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OARS Frequently Asked Questions
The Rating Process
- 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?
Q: How will my application be rated?
A: Your responses to the vacancy-specific questions for non-research positions are the basis for a numerical rating calculated by the system, in accordance with a built-in rating and ranking scheme.
Applicants to research positions will be rated and ranked on the knowledge, skills and abilities, and other characteristics (KASOCs) required to perform the duties of the position.
Q: Is my information rated instantly?
A: Yes. However, the rating will not be final until the closing date of the vacancy announcement. You may change your responses until midnight Eastern time of the closing date.
A: This is bound to happen in any system or application process. The hiring manager, in consultation with the personnelist determines the best-qualified candidates based on a review of each résumé and the responses to the questions. If anyone misrepresents themselves or their background, it will be discovered through verification of the information provided in their résumé and/or during the interview process. If an applicant's answers to the questions appear over-inflated or consistently inaccurate, the personnelist will go back to the hiring manager to ensure that the questions used are properly worded to elicit the kind of specific information desired.
Q: If I am not selected for a position, whom should I contact to find out why?
A: If you are found ineligible for a particular position, you will automatically receive an email explaining why you were ruled ineligible, signed by a personnel specialist. You may contact that Specialist for further explanation if you wish.
Q: Does the system rate my résumé?
A: No. The system rates you based on the responses to the vacancy-specific questions. Your résumé and any free text responses to the questions will be used to corroborate your answers to the vacancy-specific questions, as well as providing additional information to the personnel specialist and selecting official.
Q: Will I receive my rating via email?
A: No. The email you receive will only contain your responses to the questions for the vacancy you applied to. Your rating is determined by the system through the rating scheme for the position you applied for, and in accordance with the questions asked and response levels set in the system. These response levels make up the crediting plan for the position advertised, and are covered by the Freedom of Information Act as not releasable to applicants.
Q. The announcement indicates there is at least one selective factor. What does that mean?
A: Selective factors are basic capabilities that are in addition to what is covered in the basic qualifications questions and without which a candidate cannot do the job. These types of questions are used to eliminate or screen out candidates that lack these basic job requirements. Candidates who do not meet a selective factor are ineligible for further consideration.