From the applicant's perspective, the process is notably easier. First, it takes only an hour or two to complete a multiple-choice application. Second, because resumes and applications are submitted electronically, there are no photocopying or postage expenses. OARS also will e-mail registrants about new job openings in their areas of interest. Under the old system, the best way to find out about available jobs was by reading bulletin board postings outside the personnel office, Hosenfeld says.
Applicants can check the status of their applications online at any time.
Questions Are Key OARS has seen a considerable amount of interest from job applicants. As of late June, there were more than 11,000 registered users and the number was increasing by about 100 per day. It's like I died and went to heaven. For a GS-5 hydraulic technician job in Montana, for example, USGS might have received about five to seven applications under the old system. The same job recently posted in OARS attracted 145 applicants.