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Doors to Employment: Step-by-Step Job Application Guide

The Department of Labor (DOL) Online Opportunities Recruitment System (DOORS) is an automated e-Recruit system that allows you to access vacancy announcements and apply for jobs. DOORS is fully integrated with USAJOBS, the official job Web site of the U.S. Government.

Job Application Guide — PDF (221 KB)



1. Search for DOL JOBS

Find DOL jobs by visiting one of these two Web sites:

DOL Web site: www.dol.gov/jobs

  • Enter your job search preferences.
  • Scroll to bottom of page and answer 'Applicant Eligibility' question.
  • NOTE: Click YES if you are a Federal employee or meet other specified criteria.

  • Click Search graphic

USAJOBS Web site: www.usajobs.gov

  • Search jobs by entering a job title, keywords, and/or a location. Click on button reading 'Run Search'
  • Use the Refine Your Search options.
    • You can search by Public or Status Jobs, Agency, Job Category, Salary, Keyword, City, etc.
    • For DOL specific vacancies, select 'Department of Labor' under the 'Agency' section.

2. Create a USAJOBS Account

  • Access the USAJOBS web site: www.usajobs.gov
  • Click on the button reading 'MY USA JOBS' tab, and click on Create Account.
  • Fill out the requested information and click I agree. Log me in. when finished.

3. Get the Latest Job Postings

The USAJOBS Search Agent automatically searches for vacancies and notifies you by email on a regular basis.

To set up a new Search Agent:

  • Access www.usajobs.gov, click on button reading 'MY USA JOBS' and log in to your account.
  • Click on Agents and select Create New Agent.
  • Specify your search criteria and how often you wish to receive email notifications.
  • Name your Search Agent and click on Save Agent. You can create up to 10 job Search Agents.

4. Build Your Resume in USAJOBS

Click button reading '?' tab, click Resume and select Create New Agent.

  • Complete the 4 steps below to build your resume. Click on button reading 'MY USA JOBS' for additional information.
  • button reading 'Resume Builder' with mutliple navigation buttons

On Step 2:

    • To ADD an item such as Work Experience, complete the fields first, then click button reading 'Add Work Experience'
    • To make a CHANGE, click on the item, edit and select Update.
    • To DELETE an item, click button reading 'X' for delete to the right of the item.

On Step 4, click Activate Resume or Save For Later.

5. Apply for a Vacancy

  • Return to STEP 1 to search for jobs and get a list of vacancies.
  • Click on job title and select each tab to view details of the announcement.
  • button reading 'Overview' with mutliple navigation buttons

  • At the bottom click button reading 'Apply Online'. Log into USAJOBS, if you are not currently logged in.
  • Select your resume and click Apply for this Position Now!
  • You will be taken to DOL's "DOORS" application system.
    • If not already registered in DOORS, complete the applicant profile questions.
    • Select either Update my information that is on file or to answer vacancy questions, select Take me to the Assessment.
  • Check the box I would like a copy of my application emailed to me, and click Finished.
  • To submit supplemental documents, you may be prompted to generate fax cover sheets. In the Select Cover Sheet column, identify the applicable document(s) you will fax, and click button reading 'Print Cover Sheet'. Select Done when finished.
  • Find more information about How to Submit Supplemental Documentation [Word Document]
  • Review your application, and click Finished at the bottom of the page.
  • Be sure to submit all requested documents.

6. Edit Your Application

  • Access www.usajobs.gov, click on button reading 'MY USA JOBS' and log in to your account.
  • Log in and click on Applications. Your applications for the past 18 months will be displayed.
  • Under the Job Summary heading, click on the title of the application you wish to edit.
  • When a vacancy appears, scroll down to bottom and click button reading 'Apply Online'.
  • Note: This Apply Online button will only be available if the job is still open.

  • To make edits, proceed to the section to edit, make changes and the new information will replace the original entry.

7. Check Job Status

USAJOBS tracks jobs for 18 months.

  • Go to www.usajobs.gov, login (if necessary), and select MY USAJOBS.
  • Click on Applications and your job application history will display.

Help

  • For general information on DOL Job Applications visit www.jobs.dol.gov
  • Need a USAJOBS tutorial? Watch videos at www.usajobs.gov/contact.asp
  • Vacancy questions: contact the agency's "Point of Contact" identified on the announcement
  • Technical issues: email DOORS@dol.gov
  • Submitting supplemental documents? Visit www.jobs.dol.gov and click on "How to Submit Supplemental Documentation."