Know where to look for federal job openings.
What are the types of jobs you are seeking? Where could you go to find listings of openings? Just like in any type of job search, start by knowing what type of job you want and then narrow your search for that job.
The most effective method to find a federal job as a veteran is to search the USAJOBS website. There are many federal agencies and on any given day USAJOBS lists thousands of jobs available with most of these agencies. You don't need an account on USAJOBS in order to search for a job, but must register to apply for a job.
You can apply to most federal jobs with a resume. Use the resume builder on USAJOBS to help ensure your resume is appropriate for federal job applications. Federal resumes must be targeted and tailored to the position, and are usually several pages long, compared to 1-2 page resumes for private sector jobs.
Twenty-four agencies have a Veteran Employment Program Office responsible for promoting veteran recruitment, employment, training and development, and retention within their respective agencies. Contact information for these offices can be found at www.fedshirevets.gov under the Agency Directory tab; contact them for job information. Be sure to mention it if you are eligible for one of the special hiring authorities for veterans.