What Can Stop You from Getting a Federal Job? Top Dealbreakers Explained

Think landing a federal job just comes down to being qualified? There are way more surprises in the process than most people expect. Lots of folks who check all the boxes on paper still get turned down, and usually, it's because of things they never thought would matter.

For starters, even a small slipup in your application can get you instantly disqualified. Typos? Missing documents? Gaps in your work history you didn’t explain? The HR screeners aren’t guessing—they’re ruthless about the details. One overlooked field or unexplained gap, and your resume might never see a human’s eyes.

But it isn't just about paperwork. The background check goes deep. They look into your criminal record, financial history—even old credit card debt or past drug use can come back to haunt you. One quick secret: certain financial issues like a recent bankruptcy aren’t always dealbreakers, but hiding them sure is.

• Common Missteps in the Application
• Background Checks: What They Really Dig For
• Disqualifying Criminal Records
• Drug Use and Federal Hiring Policies
• Financial Red Flags That Matter
• How to Bounce Back and Improve Your Chances

Common Missteps in the Application

You’d be surprised how often people trip up on the basics when applying for a federal job. It’s not just a regular job app—the government has its own maze of rules, forms, and checklists. Mess up the details, and you’re out before your foot’s in the door.

The number one issue? Incomplete applications. Even leaving a single field blank on USAJOBS can kill your chances. Sounds harsh, but the automated system is strict: every spot needs an answer. Write "N/A" if something truly doesn’t apply to you, but never leave it empty.

Here’s a breakdown of other easy mistakes that get people disqualified:

• Typos in your personal info: A misspelled address or Social Security number isn’t just embarrassing—it can also mean your background check never gets matched to your record.
• Missing required documents: Most federal postings want proof, like transcripts, DD-214s for veterans, or specific certifications. Forget one, and you’re automatically out.
• Ignoring the questionnaire: Every job comes with a federal questionnaire. It double-checks your qualifications. If your answers don’t back up your resume, the screener will send you packing.
• Boilerplate or vague responses: Copy-pasting through your application might save time, but it screams “low effort.” Make sure your work history lines up exactly with the government jobs duties listed.
• Mismatched job history: Dates and duties have to match exactly with what the job asks. Gaps, unexplained shifts, or different titles with the same dates all raise red flags.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says about 22% of federal job applications get tossed because of missing documents or incomplete forms. The screening process is automated first, so if something’s off, a real person will never even see your effort.

Application tip: Before hitting submit, use the application checklist on the position’s USAJOBS page. And honestly, double-check your attachments—missing PDFs or blurry scans are surprisingly common reasons qualified folks get rejected.

Background Checks: What They Really Dig For

Applying for a federal job isn’t just about your skills or your resume. There’s a seriously detailed background check before you even get called for an interview. They can (and usually do) check way more than you’d expect, and if you’re not honest, it usually comes back to bite you.

Federal agencies dig deep because, frankly, they have to protect sensitive information and public trust. Here’s some stuff they look up:

• Criminal records: Even a minor misdemeanor that you forgot about can pop up. Some jobs have zero tolerance – no exceptions.
• Credit and financial history: Late loan payments, major debt, or bankruptcy could make them question your trustworthiness.
• Employment history: They call your old jobs, so don’t exaggerate your title or dates.
• Drug use: Expect questions about any drug use, and sometimes (depending on the job), a drug test.
• Social media activity: Yep, they’re looking for anything that might embarrass or discredit the agency.

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management:

“Federal background investigations are designed to determine a person’s suitability, trustworthiness, and loyalty.”

If something tricky pops up in your history, being honest from the start gives you a fighting chance. Trying to hide things is a fast way to get your application canned for good.

Disqualifying Criminal Records

This is one of the most common reasons people get knocked out of the running for a federal job. When you apply, you’ll go through a background check that pulls up every brush with the law you’ve had. Not all crimes are instant dealbreakers, but some are nearly impossible to get past.

Let’s get specific. Felony convictions, especially violent crimes, major theft, embezzlement, or anything related to national security, are usually automatic disqualifiers. If you’re applying for a role with access to sensitive data, even a decades-old conviction can pop up as a big red flag. For jobs that require a security clearance, they look at your whole criminal history—not just what happened in the past few years.

Misdemeanors aren’t always the end, but they can slow things down. Drug-related offenses or crimes involving dishonesty, like fraud, are taken seriously and could easily keep you out. The federal government is mostly concerned with crimes that suggest you’re untrustworthy or could be blackmailed.

• If you were just arrested but never convicted, most agencies will focus on convictions, not arrests—but they still need an explanation for that arrest.
• Expunged records sometimes still show up on a background check, so be honest about them when asked.
• Juvenile offenses are treated differently in some cases, especially if you’ve maintained a clean record as an adult.

For some jobs, there’s a clear list of “automatic disqualifiers.” For example, the FBI won’t hire anyone who’s been convicted of a felony, period. On the flip side, if your offense was minor and happened years ago, it’s worth applying—but be upfront and ready to talk about what happened and what you’ve done to move on.

If you’re not sure, check the job announcement for specific disqualifying criminal records. It’s usually spelled out for positions with high security clearance or where you’ll handle money, sensitive info, or weapons. If anything pops up during the check, they’ll ask for an explanation—so have your answer ready and stick to the facts.

Drug Use and Federal Hiring Policies

No matter how much the world changes, one thing about government jobs hasn’t: federal agencies take drug use seriously. Even if marijuana is legal where you live, the federal government still treats it as a dealbreaker in most cases. This is one of the top reasons applicants get rejected—people just don’t realize that federal rules often don’t match up with state laws.

Here’s how it usually works. Every applicant faces a tough background check that includes a drug screening. It’s not just about whether you’re using drugs right now. They ask about past use too, and they expect honest answers. If you lie and get caught, you’re out—instantly. The government often checks the following:

• Recent use of marijuana or other illegal drugs (typically within the last year)
• History of prescription drug abuse
• Past incidents of drug dealing or distribution

Certain positions—like those in law enforcement or those that require a security clearance—are even stricter. For roles with security clearance, it’s almost automatic rejection if you’ve used illegal drugs in the past six months. For some jobs it’s longer. Some agencies (like the FBI) ask about drug use going back ten years.

Curious how many people get tripped up here? Check out these 2023 stats from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management:

The safest play? Stay clean for at least a year before applying. If you’ve got something in your history, it’s better to be upfront than to hide it. Agencies will usually ask for dates, types of drugs, and how often you used them. They want proof you’ve changed—and your honesty actually counts for something here.

Financial Red Flags That Matter

Your financial history might seem private, but if you’re going for a federal job, it will get the spotlight. The government looks closely at your money habits because they want people who are reliable and not at risk of being blackmailed or bribed. So, it’s not just about having squeaky-clean credit; it’s about trust and responsibility.

Some financial problems will get you flagged fast. If you’ve had recent foreclosures, unpaid taxes, or large debts you’ve ignored, that’s a real issue. Unresolved delinquent debts—basically, money you owe that’s way overdue—catch the eye during the background check. Even just co-signing a loan for someone who defaulted could put you under the microscope if your name is on the paperwork.

• Unpaid federal taxes: If you haven’t paid Uncle Sam, expect trouble. Tax liens are a big red flag.
• Large, unexplained debts: Maybe you racked up credit cards or took out big loans and aren’t paying them back. That signals financial risk.
• Bankruptcy: This isn’t always an automatic rejection, but hiding it or lying about it is a big mistake.
• Collections & charge-offs: If agencies are chasing you or if you’ve simply walked away from paying, be ready to explain.
• Fraud or theft: Even a minor fraud case on your record is almost always a dealbreaker, especially for jobs involving money handling.

Now, here’s the thing most people don’t realize: the government cares more about whether you’re honest and dealing with your financial issues than about a specific number on your credit score. If you hit a rough patch—maybe you lost your job, had a medical emergency, or went through a divorce—being upfront about it is better than acting like nothing happened.

If you know your finances are shaky, start fixing things before you apply. Arrange payment plans, gather documents showing your efforts, and get ready to explain what happened. Honesty in your government jobs application process goes a long way. Even people with imperfect credit get hired when they show they’re working to clear up the mess instead of hiding it.

How to Bounce Back and Improve Your Chances

Did your last shot at a federal job eligibility end with a rejection email? Don’t let that be the end. A lot of people get turned down at least once, but it’s usually not permanent. The key is figuring out where you slipped up and taking real steps to fix it for next time.

If your government job application ran into trouble over paperwork, double check every section of your resume and the application portal for next time. Simple mistakes like missing fields or weak work history descriptions trip up even seasoned applicants. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says incomplete paperwork is the #1 reason applications get tossed. That means just slowing down and reviewing your documents line by line can raise your odds more than you think.

Got flagged by the background check? Find out if you can address or clear up the issue. For example, a minor criminal offense doesn’t always kill your chances forever, but you do need to show you’ve turned things around. If you’re dealing with misdemeanor convictions, agencies often look at the time that’s passed and what you’ve done since (like community service, steady work, educational courses, or counseling).

Worried about old financial red flags like bad credit or a bankruptcy? Here’s something most people don’t know: the feds typically care more about ongoing problems and whether you’re making progress. Pull your credit report, pay down any debts you can, and document your steps. If you’re in a payment plan, keep a record. Honesty pays off more than a perfect score because hiding stuff is a dealbreaker.

If you were denied due to drug use policies, the most important thing is showing time and distance from past use. Federal agencies often require at least a year without use, sometimes more. Get documentation or references from employers, counselors, or community leaders willing to vouch for you. Some agencies will even let you reapply after a set waiting period if you meet clean-living requirements.

• Request your full background check or denial feedback (it’s your right—use it to see what went wrong).
• Take certified courses, volunteer, or pick up jobs that build the key skills for your target government jobs.
• Network with people who work in federal agencies—many jobs get filled with referrals or insider tips on application best practices.
• Keep an updated checklist of federal resume requirements, since they change often and are different from private sector jobs.

Don’t count yourself out because of a single setback. Most successful federal employees faced rejections along the way but kept at it. If you fix the real issues and keep applying the right way, your odds keep going up every round.