From application to offer: Understanding VA’s hiring process 

Looking for a job can sometimes feel like you’re sending your application into the void. You craft the perfect 2-page resume, upload any required supporting documents, hit submit and then wait.

And wait.

And wait.

Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking active measures to streamline the hiring process via the new 30-day hiring model. Qualified candidates can expect to be moved more efficiently through the hiring process, from the time they apply to the time an offer is accepted.  

Understanding each stage of the process (and knowing that a bit of waiting is normal) can make a huge difference. Keep reading to learn more about how the 30-day hiring model is revolutionizing how VA aims to fill open positions, ensuring we’re able to provide the best in care for our Veterans. 

30-day hiring model at a glance 

The 30-day hiring model aims to simplify the lifecycle of your VA job application, so that once a job announcement closes, qualified candidates are screened, interviewed, onboarded and on duty in no more than 30 days. How is VA achieving this?  

VA is hiring more efficiently by: 

• Strengthening the partnerships between Human Resources (HR) managers and hiring managers 
• Reducing administrative redundancies 
• Leveraging a two-page resume maximum with supplemental assessments 
• Tightening up job announcement deadlines and applicant counts 
• Initiating pre-security documents sooner in the process 

“In this competitive world, especially when it comes to healthcare talent, people don’t want to wait 60 days or longer to see if they are going to get the job,” said Tracey Therit, VA’s chief Human Capital officer. “We’re providing white glove service to improve the candidate experience. We want to get the right folks where we need them to serve the Veterans.” 

What applicants can expect 

Applicants can expect thoughtful screenings to ensure the right fit, communication throughout the process and wait times aligned to the hiring needs of that position. 

Thoughtful screening 

Once an application hits USAJOBS and minimum eligibility criteria are met, yes, there is a real, live person who is reviewing your resume. You might also be asked to complete a competency assessment to supplement your resume and demonstrate that you’ve successfully done certain tasks previously.  

“Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in identifying minimum qualifications, but it cannot replace the human expertise required to ensure that the resume aligns to the job and that all necessary assessments have been completed,” said Sheila Willis, executive advisor to the Chief Human Capital Officer. 

Communication 

Throughout the federal hiring process, applicants can expect up to four different touchpoints to keep them informed of their progress. These include notifications that: 

• VA has received your application 
• VA has reviewed your application for eligibility and qualifications 
• You have, or have not, been referred to the hiring manager for further review 
• You’ve been selected, or not selected  

Please note that if you are deemed ineligible for a position, you will not receive subsequent communications. 

Varied wait times 

How long should an applicant expect to wait for a response? It will vary by the job.

Applicants will receive an automatic notification as soon as they submit their application, but the other communications noted above are dependent on a few factors like how long the job announcement is open, how many other eligible candidates applied and are being interviewed, and how quickly the position needs to be filled.  

Once the job announcement closes and the applications have been evaluated, HR creates what’s called a federal hiring certificate, which is an official list of eligible candidates, ranked in order. All applicants will then receive a notification as to whether or not they have been found eligible; candidates who are being referred will also receive a notification that they are being referred to the hiring manager at this time. Candidates who are selected for interviews will then go through the interview process, and once interviews are complete, a notification will be sent to inform applications of the selection decision. 

Insights from VA insiders 

Getting successfully from point A to point B in the hiring process can take patience, perseverance and a lot of attention to detail. Don’t render yourself ineligible because you forgot to attach a required document or used a boilerplate resume. 

“Take the time to thoroughly read the job announcement and ensure that your resume is truly speaking to those qualifications to give yourself the best consideration,” Willis added. 

Join VA

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned professional navigating a career transition, VA has a rewarding career for you. Learn more at VA Careers.