Frequently Asked Questions About the System How does FoodSafetyJobs Online work? What does it mean to apply online? Is the system secure? I am uncomfortable using my SSN to establish an account in the system. Is  there any way I can apply online without my SSN? Is it possible to have multiple identities or more than one e-mail address when using the system? What if I want to apply online, but don't have a computer at home? Can I use my office computer to access FSJO? What if I have a computer at home with Internet access, but don't have an e-mail account? 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? Entering a Résumé Can I create a résumé online? What information should I put in my résumé?  Should I include the vacancy number of the job for which I'm applying? How do I input my résumé into the system? When I copy and paste my résumé into FSJO, it has additional characters and spacing problems. How can I correct this? I already have an FSIS Application for Promotion (Form 4335-1) completed.  Can I load this into the system? Do I have to submit a narrative statement addressing the KSA's listed in the vacancy announcement? What if I want to change or update my résumé? My résumé is too long. What can I do? Other Application Issues Whenever I submit my application I get a "violation of primary or unique key constraint" error. What's wrong? Can I just mail my application, or send it by e-mail? For which positions must I apply online? If the system only accepts online applications, should I submit other  documents, such as college transcripts, or documents showing eligibility for special hiring authorities or placement programs?  How is the demographic information (race, gender, national origin, and disability status) used? What if I need help applying? How do I find out the status of my application for any jobs to which I have applied? Can the system notify me of vacancies when they occur? 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? Passwords, ID's & Login Help This is the first time I have ever registered in FSJO and the system is telling me that someone already registered with my SSN. How could this be? I don't understand why the system won't let me in. I KNOW I put in the right password, and it doesn't work. I tried to login using my e-mail address, and it doesn't work. I forgot my password! Back to FSJO Main Page

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Revised: March 8, 2006

USDA FSIS is an equal opportunity employer

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