Application Process

Before you proceed, please think about your readiness to apply and your preferences for a job in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.

• Before applying, you should consider the career track that best describes your expertise and experience and the type of jobs that interest you. (Visit Career Tracks to learn more)
• If you have worked for several years as a cybersecurity professional, do you know your primary cybersecurity specialization – called a technical capability in the DHS Cybersecurity Service? (Visit Capabilities to learn more)
• Do you want to be in a technical role or a leadership role, with responsibility for supervising the work and careers of others?
• When DHS lists specific opportunities, they are often associated with a primary technical capability. Before applying for such opportunities, you should consider whether your technical expertise is in the technical capability, since it will be the focus of assessments you complete to demonstrate your expertise.
• When DHS lists opportunities by career track, you will be asked to identify your primary technical capability immediately after applying. Your primary capability should reflect the majority of your cybersecurity technical expertise and experience. Your response will determine the focus of the assessments you complete to demonstrate your expertise.
• In limited circumstances you may also have a secondary capability, which you may also indicate in the application process.
• All applicants regardless of their experience will be assessed on their professional capabilities and, as applicable, leadership capabilities. Visit Resources to learn more about capabilities.
• Is there a specific DHS Component(s) or organizations(s) where you would like to work?
• Do you have a resume that is ready to submit?
• Are you ready to provide information about any academic degrees or professional certifications you might have?

Not ready to apply yet? Need more information? Email our recruiting team at cybersecurityservice@hq.dhs.gov with your questions.

Our application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Once you begin, you will have opportunities to pause or stop, and you can check your status anytime.

• Click apply under the career track that best describes you and the work you would like to do in DHS Cybersecurity Service.
• Create a login.gov account and a USAJOBS profile.
• Upload a resume.
• Answer some questions about your experience and ideal job.

• All applicants participate in a multi-phase assessment process, which varies by career track. This process may include some or all of the following:
  • Tests you must complete online;
  • Tests you must schedule and complete at an assessment center; and
  • Scenario-based interviews, conducted virtually or in-person at a DHS office.
• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any phase in the assessment process will have an opportunity to make such a request.
• Visit Resources to learn more about the DHS Cybersecurity Service assessment process and the capabilities on which you will be assessed prior to applying.
• Participate in final interviews.
• Meet the DHS team(s) that you might join and learn more about the specific work you might do supporting the DHS cybersecurity mission.
• We interview you – and you interview us!

• If you are selected for a job, you will receive a tentative job offer and an invitation to begin a rigorous background investigation process.
• Be sure to carefully complete the forms and actions outlined in the instructions you receive, which may vary depending on the security clearance required for your prospective job.

• Once you have cleared security, we will finalize your benefits and compensation package and make you a final offer.
• After you accept your offer, we will establish your first day of work in the DHS Cybersecurity Service.

Learn more information about our Application Process here.

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