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Career News | July 15, 2021

What to Do for Different Outcomes of Your Application

By DCAA Staff Writer

The DCAA application process through USAJOBS can seem overwhelming if you’re new to federal hiring, and there are a multitude of reasons why candidates may not receive a job offer. This does not mean you should take DCAA off your list of potential employers. Here’s what you should do if you experience any of these application outcomes:

What if you’re not referred to complete the USA Hire assessment?

The first thing you should do is re-evaluate your resume and qualifications. One of the main reasons a candidate is not referred to complete the USA Hire assessment (which is required to be eligible for an interview), is that the qualifications listed on their resume do not meet the basic requirements for the position.

Read the Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) carefully to evaluate whether you have the right qualifications for the position. If you do, ensure your resume shows that information clearly. Read our blog on federal resume tips to learn more.

What if you’re referred for the USA Hire assessment but do not get an interview?

If you were referred for the USA Hire assessment but not referred for an interview, it indicates that you did not achieve DCAA’s minimum passing score to be eligible for an interview. The score you earned lasts for a year, so you will not be able to apply for another DCAA auditor position until you are able to retake it.

Look for open non-auditor positions that do not require the USA Hire assessment by reading the JOAs carefully. Even if you are hired into a non-auditor position at DCAA, you can still apply for DCAA’s Upward Mobility Program, which helps non-auditors transition to an auditor position. Contact a recruiter to learn more about this option and review our tips for the USA Hire Assessment to prepare for your retake next year.

What if you’re interviewed but not hired?

If you are not hired for a position after completing an interview, politely follow up with the Human Resources professional who arranged the interview panel for you to ask for feedback.

The most common reasons someone is not hired after an interview are that the candidate’s experience and qualifications only met the minimum set forth in the JOA, or there was another candidate who was more qualified for the position. But new positions may become available in the future. If you choose to re-apply, make sure your qualifications match the position you are applying for. You may also consider being open to relocating and applying for positions at locations around the country.