What this means
Agencies update your application status on USAJOBS as they review it. Statuses can include terms like received, reviewed, referred, or not selected. If you are selected, you may receive a tentative job offer followed by background checks and a final offer.
Why it matters
Knowing what each status means helps you plan and reduces worry. Hiring can take weeks or months.
What to prepare
- Examples from your experience that match the job's duties.
- Questions to ask the interviewer about the role.
Steps to take
Step 1 of 4: Check your application status on USAJOBS — it is updated by the agency.
Step 2 of 4: Look up what each status means in the USAJOBS Help Center.
Step 3 of 4: Contact the agency listed on the announcement with questions about a specific application.
Step 4 of 4: Prepare examples using a simple structure: situation, task, action, result.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a "referred" status means a job offer — it means your application was sent to the hiring manager.
- Resigning from a current job before receiving a final job offer.
Official source
Saved only in this browser.