Hinting at an intense competition, the White House has said that more than 3,50,000 applications have already been received for these ‘politically appointed positions’.

"We're looking to fill several thousand politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch. We're already interviewing many for the upper level positions, but will be reviewing applications and making decisions on appointments over the next few months," the White House said in a posting on its official blog.

The blog further said that the recruitment process is "just for politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch of the government.

"These are positions that serve at the pleasure of the President and so are by definition temporary, not permanent."

Noting that the selection process would be very competitive and rigorous, the White House said, "We have received more than 3,50,000 applications to date for several thousand positions."

The applicants can upload their resume and provide all the necessary information, including the kinds of position they are interested in, in the online application form, which is estimated to take about 15 minutes, the blog posting said.

The post further said that the job aspirants should also "look at the many thousands of permanent career positions with the government", for which more information could be obtained at USAJobs.gov, the federal government's official job site.

The administration has already brought in applications submitted to Change.gov, Obama's official website prior to assuming the office of President, to the new database.

"President Barack Obama will make ongoing appointments for non-career positions throughout the federal government," the White House said on its website for filling these posts.

"This website will allow you to apply for these positions in the White House or any Federal Department, Agency or Commission. Some of these non-career positions will require Senate confirmation," it added.

Besides online submission, the applicants can also mail their paper applications to the Presidential Personnel Office at the White House.

The details asked for in the application include background information, work experience, resume, education, management experience, private sector experience, government experience, non-profit, academic and political experience, international experience, desired positions in the Obama-Biden Administration and references.

Those considered for a specific position would be asked for additional details, including financial disclosures, and would be subject to other reviews, including FBI background checks. "If the position requires Senate confirmation, the Senate committee that reviews nominations for that position may also ask you to provide additional information."

"The Obama-Biden Administration does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law," the application form says.