Job Analysis And Quals
True or False: All vacancies require a résumé to determine experience and qualifications.
False. Some jobs with basic or routine work (e.g., clerical) may use an agency-developed application or questionnaire instead of a résumé.
You have three quality categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. A CP veteran is in the Well Qualified category for a GS-9 professional and scientific position. Where must you place them on the referral list?
At the top of the Well Qualified category because veterans with 10-point preference are placed ahead of non-preference eligibles in the highest category they qualify for, but don't float to the top of all categories like non-professional and scientific positions.
An announcement opened 9/25/24 and stated it would close at midnight when 200 applications are received or on 10/1/24, whichever comes first. It closed on 9/29/24 after reaching 200 applications. Is this okay?
Yes. It can close early once the stated application limit is met.
Erika served from 08/31/1976 to 02/01/1977 (154 days), rank E2, no awards or campaigns. Does she qualify for veterans’ preference?
No. Service was less than 180 days and no qualifying campaign or medal.
Mary applied for GS-11 Budget Analyst. She has 10 months of specialized experience and a Master’s in Business Administration. Is she qualified?
No. GS-11 requires 1 year of specialized experience or qualifying education; her experience is short and the degree alone doesn’t meet the requirement.
An announcement lists a selective placement factor: Applicants must read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. Can someone who only reads Spanish be referred?
No. Applicants must meet both minimum qualifications and all requirements of the selective placement factor.
You have three candidates in the Best Qualified category of a DE announcement: one is a non-veteran, one is a 5-point veteran, and one is a 10-point veteran. How should they be ordered (not selected) on the certificate?
The 10-point veteran is listed first, then the 5-point veteran, then the non-veteran—because veterans’ preference applies within each category.
A non-veteran applicant submits an incomplete application missing required documents by the closing date. Can HR accept additional documents after the announcement closes?
No. All required documents must be submitted by the closing date stated in the announcement.
Luke served active duty from 10/14/1982 to 12/07/1982, discharged under honorable conditions, received Korea Defense Service Medal. Eligible for veterans’ preference?
No. Service was too short and medal does not qualify for preference.
Sarah applied for GS-5 HR Specialist. She has 2 years of general experience and 45 semester hours of college. Is she qualified?
Yes. She meets the combined education and experience requirement.
Can you screen applicants using a specialized experience statement that contains agency-specific jargon?
No. Experience statements must be clear and understandable to the general public.
You are filling a professional and scientific position with a career ladder GS-7/9/11 using Category Rating. A veteran with a 10-point compensable disability (30%) applies and is rated Well Qualified for GS-7. The selecting official wants to hire at the GS-7 level. Does the rule that moves 30% disabled veterans to the top category apply here?
Yes. The exception for GS-9 and above applies only when selecting at GS-9 or higher. Since the selection is at GS-7, the veteran must be placed at the top of the highest quality category (Best Qualified) for GS-7 consideration—even though the position has promotion potential to GS-11.
A candidate applies for two different grade levels in the same announcement but only meets qualifications for the lower grade. How should HR process the application?
Rate the applicant as eligible for the grade they qualify for and ineligible for the higher grade.
Kim served active duty from 02/01/1994 to 09/30/1997 and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Does she qualify for veterans’ preference?
Yes. Service exceeds 180 days during Gulf War era and medal qualifies.
Bob applied for GS-7 HR Specialist. He has no experience but holds a bachelor’s in HR with a 3.6 GPA. Does he qualify?
Yes. He qualifies under Superior Academic Achievement.
Management is hiring for an interdisciplinary GS-11 position and wants different assessments for each series. Is this allowed?
Yes. You can specify in USA Staffing which questions apply to which series.
A DE announcement is for GS-5 HR Assistant. Applicants:
Barb NV 81
Cutoff score for BQ is 90. Who must be selected first?
Jeff, because ICTAP eligibles have priority when well-qualified.
An announcement for a GS-9 professional position closed yesterday. A veteran with a 30% compensable disability (CPS) contacts HR today and says they didn’t apply but want to be considered. Under Delegated Examining rules, what should you do?
You must allow the CPS veteran to apply late by sending an invite link to submit their application and required documents. CP and CPS veterans have the right to apply after the closing date, as long as it’s before the certificate is issued, to ensure veterans’ preference rights are honored.
Sarah, a TP veteran, is selected for GS-11 IT job but cannot perform physical duties due to medical restrictions. Management wants to withdraw the offer. What must happen?
Forward the request to OPM for adjudication of a medical objection.
James applied for GS-9 HR Specialist. He has 1 year of graduate coursework and 8 months of specialized experience. Is he qualified?
Yes. Combined education and experience equals 100% or more of the requirement.