Special Agent

Answers to some common questions when applying for a Special Agent (SA) position.

Documentation

Can you provide some resume writing tips regarding addressing the required qualifications for a position?

Why do I have to provide a detailed resume?

I submitted all of my documentation, but I just realized that I need to edit my documents. May I resubmit revised versions?

I submitted my CV with the dates and titles of all my positions, along with a listing of publications. Yet, I was found not qualified and the reason was because my application did not provide enough information. Why is this?

I submitted a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume and was not referred, despite meeting all the qualification requirements. Is a CV an acceptable format to list my qualifications, etc.?

Eligibility/Qualifications

Can a criminal investigator with another Federal agency lateral over to ATF?

What are minimum or basic qualifications and how does it affect me as an applicant?

What are the requirements for becoming an ATF criminal investigator (special agent)?

Which jobs am I eligible to apply for?

I received a notice indicating I was eligible, but not referred for a position. Last time that I applied for the same type of position I was referred, so I don’t understand why I wasn’t referred this time.

I received a notice indicating I was eligible, but not referred for a position. Does this mean that I am qualified for the job?

I was previously qualified for a position with a specific title, series, and grade by ATF. Does that mean I will automatically qualify for all future positions with this title and grade?

Are resumes scanned for keywords by an automated system to find applicants qualified in the ATF application process?

What is the assessment passing score for the vacancy, and can I get detailed information about my score?

Hiring Process

As a special agent applicant, can I apply for a specific duty location?

How can current special agent applicants find out the status of their application?

I have already taken an occupational exam for another federal agency. Do I still have to take an exam as an ATF special agent applicant?

Will ATF consider applicants with an arrest record or with a history of drug use?

Why does the hiring process take so long?

Is there any way I can track where my application is in the process once I submit it? How will I know if I am being considered or not?

If I have any questions along the way, is there anyone I may reach out to directly for information?

Why is a background investigation needed?

Is there a limit to how many jobs I may apply for, or a timeframe that I must adhere to? For example, may I apply to jobs continuously or do I need to wait for a period of time to pass before continuing my job search?

Is my resume reviewed by a person or does ATF use an automated system that determines my ratings?

Incentives

I am very interested in workplace flexibilities. How can I know whether and which flexibilities may be offered to me in this position?

I would be moving across the country if selected for this position. Will any relocation expenses be covered?

I have read about Student Loan Repayment Programs (SLRP) and would be very interested in being considered. How may I know whether I qualify?

Terminology

What is Time in Grade and how do I know if I meet it?

Experience

Is it advisable to apply to jobs for which I do not have experience with? For example, if I have a Law enforcement background, but want to pursue an administrative position, or vice versa?

I’ve been out of the workforce for the past several years. How should I choose which experience(s) to include? Is there a timeframe that deems some work experience or jobs “outdated” or “irrelevant” because they were so long ago?

How can I decide which work or educational experiences are relevant to the position I am applying for? Should I over-include, when in doubt, or exclude from my resume?

I have only worked in the private sector and do not know how to equate my experience to the GS scale. How can I figure this out?

I earned my degree(s) abroad under an entirely different grading system and curriculum. How can I verify that my international degree is acceptable here?

Some positions have a “specialized experience/educational” requirement. How can I know whether I meet those specialized qualifications?

I have had background checks conducted on me in private sector positions. Do these background checks carry over to the federal government, or do I need to start the process all over again? Why is it necessary if I do not have any criminal record?

Veteran's Preference

I am a veteran but was dishonorably discharged. Do I still qualify for Veterans’ Preference?

I was deemed “highly qualified” for nearly every position I applied for, and yet it seems veterans were selected over me. Is there any way I can increase my qualifications or ranking so that I can compete with veterans in the advanced selection process?