Step 3

Applying for an FAA Position

A correct application is a controlled process. The candidate must complete the federal portal steps, the FAA agency steps when required, and the final submission before the vacancy closes.

3.1 Start the Application in USAJOBS

After reading the full announcement, select Apply. Choose the resume and supporting documents you intend to submit. Stored documents are not useful unless the correct files are actually selected for the application.

3.2 Transfer to FAA AVIATOR When Directed

For vacancies using AVIATOR, USAJOBS transfers you to the FAA system for the agency-specific portion. Complete the FAA questions carefully. AVIATOR may time out after inactivity, so work deliberately and preserve time for review. When directed back to USAJOBS, complete the remaining steps there.

OFFICIAL RESOURCE FAA Applying for Federal Jobs

3.3 Occupational/Application Questionnaires

Questionnaire responses should remain consistent with the level of experience described in the resume. If an answer indicates that you independently performed or led a task, the resume should contain a corresponding example that shows the responsibility, context, and outcome. This alignment helps the application present one coherent record rather than separate claims that cannot easily be reconciled by the reviewer.

Questionnaires can ask about eligibility, education, experience, competencies and the level at which you have performed tasks. Treat each response as a formal statement. Select the answer that accurately represents your record and confirm that your resume supports it.

Alignment test: For a high-level questionnaire answer, ask: “Where can the reviewer see evidence for this in my resume?” If there is no evidence, do not rely on the questionnaire alone.