Getting a Job With Uncle Sam: Special Hiring Procedures

Out of considerations for fairness in its hiring process, the federal government has a very formalized system of determining who is eligible for which position and of those eligible, who it hires. However, within that system there are many special provisions that in effect give a leg up to people in certain groups or with specific backgrounds. Veterans' Preference
Veterans' preference entitles veterans who are disabled or who have served on active duty to be selected over non-veterans. This provision also applies to retention during layoffs, called reductions-in-force (RIF). To receive preference, a veteran must have been separated from active duty with an honorable or general discharge. Five points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served during a war or during specified periods during which the military was engaged in combat or peacekeeping operations. Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of any veteran who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent. Ten points are also added to the passing examination score of spouses, widows, widowers, or mothers of certain veterans. Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
These authorities, all of which have their own specific eligibility rules, include:

• Veterans' Readjustment Appointments - Agencies may appoint an eligible veteran without competition. The candidate does not have to be on a list of eligibles, but must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position.
• 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran Appointments - An authority may give noncompetitive appointments to any veteran who has a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
• Hiring without competition for disabled veterans - If a veteran is enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs training programs, he or she can have an appointment lasting up to a year that converts to career status.
• Appointment into "Schedule B" - These positions are available for veterans who have applied under an agency merit promotion announcement that is open to candidates outside the agency.
• Hiring into certain positions - These positions are open only to veterans as long as such applicants are available, including custodian, guard, elevator operator and messenger positions.

Hispanic Employment Initiative
Hispanics are underrepresented in the federal workforce, comprising less than 7 percent of permanent federal employees and 12 percent of the overall labor force. Because of this, agencies must establish programs for the recruitment and career development of Hispanics. The government has a 9-point plan that includes employment information to students and members of the Hispanic community and participation in special internships. Special Appointing Authorities for People with Disabilities
Federal hiring officials are authorized to use special hiring authorities when considering certain people with disabilities. Those who have a severe physical, cognitive or emotional disability, a history of having such disabilities or who are perceived as having such disabilities are eligible. The use of these authorities is not mandatory. These authorities provide an opportunity to demonstrate the potential to successfully perform the essential duties of a position, with and without, "reasonable accommodation." Examples of workplace accommodations that the government considers reasonable are providing interpreters, readers, or other personal assistance; modifying job duties; restructuring work sites; providing flexible work schedules or work sites; and obtaining accessible technology or other workplace adaptive equipment. Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program
This program, open to students from high school through graduate or professional schools, including technical and vocational schools, provides an opportunity to gain work experience directly related to an academic field of study. Students are eligible if they are enrolled as a degree student in an accredited institution, are at least the minimum age required by laws governing the employment of minors, and are taking at least a half-time course load in an accredited school. Outstanding Scholars Program
This hiring authority is restricted to grade levels GS-5 and GS-7 and excludes the fields of accounting and auditing, engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences and mathematics. Applicants must be college graduates and have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate course work, or have graduated in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class or major university subdivision. Student Educational Employment Program
This program was set up to attract talented high school, vocational and technical, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, graduate degree, and professional degree students. It has two major components. The Student Temporary Employment component offers temporary employment ranging from summer jobs to positions lasting until graduation, not necessarily related to the academic field of study. The Student Career Experience component offers work experience directly related to the academic field of study, with eligibility for permanent employment after successfully completing the education and meeting work requirements. Federal Career Interns
The Federal Career Intern Program primarily applies to entry-level positions at grade levels GS-5, 7, and 9 or other trainee positions. However, an agency may use the program for any occupation as long as the agency has determined that the occupation lends itself to a formal training and development component. The standard appointment is a two-year internship, with eligibility for permanent placement on successful completion of that period. Presidential Management Interns
The Presidential Management Intern program is designed to attract outstanding graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines to a career in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. After a two-year appointment, interns may be eligible for permanent employment. Schools nominate interns to compete for these internships.