Securing a position with the federal government, particularly within the Department Of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is a significant career step for many. The application process is streamlined through USAJOBS, the U.S. government’s official website for federal jobs. While creating a profile on USAJOBS is mandatory to apply for any federal government employment, including TSA positions, the initial steps might seem daunting. This guide focuses on a specific aspect of the application process: how to apply for Transportation Security Officer (TSO) and Security Support Assistant (SSA) positions without submitting a traditional resume.
For TSO and SSA roles, the TSA simplifies the initial application stage by not requiring a resume. This is a significant advantage, allowing candidates to quickly apply and move forward in the hiring process. Instead of uploading a resume, applicants can utilize USAJOBS’s Resume Builder to bypass this step effectively. Here’s a detailed walkthrough on how to navigate this process:
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for TSA Jobs Without a Resume
To successfully apply for TSO and SSA positions on USAJOBS without a resume, follow these steps within the application portal:
Step 1: Access the Resume Section and Choose “Build Resume”
After logging into your USAJOBS account and navigating to the application for a TSO or SSA position, you will encounter the Select Resume page. Here, instead of uploading a pre-existing resume, you should select the option labeled “Build Resume”. This option is designed to allow you to proceed even when a resume is not necessary for the specific role.
Alt: USAJOBS logo displayed on the application page, highlighting the ‘Build Resume’ option for applicants.
Step 2: Utilize the Resume Builder with Placeholder Text
Upon clicking “Build Resume,” the USAJOBS Resume Builder will appear. In the Resume Name Field, you are required to enter text. Since you are skipping the resume for this application, you can use placeholder text. Enter something simple and relevant like “TSO application,” “SSA application,” or even just “Blank.” After entering the placeholder text, click “Next” to proceed. This action signals to the system that you are using the builder but not intending to fill it with detailed resume information at this stage.
Step 3: Indicate No Work Experience and Education
The next sections within the Resume Builder are Add Work Experience and Add Education. For TSO and SSA applications where a resume is not mandatory, you can skip these sections. Locate and select the checkbox next to “I do not wish to provide work experience” and click Next. Repeat this for the education section by selecting the checkbox next to “I do not wish to provide education” and click Next. Finally, in the references section, select the checkbox for “References available upon request” and click “Finish”. These steps effectively create a minimal “resume” profile sufficient for the application system without requiring you to detail your employment history or educational background.
Step 4: Acknowledge and Save the Minimal Resume Package
You will then be directed to the Review Package screen. Here, you will see the minimal resume you just created. Review the acknowledgment statement and click the checkbox next to “I acknowledge that I have reviewed my resume and document(s).” Finally, click “Save and Continue”. This saves your placeholder resume and allows you to move forward with the remaining sections of the application.
Alt: Screenshot of the USAJOBS application Review Package page, showing the acknowledgment checkbox and ‘Save and Continue’ button.
Step 5: Complete the Remaining Application Sections
After successfully bypassing the resume upload, you will proceed through the rest of the USAJOBS application. It is crucial to complete all mandatory sections accurately and thoroughly. These typically include:
- Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are current and correct.
- Demographic Details and Personal Information: Provide all requested demographic and personal information accurately.
- Eligibility Questionnaire: This is a critical section, especially questions 15-18, which are directly relevant to the TSO role and assess your basic eligibility.
- Selective Service Registration (Question 18): Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service, and TSA policy mandates verification of this registration.
- Felony Disclosure (Questions 19-54): Answer truthfully and carefully to questions regarding felonies committed within the last 10 years.
Key Reminders for Your TSA Application
Before submitting your application, keep these essential points in mind:
- Review Everything: Carefully review all the information you have entered before submitting your application. Accuracy is paramount in government applications.
- Upload Required Documents: While a resume isn’t needed for TSO/SSA, ensure you upload any other documents specifically requested in the job announcement.
- Veterans’ Preference: If you are a veteran, remember to upload your DD-214 form to claim veterans’ preference, which provides special consideration during the hiring process.
By following these steps, you can efficiently apply for Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration positions like TSO and SSA on USAJOBS, even without a traditional resume, streamlining your path to a potential career in transportation security. Candidates who meet the initial eligibility criteria will then proceed to the subsequent stages of the TSA hiring process.
