Hiring and Application Process Flashcards

What is the purpose of 'selective factors' in a federal job announcement?

Answer: Mandatory qualification requirements beyond the minimum that are essential to perform the job

Selective factors are specific competencies or qualifications beyond the minimum requirements that are essential for the job. Applicants who do not meet a selective factor are ineligible — they are screened out, not simply rated lower.

A veteran with a 30% or more service-connected disability applying under competitive procedures is entitled to which veterans' preference category?

Answer: 10-point compensable disability preference (CP)

Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more receive 10-point compensable disability preference (CP), the highest veterans' preference category, which confers the greatest protection in hiring.

What is the Pathways Recent Graduates Program designed to do?

Answer: Offer career development to individuals who recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions

The Pathways Recent Graduates Program provides developmental opportunities for individuals who have graduated from a qualifying educational institution within the past two years (up to six years for veterans), leading to a civil service career.

When must a federal agency provide a 'pass over' request to OPM during competitive hiring?

Answer: When the agency wants to pass over a 30% or more disabled veteran to select a lower-ranked candidate

An agency must request OPM approval before passing over a 30%-or-more disabled veteran (CPS/CP category) on a certificate of eligibles to select a lower-ranking or lower-preference candidate.

What is meant by a 'temporary appointment not to exceed (NTE)' in federal hiring?

Answer: A time-limited appointment with a specified end date that does not confer competitive status

A temporary NTE appointment is a time-limited hiring action used to meet short-term needs. It has a specified end date of up to one year (extensible to 18 months), does not confer competitive status, and offers no tenure beyond the appointment period.

Under merit system principles, which factor must be the primary basis for federal hiring decisions?

Answer: Ability, knowledge, and skills assessed through fair and open competition

Merit system principles require that federal hiring be based on ability, knowledge, and skills — as demonstrated through fair and open competition — ensuring the most qualified candidates are selected regardless of personal connections or background.