Careers at NASA
NASA is the United States civil space and aeronautics agency. Established in 1958, NASA's legacy includes momentous milestones like the Apollo moon landings and the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope. Aspiring to join NASA means readying oneself for innovative challenges in scientific and technological realms. Candidates often face stiff competition for roles ranging from engineers to researchers, requiring not just expertise but a demonstration of problem-solving and analytical skills.
NASA hires through the federal civil service process, so each vacancy has its own announcement with eligibility rules and qualification requirements. Positions can vary from STEM fields to administrative roles, each demanding a specialized skill set and an unyielding dedication to the agency's mission of discovery and exploration.
NASA Application Process
NASA civil service jobs are advertised and applied for on USAJOBS. The main stages are:
1. USAJOBS application
2. USA Hire assessment (for some roles)
3. Qualification review and referral
4. Interview
NASA Online Application
You apply through USAJOBS, using the link in the job announcement. The application requires personal information, educational background, work experience, and specific skills relevant to the desired position. You apply with a USAJOBS resume of no more than two pages, which should show how your experience matches the specialised experience listed in the job announcement. Resumes longer than two pages are rejected. Being thorough and accurate during this step is pivotal.
Applicants need to be mindful of the importance of this phase as it directly impacts the opportunity to progress further in the selection process. NASA emails you to confirm that you have applied, and your status in USAJOBS should show as Received.
NASA Online Assessments
The Online Assessments step is designed to evaluate a candidate's competencies against the requirements of the job. After applying, you may be invited by email to complete a USA Hire assessment. NASA says it evaluates non-technical skills such as attention to detail, teamwork and decision-making, using text or multimedia questions with multiple-choice or rating-scale answers. Results stay valid for one year.
Our practice tests are general preparation for this kind of assessment. They are not NASA's or USA Hire's own questions.
NASA Interview
If your resume is forwarded to the hiring manager you may be contacted for an interview. NASA says this may be a panel, in person, phone or virtual interview, and there may be more than one round.
To prepare for an interview, review fundamental principles in their field, remain informed about the agency's recent activities, and be ready to discuss previous experiences that demonstrate problem-solving and teamwork skills.
