Under most circumstances, who must an agency select first during the hiring process?

The selection of a CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan) eligible candidate who is well-qualified is appropriate under most circumstances due to the priority given to these individuals in the hiring process. CTAP is designed to help employees who have been displaced or are at risk of displacement within federal agencies. Therefore, when an agency has qualified candidates eligible under CTAP, they must be given priority consideration for available positions, ensuring that those who are impacted by workforce changes are first in line for employment opportunities.

In this context, a well-qualified candidate refers to someone who meets the requirements of the job and is deemed suitable based on their experience and skills. By prioritizing CTAP eligible candidates, agencies not only align with fair employment practices but also comply with federal regulations concerning displaced employees.

The other options, while they may have merits, do not typically take precedence over the priority given to CTAP candidates. For instance, while a candidate with a 10-point veteran preference may have advantages, the CTAP eligibility under certain circumstances takes precedence when addressing the needs of displaced employees. Therefore, selecting a well-qualified CTAP candidate aligns with regulations and supports workforce stability within federal agencies.