What documents do I need to provide when I apply?
The types of documents you may need to include in your application depends on the job, whether you are claiming a preference, claiming a disability or are a current or former federal employee. The job announcement will list the documents you’ll need to provide in the Required Documents section. Some documents may be required, while others may be optional.
We’ve listed the documents by applicant type
- All applicants
- Current or former federal employees
- Native Americans
- Senior Executive Service (SES)
- Veterans and family members
All applicants
Cover letter
You may include a cover letter if you want to share skills or goals that are relevant for the job you are applying to. Or anything you want to highlight that is not included in your resume.
Diploma or GED
Your diploma or GED indicates your official or unofficial graduation date.
Disability letter
Include a disability letter, from your doctor or a licensed medical professional, if you qualify under the Schedule A appointing authority.
Endorsement
Some job applications require an endorsement, such as a supervisor or collegiate endorsement. See the job announcement for details.
License
Some jobs require proof of a specific license, like a driver’s license or professional license. See the job announcement for details and specific requirements.
Optional Form 306 (OF-306)
The OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment is used to determine if you meet the requirements for federal service. You may be asked to complete this form at any time during the hiring process.
Professional certifications
Some jobs require additional professional certifications. See the job announcement for details.
Proof of enrollment
Proof of enrollment shows that you are enrolled in a school or training.
Reasonable accommodation documentation
Reasonable accommodations may include providing interpreters, readers, accessible technology and more. If you are asking for a reasonable accommodation, include documentation explaining why you need the accommodation.
Resume
Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade. You can upload a resume into your profile, or you can create one using the Resume Builder.
What should I include in my resume?
Supplemental application
Some jobs may require a supplemental application. Refer to the job announcement for what you should include in the supplemental application.
Transcripts
A transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record from a high school, college or other school. Your transcript may support your qualification for a federal job. To get a copy, contact your school’s registrar office for instructions. Refer to the job announcement for specific instructions on which transcripts, if any, you need to include.
Writing sample
Some job applications require you to include a writing sample. See the job announcement for details.
Additional documents
Includes any supporting documents that don't fit within another category or are listed in the job announcement. Some jobs may require specific documents outside of this list, which can be uploaded as "Additional documents".
Current or former federal employees
Performance appraisal
You may need to include a performance appraisal as proof of federal employment. See the job announcement to see if you need to provide this.
SF-50
For current or former federal employees, the SF-50 is a permanent record in your Official Personnel Folder that documents and reports all personnel actions (except mass transfer and mass change actions). This includes any federal position you've held, grade level, duty location and pay rate. Your SF-50 can support position changes, conversions or separation for employment eligibility.
All current and former federal employees have an SF-50.
Learn how to obtain a copy of your SF-50.
Separation Notice (RIF)
If you lost your federal job due to a Reduction in Force (RIF), you may need to provide a separation notice to determine federal employment eligibility for some jobs.
Native Americans
Form BIA–4432 (Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA or IHS)
Complete and submit the Form BIA–4432 with your application if you are claiming Indian Preference.
Senior Executive Service
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
If you're applying to a Senior Executive Service (SES) position, you complete and include the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). The ECQs define the competencies needed to build a federal corporate culture that drives results, serves customers and builds successful teams and coalitions within and outside the organization. The ECQs are required for entry to the SES and are used by many departments and agencies in selection, performance management and leadership development for executive positions.
The ECQ requirement only applies to jobs within the SES. There may be other senior executive level jobs outside of the SES that require different qualifications.
Mandatory technical qualifications (MTQ)
MTQs are required if you are applying for a Senior Executive Service position.
Veterans and family members
DD-214 or Statement of Service
The DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or Statement of Service is issued to military members upon separation from active service. The DD-214 or Statement of Service contains information about your military service and separation dates. They also show if you qualify for Veterans’ Preference, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 or the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act. You or your next-of-kin can obtain free copies of your DD- 214 Report of Separation and other military and medical records through the National Archives Veterans' Records Service.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability letter
If you are a disabled veteran and want to claim preference, you must submit a letter on VA letterhead with your overall combined service-connected disability rating.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order
You may need to include documentation to show a permanent change of station for employment eligibility.
Proof of marital status
If you are claiming military spouse preference, you will need to include proof of your marital status, such as a marriage certificate.
SF-15
The SF-15 "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference" shows if you qualify for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. Federal agencies will review the SF-15 to confirm claims for Veterans' Preference.
Sole survivor preference (SSP documents)
If you are claiming sole survivorship preference (also known as 0-point preference), you must submit proof that you are the only surviving child of a service member who died or became permanently disabled.