Employment FAQs

• What information should I include on my application and/or resume?

• Provide complete and detailed information about your qualifications so your application can be accurately evaluated. This includes:   Work Experience List all relevant paid, volunteer, and internship positions. For each role, include:
  • Job title
  • Employment dates (start and end)
  • Employer name
  • Instruments, equipment, or software used
  • Detailed description of duties and accomplishments
  Be as specific as possible to demonstrate your experience and skills related to the advertised position. Additional Information Include the following details:  
  • Employment eligibility status
  • Veteran status
  • Education (schools attended, degrees earned, graduation dates)
  • Licenses and certifications (include expiration dates, if applicable)
  Required Documents Attach all documents specified in the job posting.

• What can I expect during the application, interview, and hiring process?

• Application Review - The hiring manager reviews the submitted applications, resumes and supporting documents to determine which applicants best meet the minimum qualifications and additional considerations listed in the job posting. Applicants best meeting the qualifications will be invited for an interview. Formal Interview(s) - Panel interviews are conducted and can take place in person, virtually, or by phone. The format will depend on the position and scheduling availability. References - We will contact your current and previous supervisors to verify your work history, performance, and qualifications. Job Offer - If you are selected finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources. Background Check - A comprehensive criminal background investigation is completed on all selected candidates. More information can be found here: DFS Employment Conditions. The official start date will be established once the background investigation is complete.

• Are there additional steps for Forensic Scientist positions?

• For our Forensic Scientist vacancy postings, our first objective is to hire the most qualified Forensic Scientist (one certified in the forensic analysis of a specific discipline and certified to testify in court as an expert witness). If we cannot hire a qualified Forensic Scientist, we will re-evaluate the applicant pool for the trainee option. Recruitments that include the Trainee option often take longer than average to notify applicants of their status. This delay is due to several factors: Documentation Review - Applicants who appear qualified for the Forensic Scientist role are given time to submit supporting documentation. Two-Step Interview Process - Qualified Forensic Scientists typically complete a phone interview followed by an in-person interview. If a candidate is out-of-state or out-of-country, additional time is allowed for travel arrangements. Scheduling Constraints - The hiring manager and interview panel must balance recruitment activities with casework responsibilities and court subpoena obligations, which can create scheduling conflicts and delays.

• How can I check my application status?

• You can review the status of your application at any time by logging into your Virginia Jobs account at jobs.virginia.gov and checking the application status listed under the position for which you applied.

• Does DFS offer visa sponsorship for employment?

• No. DFS does not provide visa sponsorship. All applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.