Login to OARS!
OARS Frequently Asked Questions
- Is OARS the only way to submit an application for USGS positions?
- What if I don't have a computer?
- What if I don't have email?
- Can I use OARS from my office computer? Isn't there something that says I can't?
- When exactly do jobs close?
- I am not a citizen of the United States. Can I apply for jobs in the USGS?
- A lot of people don't have computers, particularly minorities and disabled individuals. Aren't you afraid of receiving even fewer minority/disabled applicants than before?
- How can you say you won't accept paper applications? Isn't that illegal?
- What if I need help applying?
- Is the selecting official obligated to interview all best-qualified applicants?
- What's the difference between Merit Promotion and DEU Announcements?
Passwords, ID's, and Logging In
- When I click "Login to OARS" nothing happens (or: I get an error message that I need a browser that supports 128-bit encryption.)
- Is it possible to have multiple identities or more than one email address in OARS?
- What if I submit false information?
- I'm uncomfortable using my Social Security Number. Is there any way I can fill out an application without it?
- This is the first time I have ever registered in OARS and the system is telling you that someone already registered with my Social Security Number. How could this be?
- I tried to login using my email address and it doesn't work.
- I KNOW I put in the right password, and it doesn't work.
- I forgot my password!
- Why did you make this system so difficult to use? It should be more user friendly!
- Can I be automatically notified of vacancies as soon as they open?
- How do I unsubscribe from the email notifications?
- I unsubscribed from email notifications and I'm still receiving them. What happened?
- I elected to receive email notifications and I'm not receiving them.
- What cities and states do you hire in?
- What happens if I don't input a résumé into my personal information?
- How do I input my résumé into OARS?
- What information should I put in my résumé?
- Should I include the vacancy number of the job I'm applying for?
- What if I want to change or update my résumé?
- My résumé is too long. What can I do?
- How long is 16,000 characters?
- The word count feature on my word processor says my resume is one length, but OARS says it's much longer.
- What if I want to submit a better formatted résumé, a list of publications, or my curriculum vitae? Your system won't accept my fancy formatting.
- I would like to send you my application via email. Please put it into the job I'm interested in.
- If the system only accepts online applications, how do I send my transcripts or SF-50 or Veterans Preference Documents or CTAP/ICTAP documents?
- Are college transcripts required?
- Where do I enter my KASOC's?
- Do I have to answer questions for every job I apply for? Some of them have the same questions but different job numbers.
- What if I don't answer the vacancy-specific questions?
- The job I applied for had narrative questions in it that I had to answer online without formatting or spell check.
- Is there any way I can see which positions I have applied for? Can I find out the status of these vacancies?
- When filling out an application there's a question that I can answer either of two different ways. Which answer should I select?
- What's the difference between Merit Promotion and DEU Announcements?
- Can I make changes to my application after it's been submitted?
- How will my application be rated?
- Is my information rated instantly?
- What if someone lies?
- If I am not selected for a position, who should I contact to find out why?
- Does the system rate my résumé?
- Will I receive my rating via email?
- The announcement indicates there is at least one selective factor. What does that mean?