USAJOBS to be single source for Air Force job seekers

  • Published
  • By Daniel P. Elkins
  • Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Current civilian employees will have a single source to apply for vacant Air Force positions beginning Nov. 15 when they join other job seekers already using USAJOBS.

Air Force civilian personnel officials announced the decision in October that almost all hiring will be accomplished through USAJOBS following a seven-month pilot program using a resume-based system to fill vacant positions at 16 locations across the service.

Previously, Air Force civilian employees were referred to vacant positions based on skill codes while external candidates were referred based on resumes.

"We are leveling the field for both employees and selecting supervisors," said Michelle LoweSolis, the director of civilian force integration at the Air Force Personnel Center. "The change creates a standardized, resume-based application process for all applicants ensuring they are rated against the same criteria and a single referral list will be provided to selecting officials."

To help Air Force civilian employees make the transition, Airman and Family Readiness Center officials are assisting with resume writing. A proper resume should describe all work experience and the dates accomplished. Employees may contact their local Airmen and Family Readiness Center for more information on one-on-one consultations, resume writing workshops or answering general questions.

The change also includes a reduction in the number of days from 45 to 30 in which hiring managers must make a selection. This, along with other efforts, is aimed at meeting an 80-day hiring process initiative directed by the president earlier this year.

Air Force internal and external employees can search for vacancies through www.usajobs.gov. They can also learn more about civilian career opportunities at www.afciviliancareers.com.

Officials said the new staffing solution will require Air Force employees new to USAJOBS to create an account, accessible by computer or smart phone 24 hours a day. Each account can store up to five different resumes that allow employees to clearly identify and highlight their skills and abilities when seeking future career opportunities. From the account, applicants can track when the application is received, when it is assessed for qualifications, if it is referred to a selecting official, and if selected for the position.

Job announcements available to current Air Force civilian candidates will include the "Current Permanent Air Force Employee" eligibility statement on jobs advertised in USAJOBS. Applicants should identify themselves as current Air Force employees in the assessment questionnaire included in the vacancy announcement.

Twelve Air Force locations will not be transitioning to the new recruitment process at this time and will continue advertising their internal vacancies on the AFPC secure employment website. Those bases include Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., Brooks City-Base, Texas, Edwards AFB, Calif., Eglin AFB, Fla., Hanscom AFB, Mass., Hill AFB, Utah, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Kirtland AFB, N.M., Luke AFB, Ariz., Robins AFB, Ga., Tinker AFB, Okla., and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Officials will inform Air Force employees as these bases transition to the new system.

The transition to USAJOBS applies only to civilian employees paid out of the federal appropriated fund budget. It does not impact the more than 25,000 Air Force non-appropriated fund employees who are paid by money generated by NAF activities, such as Air Force clubs and golf courses.

For more information current Air Force employees may call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.