FSJO Frequently Asked Questions

The Evaluation Process

	How is my application rated?
	What do you mean by “position-specific” questions?
	Who develops the “position-specific” questions?
	Are narrative responses required?
	How are the narrative responses used?
	Does the system rate and score my résumé?
	Are the “position-specific” questions rated instantly?
	The system rates and ranks candidates, but are panels of subject-matter experts also used in the rating process?
	Since the system assigns a rating based on my responses to the position-specific questions, what prevents me from providing inaccurate or misleading answers to the questions in a way that gives a higher score?
	How will the HR office verify my experience, education, and responses to  the questions?
	How do I find out the status of my application for any jobs to which I have applied?

Q31: How is my application rated?

A31: The system calculates a numerical rating based on responses to the position-
specific questions.

Q32: What do you mean by “position-specific” questions?

A32: The HR specialist consults with subject matter experts to develop job-related 
questions that would distinguish superior candidates from those who are 
minimally qualified. Questions can have different weights and may be asked in a 
variety of a formats, such as: Yes/No, True/False, Number, Date, Short and Long 
Answer, Multiple Choice, Multiple Choice/Multiple Answer, and Matching.

Q33: Who develops the “position-specific” questions?

A33: HR specialists consult with the selecting official or subject-matter experts to 
determine the questions to be included in the vacancy announcement and the 
weight assigned to each question. (Subject-matter experts have an in-depth 
knowledge of the position being filled and what it takes to do the job well.)

Q34: Are narrative responses required?

A34: Occasionally, some position-specific questions will require a brief, narrative response.

Q35: How are the narrative responses used?

A35: A narrative response gives the applicant an opportunity to provide more specific information about their experience to the selecting official.

Q36: Does the system rate and score my résumé?

A36: No. The system does not rate and assign a score to the résumé or to any narrative statement. (Only the position-specific questions are rated.) HR specialists use the résumé to determine an applicant’s basic eligibility. Selecting officials review résumés to assess and compare the qualifications of the candidates referred, and to assist in their selection decision.

Q37: Are the “position-specific” questions rated instantly?

A37: Yes, but the rating is not finalized until the announcement closes.

Q38: The system rates and ranks candidates, but are panels of subject-matter experts also used in the rating process?

A38: FSJO eliminates the need for subject-matter panels to rate applications because the system rates and ranks the applicant’s responses automatically. (See Q&A 40 for subject-matter expert use in the certification process.)

Q39: Since the system assigns a rating based on my responses to the position-specific questions, what prevents me from providing inaccurate or misleading answers to the questions in a way that gives a higher score?

A39: Falsifying or answering questions to mislead the system’s automated process is no different than providing false or misleading information on an application 
under the old process. Applicants are reminded that this is a Federal job 
application system. For Federal employees, providing false information, creating fake ID’s, or failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including removal. Falsifying a Federal job application, or attempting to compromise this system is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

Q40: How will the HR office verify my experience, education, and responses to the questions?

A40: HR specialists (sometimes with assistance from a subject-matter expert) will review the résumé and responses to the questions of applicants who are referred for selection consideration. For FSIS employees who are referred, the Official Personnel Folder may be used to verify information in the application. An individual’s qualifications may also be verified through the interview process and by contacting the applicant’s current and past supervisors.

Q41: How do I find out the status of my application for any jobs to which I have applied?

A41: To find the status of your Food Safety Jobs Online Application, the position you applied for, and for a listing of all of the jobs you have applied for, use the Applicant Status feature by doing the following:

1. Select this link: https://jobs.quickhire.com/scripts/FSIS.exe
2. As a registered user, fill in your User ID # or email address and case-sensitive password.
3. Select the radio button option called "View My Application Status" and then click on the "Next" button towards the bottom of the screen. You will see a chart with updated vacancy and applicant status information for all jobs to which you have applied.
4. If you click the "email" button, the system will send you a confirmation that your responses to the online vacancy questions were received along with a copy of your answers to those questions; please note that this feature does not confirm resume receipt.
5. Using steps 1 through 3 above, you can go into the "Edit Personal Information" option to confirm that your resume is entered and that your responses to the personal and core questions have been submitted as you intended.

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