Prepare for the new application timeline with these four helpful strategies

Get ready for a speedier application process at VA! We recently coordinated an agreement with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) that will allow us to proceed with the next steps of the hiring process within three days of posting a job announcement, rather than the previous 15 days.

That means swifter processing times for some positions, and a better chance of onboarding you to start working at VA faster.

However, that reduced window means you’re going to have to be ready to apply when the announcement opens, so here are a few tips to help you be prepared for when that perfect opportunity arises.

Frame your resume

While we always support the idea of customizing your resume to suit a specific job announcement, building a resume from scratch can be time consuming. With a reduced application window, you’re going to want as much of a head start as you can get, so getting as much as you can down on paper is crucial.

Focus on the things that won’t need modification. Your list of previous employers isn’t going to change (at least not until you get a job on our team). Your education, certifications and any awards you might have received won’t change either. List those facts first.

When the time comes to apply, the framework you’ve already built will give you extra time to customize the fine details, like describing your skills and experience using particular keywords from the job announcement.

Outline your cover letter

Much like your resume, there will be things in your cover letter you won’t be able to customize until you have a particular job announcement in front of you. However, there are sections of your cover letter that you can write ahead of time.

Focus on the intangibles that make you a unique candidate, the things that don’t slot neatly into your resume. Maybe you’ve undertaken extra responsibilities or have experience in an unrelated field that demonstrates your character or capabilities.

In short, if there’s something you want a recruiter or hiring manager to know about you when they receive your application package, include it here.

If push comes to shove, you can always delete something that might be irrelevant, but it’s better to have it down ahead of time than to forget something important in the rush to apply.

Update your references

We recently discussed references in much greater depth, but it bears repeating here: updating your references is always worth the effort. Whether you’re double-checking contact information or asking a recent colleague to vouch for you, take the time to do it now.

If nothing else, having an updated list of references at hand when you apply will make this part of the application process an easy win for you and leaves more time to address the specifics of the job announcement.

Gather your paperwork

Job announcements may request specific forms tied to the particular position, but a good rule of thumb to follow is this: If you’ve listed something on your resume, have the paperwork to back it up.

For some positions, you may be asked to present a transcript, which is your permanent academic record from a high school or college. Certain announcements may also ask for a CV (curriculum vitae), a detailed academic summary. If you have a certification or accreditation from a specialized training program, be ready to provide that, too.

For Veterans, documentation is critical. Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is essential to establishing your service credentials, while your SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference) will be used to adjudicate any claim for Veterans’ preference.

Regardless, gathering all your applicable paperwork ahead of time is another easy win in the application process.

Work at VA

Be the first off the block with your application, and get ready for a new career serving and supporting the best patients in health care: Veterans.

• READ more about navigating the application process.
• WATCH our “Talk About It Tuesday” broadcasts for more application tips.
• LEARN about hiring initiatives available through VA.
• SEARCH for the job you want at the VACareers website.