Non-Competitive Recruitment Sources
Under certain hiring authorities established by law or executive order, a hiring manager may hire candidates without having to go through the competitive process. Noncompetitive recruitment can be used as an alternative to posting a competitive vacancy announcement and can expedite the hiring process, especially for entry and mid-level positions.
Considering noncompetitive recruitment options before beginning the competitive process can allow for a more streamlined recruitment strategy. The following are some common noncompetitive hiring authorities you may consider and potential resources/contacts to obtain qualified candidates under these authorities.
Reach out to your servicing HR Specialist to discuss the various options using these authorities and for guidance in communicating with these resources. If you are conducting any outreach efforts as part of your recruitment, it’s important to collaborate with your servicing HR team member.
| Hiring Option | Description | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Hiring Schedule A Hiring Authority |
This excepted service authority is used to appoint individuals with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities to any position and grade level. Such individuals can be hired into temporary (1-year or less), time-limited (more than 1-year) or permanent excepted service appointments and may be eligible for conversion to a permanent competitive service position after two years of satisfactory service. |
→ Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for Students or Recent Graduates with Disabilities → To register on WRP and create an account: Employers - Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) → State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies → Local Colleges and Universities: Reach out to your local colleges and universities’ disability services office to learn how to best market and recruit students with disabilities. |
| Peace Corps Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and Staff |
Agencies can appoint individuals who have successfully completed qualifying service in the Peace Corps for up to 1 year following completion of the service o any position and grade level. Note: Must clear for displaced employees which is referred to as ICTAP through an announcement on USAJOBS in most cases. |
→ Employer Resources: https://www.peacecorps.gov/returned-volunteers /careers/employer-resources/ → Post vacancy to the free Peace Corps’ interactive job board: https://www.peacecorps.gov/returned-volunteers /careers/career-link/ → Participate/attend a career fair: https://www.peacecorps.gov/returned-volunteers /careers/employer-resources/ |
| Veteran Hiring | There are several noncompetitive hiring authorities for veterans with specific eligibility and appointment options. |
→ Special Hiring Authorities Available for the Appointment of Veterans → Veterans Employment Toolkit → VA Vocational & Rehabilitation Employment (VR&E) Coordinators: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) → Department of Labor resource to contact local Veteran Employment Representative → Hire a Vet | Business Center | CareerOneStop → Local Colleges and Universities: Reach out to the school’s veteran’s services or career services coordinator to learn how to best market and recruit veteran students on campus. |
| Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) |
Allows you to appoint eligible veterans |
|
| 30% or More Disabled Veteran |
Allows you to noncompetitively appoint eligible disabled veterans to any position and grade level. |
|
| Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) Program |
A work training program that provides eligible veterans with the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience. At the end of the training program, you can place the NPWE participant in a permanent position through a noncompetitive hiring authority. |
→ NPWE Resource: VA Non-Paid Work Experience Fact Sheet → Regional Offices Websites - Veterans Benefits Administration → To Learn about the NPWE Program: Learning to Earn: VA's Non-Paid Work Experience Program - YouTube |
| Spouses and Widows/Widowers of Certain Military members |
Allows eligible spouses and widows/ widowers of certain military members to be appointed without competition to any position and grade level. Note: Must clear for displaced employees which is referred to as ICTAP through an announcement on USAJOBS in most cases. |
→ Military Spouse Employment Partnership → Feds Hire Vets - Job Seekers - Spouses of Active Duty Military Members |
This list is not meant to be all inclusive. Additional resources may be available.