The Definitive Guide to Finding a Job With the Federal Government

Working For Your Uncle

Sample Glossary of Federal Terms

Working with the Federal government can be confusing, especially if you are just beginning to apply, or are applying to a different department or administrative branch. Many terms are used which are specific to governmental functions; you should be familiar with many of these terms to successfully gain employment in the government.

Here is a partial list of the glossary contained in our book, to help you get started.

  • Acknowledgment of Application Receipt: Possible preliminary governmental response to receiving an application. Provides no clues as to applicant's eligibility, but acknowledges receipt and advises if there are any problems with the applications.
  • active position: Position that opens up regularly.
  • affirmative action: Policy followed closely by the Federal civil service that requires agencies to take positive steps to ensure equal opportunity in employment, development, advancement, and treatment of all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or physical or mental handicap. Affirmative action also requires that specific actions be directed at the special problems and unique concerns of minorities, women, and other disadvantaged groups.
  • agency: Any administrative division of the U.S. government, regardless of whether its official name includes the word "agency," bureau," "department," or "organization."
  • agency affiliated: As an area of consideration on a Vacancy Announcement, means that applicants should be currently or formerly employed by a specified agency--generally the one issuing the announcement.
  • agency grievance system: System required of most agencies by the OPM to address employee grievances regarding those aspects of the terms of employment under the agency's control. It may be used by any employee regardless of type of appointment; however, employees represented by a bargaining unit (e.g., union) must instead use the grievance system of that unit.
  • announcement number: Special identification number appearing on each Federal Vacancy Announcement.
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