed will not be available for review or application.

Return to the FSJO FAQ Index