General Application Information
Fairfax County's application process for merit positions (positions with benefits) is designed to identify the applicants that most closely match the qualifications and requirements for each position, and will, therefore, be the best "fit" for the job. Vacancies are very competitive, and the number of well-qualified applications received for each job announced is usually high—often in the hundreds.
We highly recommend that you visit our HIRING PROCESS OVERVIEW to learn more about the steps involved in Fairfax County's hiring process. Understanding the process may help you to be better prepared and more competitive.
Fairfax County's job announcements are updated weekly on Saturday. With very few exceptions, Fairfax County uses an online application system called AIMS for job applications. Resumes are not accepted by mail, e-mail, or fax unless the job announcement specifies otherwise. Jobs advertised are eligible for the county's full benefits package unless otherwise noted in the job announcement.
How AIMS Works
AIMS
(Applicant Information Management System) lets you store an
electronic version of your resume that is used to apply for
jobs at Fairfax County.
- On your first visit to AIMS, create an account for yourself. Decide on a User ID and password, along with a reminder question to help you if you forget your password.
-
Log in to your account and create your resume:
- Create a new resume by using the step-by-step Resume Builder in AIMS; or
- Copy-and-paste an existing electronic version of your resume (for example, from Microsoft Word). - Apply for jobs by clicking on Quick Apply, entering the job number, and answering a few questions.
- It typically takes a few weeks after a job announcement has closed for the hiring process to be completed. During that time, you can log into your AIMS account and click My Status to check the status of your application.
Related Links
- Frequently asked questions about AIMS
- Help for applicants with disabilities
- Help for applicants who need hands-on assistance with the application process (AIMS)
- Help for applicants without computer access
- Eligible List: what does that mean?
Fairfax County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.


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