Returning Applicants

What To Expect

Applications for 2020 Census jobs have closed. If you have already submitted your application, you may still be considered for a limited number of positions for Post-Enumeration Survey operations over the next year.

Your application remains in the applicant pool for the entire 2020 Census cycle. Whenever the Census Bureau has openings in your area, your application may be considered, unless you ask us to no longer consider it.

Returning Applicant or 2020 Census Worker?

Check your status, update your information, or complete hiring documents by logging in to your account.

Job Descriptions

Post-Application Steps

Applications

You can keep track of your application status by logging in to your account.

Job interviews

An interviewer will reach out to potential hires to conduct a phone interview. Job offers are made verbally, but candidates will also receive a letter by email.

Job offers

Generally, job offers for field positions are made approximately 60 days prior to training.

If selected, you will receive an email with information on completing your fingerprinting, background check, and hiring paperwork. These steps must be completed to receive information about training.

If you decline a job offer you will be placed back into the applicant pool. If you decline job offers three times, you will be removed from the applicant pool. 

Background checks and fingerprinting

The Census Bureau performs background checks and reviews criminal records as part of assessing applicants’ past conduct and suitability for employment. All candidates who receive a tentative offer of temporary 2020 Census employment go through a pre-appointment process.

Your offer may be withdrawn if you do not pass the background check. The process can take several weeks from the job offer to your first day on the job. See 2020 Census Fact Sheet: Hiring and Background Checks for more information.

Training

Your exact time commitment for the paid training will be determined by the position and operation that you’ve been selected to fill. You will receive this information during your interview or by email. If you do not complete the training, you will not receive a work assignment. 

All 2020 Census field employees will receive mandatory COVID-19 training that outlines steps for staying safe while performing field duties.

Getting started

Selected applicants are officially hired when they are sworn in and have taken the oath of office. This usually happens on the first day of work or training.

Updating Your Application

You can update your application by logging back in to your account. Once you log in, you will see a button labeled "Edit Application." If the button does not appear, it may be that your application is not far enough along in the process to be updated. Please check back again later if you do not see the button.

To withdraw your application from consideration, call 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020) and press 3 to reach your area census office. You may also use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII.

Understanding Your Status

You will receive an email notification when the status of your application changes. You can also check your status anytime by logging in to your account.

The following are examples of a status you may see:

– Selected: Selected applicants are candidates who have been offered a job and accepted the offer. Selected applicants must complete the background check process and report to work before they are officially hired.

– Ineligible: There are a variety of reasons a candidate might be ineligible for a position. To learn more, contact your area census office at 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020) and select option 3 (or call  1-800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII).

If you believe your status is incorrect, contact your area census office for more information.

Having Trouble Logging In?

If you are having trouble logging in to your account - or for more information about updating your email address or password - please consult these frequently asked questions.