The process starts with a posting on the USAJOBS website. Look up the keywords from the OPM manual for the position (a four number code like 0802 or 1601) and grade level (like GS-09). There are specific expectations for certain jobs and grades that may not be spelled out in the notice, and the first human to look at your resume will be an HR person that will have to use the OPM manual to rank the top several candidates. The hiring official will get the top several resumes (3 to 10 depending on the specific job) and may choose to actually conduct interviews. Generally, they don't like to actually conduct interviews because there is a perception that it allows more complaints, which slow down the hiring process. I had an interview by phone for one job I had applied for.
