Unlike the private sector, federal agencies are required to announce, rate, rank, interview/assess and investigate applicants before they can be selected. All applicants must be given consideration too. Additionally, before an announcement is posted, Federal Human Resources professionals and the associated supervisor must work together to define and describe the position with a long narrative and then evaluate the description against Office of Personnel Management standards. Then qualification and assessment criteria must be professionally developed.

Selecting an individual for a federal position is a huge investment too. Over the course of a 30- year career, selecting an individual for a career appointment can be a multi-million-dollar investment. Federal jobs are not gigs; they are careers where individuals make a commitment to public service. To ensure someone is the best candidate for the job, multiple interviews and/or screenings may be needed.