How to Read Federal Job Announcements: A Veteran's Decoder Guide

Federal job announcements are written in bureaucratic code. Understanding that code separates veterans who get hired from those who waste months applying to jobs they'll never get.

Every announcement contains specific information about who can apply, what qualifications are required, and what the job actually involves. Miss one detail—like applying to a merit promotion announcement when you're external—and your application goes straight to rejection.

This guide decodes federal job announcements section by section, showing you exactly how to identify positions where you're competitive.

The Anatomy of a Federal Job Announcement

Every USAJOBS announcement has the same basic structure:

Overview – Basic job information at a glance
Duties – What you'll actually do
Requirements – Qualifications, conditions of employment
Evaluation – How they'll assess your application
Benefits – Compensation and perks
How to Apply – Application instructions and deadlines

Let's decode each section.

Section 1: The Overview

The overview gives you the critical facts at a glance. Here's what to look for:

Position Title and Series

Management Analyst, GS-0343-12

Breaking it down:

Management Analyst – Job title
GS – General Schedule pay system
0343 – Occupational series number (tells you the job family)
12 – Grade level (pay grade)

Common series for veterans:

0080 – Security Administration
0301 – Miscellaneous Administration and Program
0343 – Management Analyst
0346 – Logistics Management
0391 – Telecommunications
1102 – Contract Specialist
1811 – Criminal Investigation
2210 – Information Technology

Salary Range

$82,764 - $107,590 per year

This shows the full range from Step 1 to Step 10. Most new hires start at Step 1 unless they negotiate higher (which you can do).

Location

Arlington, VA (1 vacancy)
Fort Meade, MD (2 vacancies)
Remote eligible (5 vacancies)

Location determines locality pay. The same GS-12 pays differently in DC vs. rural Nebraska.

Open and Close Dates

Open: 11/01/2024
Close: 11/15/2024

Critical: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern on the closing date. Don't wait until the last day—technical issues happen.

Application limits: Some announcements have application caps:

"This announcement will close at 200 applications OR the closing date, whichever comes first"

Apply early if there's a cap.

Appointment Type

Permanent - Full-Time

Types you'll see:

Permanent – Ongoing position with full benefits
Term – Limited to specific duration (usually 1-4 years)
Temporary – Usually less than 1 year, often seasonal
Intermittent – As needed (unpredictable hours)

Aim for permanent unless you have a strategic reason for term/temporary.

Section 2: Who May Apply (CRITICAL)

This section determines whether you can even apply. Read it carefully.

Open to the Public

"This position is open to all U.S. citizens."

Anyone can apply. Veterans preference applies here.

Merit Promotion

"Open to current federal employees and other merit promotion eligible applicants."

This is an internal announcement. Who qualifies?

Current federal employees
VEOA eligibles (veterans with 3+ years active duty or preference eligibles)
30% or more disabled veterans
Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility
Some others (military spouses, etc.)

Key for veterans: If you're VEOA eligible, you can apply to many merit promotion announcements even as an external candidate.

Specific Hiring Authorities

"This position is open to: Veterans eligible under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) authority"

Some announcements are specifically for veterans using particular authorities.

Agency-Only

"Open only to current employees of the Department of Defense."

You must already work there. Veterans without current federal employment generally cannot apply.

Understanding "Who May Apply" Codes

USAJOBS uses standard eligibility categories. Common ones include:

Code	Who It Covers
US Citizens	Any U.S. citizen
Merit Promotion	Current/former federal employees, VEOA
Federal employees	Current permanent federal employees
Veterans	VRA, 30% disabled, VEOA, Schedule A
Military spouses	Under Executive Order 13473
Individuals with disabilities	Schedule A eligible

Pro tip: If you're not sure whether you qualify, check all your eligibilities and claim them when applying. The system will tell you if you don't qualify.

Section 3: Duties

This section describes what you'll do day-to-day. It helps you:

Decide if you actually want the job
Identify which of your experiences are relevant
Tailor your resume to emphasize matching experience

Reading Between the Lines

"May include some travel" = Occasional travel "Travel may be required up to 25% of the time" = Significant travel "Travel up to 50% or more" = Heavy travel

"Work schedule may include nights and weekends" = Regular schedule varies "May require shift work" = Rotating shifts

"Serves as a liaison" = Lots of coordination and meetings "Conducts analysis" = Data and report-heavy "Oversees programs" = Management responsibility

Section 4: Requirements

This is where applications succeed or fail. The requirements section tells you exactly what you need to qualify.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience

The most important requirement. Usually reads:

"Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the
GS-11 grade level in the federal service that includes: (1) conducting analysis
of organizational programs; (2) preparing reports and presentations for senior
leadership; (3) coordinating with multiple stakeholders to accomplish
organizational objectives."

How to interpret:

"One year" – You need 52 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) of this experience
"Equivalent to GS-11" – Could be federal GS-11, military equivalent, or private sector equivalent
Each numbered item – You must have experience in ALL listed areas

Common mistake: Thinking you only need experience in SOME of the areas. You typically need ALL.

Education Substitution

Some positions allow education instead of experience:

"Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of
progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree..."

This can help if your experience is light but education is strong.

Combination

"A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify..."

Example: 6 months of specialized experience + 1 year of relevant graduate education = qualification.

Time-in-Grade (for federal employees)

"Time-in-Grade: Applicants must have 52 weeks at the GS-11 grade level."

This only applies to current federal employees applying through merit promotion. External applicants (including veterans using special authorities) typically aren't held to time-in-grade.

Conditions of Employment

These are requirements you must meet after selection:

Conditions of Employment:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing
- Must pass a physical examination
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service

Security clearance: If you currently hold a clearance, mention it prominently. If the position requires a clearance you don't have, understand the investigation takes 6-18 months.

Drug testing: Federal positions with security requirements are drug-free. This includes marijuana even in states where it's legal.

Physical requirements: Usually for law enforcement, trades, or positions with fieldwork.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Some announcements list KSAs:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of federal regulations and policies
2. Skill in analyzing complex problems
3. Ability to communicate orally and in writing
4. Ability to plan and organize work

Even if not separately required, address these in your resume and questionnaire responses.

Section 5: Evaluation

This section explains how your application will be assessed.

Category Rating

"Applicants will be evaluated based on qualifications and placed into one
of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified."

Under category rating:

Applications are reviewed against criteria
Placed into quality categories
Within each category, veterans float to the top
Hiring manager selects from top category

Competitive Rating

"Applicants will receive a numerical score based on..."

Under competitive rating:

Applications receive numerical scores (typically 70-100)
Veterans preference points are added (5 or 10)
Applicants ranked by total score

What They're Looking For

"You will be evaluated based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire
and the information in your resume."

Translation:

Your questionnaire score determines initial ranking
Your resume is used to verify questionnaire answers
Mismatch between questionnaire claims and resume = disqualification

Section 6: How to Apply

Application Instructions

"To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and
submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section."

Follow these exactly. Missing documents = automatic rejection.

Required Documents

Required Documents:
- Resume
- DD-214 (Member Copy 4)
- SF-15 (if claiming 10-point preference)
- VA letter (if claiming disability preference)
- Transcripts (if using education to qualify)

Upload all relevant documents. Even if you're not sure they're required, include them. More documentation is better than less.

Application Deadline

"All applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on 11/15/2024"

Submit at least 24 hours early. System crashes happen near deadlines.

Red Flags and Green Flags

Green Flags (Apply!)

✅ "Open to all U.S. citizens" with veterans preference applied
✅ Your experience clearly matches specialized experience requirements
✅ Multiple vacancies
✅ "Direct hire authority" (faster process)
✅ Agency where your MOS/rating is valued
✅ Career ladder position (GS-9/11/12 = guaranteed promotions)

Yellow Flags (Investigate Further)

⚠️ Very short application window (2-3 days)
⚠️ "May be filled at lower grade" (position may be downgraded)
⚠️ "Temporary appointment not to exceed 1 year"
⚠️ Requirement for certification you don't have
⚠️ Very specific experience requirements

Red Flags (Proceed with Caution)

❌ "Current employees only" when you're external
❌ Specialized experience you clearly don't have
❌ Required credentials you can't obtain quickly (licenses, etc.)
❌ Security clearance you don't have for positions needing immediate start
❌ Numerous "highly desirable" qualifications you lack

Decoding Common Phrases

"Knowledge, skill, or ability preferred but not required"

This is truly optional. You can qualify without it.

"Must have" vs "Should have"

"Must have" = required "Should have" = strongly preferred but not absolute requirement

"Equivalent experience"

Military or private sector experience at a comparable level counts.

"Demonstrated ability"

Your resume must show concrete examples, not just claim the ability.

"Expert-level proficiency"

Highest level. You should have trained others or led programs in this area.

"Journey-level"

Fully competent. Can work independently without close supervision.

"Entry-level"

Learning the job. Will receive training and close supervision.

"May be required to work overtime"

Overtime is possible but not constant.

"Overtime is common"

Expect regular overtime.

Real Announcement Analysis

Let's analyze a real-type announcement:

Management Analyst
GS-0343-11/12
Department of Defense, Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Indianapolis, IN
$70,685 - $110,803 per year
Permanent - Full Time
Open: 11/01/2024 - 11/15/2024 (or first 150 applications)

WHO MAY APPLY: Open to all U.S. citizens. Veterans preference applies.

DUTIES: Serves as a Management Analyst responsible for evaluating
organizational programs and making recommendations for improvement.
Conducts studies and analysis of management functions. Prepares reports
and presentations for senior leadership. Coordinates with program offices
and external stakeholders.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-11: One year equivalent to GS-09 including: analyzing organizational
programs; preparing written reports; coordinating with stakeholders.

GS-12: One year equivalent to GS-11 including: independently conducting
complex analyses; presenting findings to senior leaders; leading
cross-functional teams or projects.

CONDITIONS:
- Secret clearance required
- May require up to 10% travel

Analysis:

Who should apply:

Any U.S. citizen with relevant experience
E-6/E-7 with staff experience = competitive for GS-11
E-7/E-8 or O-3+ with significant staff experience = competitive for GS-12

Keyword targets for resume:

"analyzing organizational programs" → operations analysis, mission analysis
"preparing written reports" → briefings, SOPs, operation orders
"coordinating with stakeholders" → liaison duties, working groups
"leading cross-functional teams" → project leadership, working groups

Application strategy:

Apply for highest grade you qualify for
If unsure, apply for GS-11 (you can negotiate higher if selected)
Address each specialized experience element specifically in resume
Application cap at 150 = apply immediately

Quick Reference: Questions to Ask About Every Announcement

Before applying, answer these questions:

Am I eligible? (Check "Who May Apply")
Do I meet the specialized experience? (All elements required)
Do I have required conditions? (Clearance, education, certifications)
Is the location acceptable? (Including relocation if required)
Is the appointment type acceptable? (Permanent vs. temporary)
Can I tailor my resume to match? (Keywords, requirements)
Is there a deadline or application cap? (Apply early)

If you answer "no" to questions 1-3, don't apply—you won't qualify.

The Bottom Line

Federal job announcements contain everything you need to know—if you can decode them.

Key takeaways:

"Who May Apply" determines eligibility – Read it first
"Specialized Experience" determines qualification – Match it exactly
Keywords matter – Mirror the announcement language in your resume
Deadlines are firm – Apply early
Documentation is required – Upload everything relevant

Master reading announcements, and you'll stop wasting time on positions you won't get—and start focusing on those where you're competitive.

Ready to apply? Check out our guides on federal resumes and USAJOBS navigation.