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Yeah, panic mode's over now. I got the phone message like 15 minutes after their offices closed for the night, and I went into "oh god how do I get to Alexandria on no notice whatsoever" mode. All better now.  I'm going to have to push for the phone interview, regardless of whether I can afford the trip. I checked over my work schedule, and I'm slated to give a research update presentation on the same day as the interview, so I can't go down there for it. At least, not on that day. Now that panic mode's over, I believe 'woohoo' is in order.
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Oct 2, 2010 19:55
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CherryCola posted:Welp, this is going to take like a month to fill out. In short, you'll still probably have to have contact info for the person, and if you don't, it might cause more problems. And yes, they wanted contact info from me for the people I put down. Even if it doesn't say so, they'll want a starting point other then a possible fictitious name.
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Oct 3, 2010 09:46
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11b1p posted:Has anyone ever taken the CBT for TSA. I giggle thinking what this test is going to entail next week. I started working for TSA like a month ago. Everything about the hiring process is easy (tests, interviews) but it can take a ridiculously long time to actually get hired.
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Oct 3, 2010 10:54
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CherryCola posted:Oh man, security clearance is such a pain. I can't remember the dates I worked every pithy little job over the last 10 years. Halp. That my help. I know I was going to fill one out when I was thinking about applying for a law enforcement job.
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Oct 3, 2010 11:04
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Eddain posted:I started working for TSA like a month ago. Everything about the hiring process is easy (tests, interviews) but it can take a ridiculously long time to actually get hired. How long did it take for you? I've been thinking about applying for some random podunk town in Alaska or out west if/when I exhaust my more college-degree-y type options.
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Oct 3, 2010 17:01
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Pompous Rhombus posted:How long did it take for you? I've been thinking about applying for some random podunk town in Alaska or out west if/when I exhaust my more college-degree-y type options. I sent in my application late March and was hired mid August.
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Oct 4, 2010 01:58
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I'm former Air Force. My discharge is honorable, but I did not complete my enlistment. How will the government sector look at this? Also, I interned with the FAA back in the spring for Information Security and I want to get a job with the Government. I have made a few contacts during my time.
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Oct 4, 2010 02:21
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Now that my fiance has a job with the IRS in DC, I'm trying even harder to get any job in the area so I can get out of my parent's house in Philly (working a temp job at $10.hr with no benefits). I've only had three federal job referrals in the last year, and all announcements were canceled. At least I'm able to use his address in the DC area on my job apps. I would love to have a federal job, but at this point I want anything since I see my student loans coming due next month. 
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Oct 4, 2010 02:51
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Eddain posted:I sent in my application late March and was hired mid August. That actually seems lightning fast compared to a lot of these jobs  By hired do you mean started working and getting paid, or just got a confirmed, written offer?
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Oct 4, 2010 04:21
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Want to hear something funny? I'm working as a delivery driver for a pizza place near NASA. Had an order late at night, brought it to them, with my resume. "New special tonight, a free copy of my resume with each order". The guy was sort of amused at first, but he was reading it when I left. That is likely the 3/100+ resumes/applications I have sent to the govt. that has ever been seen by human eyes.
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Oct 4, 2010 04:49
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seo posted:whats a programming job like? the area I want to move to is near an AFB and has a whole bunch of listings on use jobs. just wondering what the hours and stress load are. seems like in the private sector 45 hours/week is an expected minimum If you would be an actual Fed and not a contractor, then 40 hours is the normal. I can get credit hours if I ever need/want to work more than 40 hours in a week, but there is no expectation for me to do so. Stress is pretty low to non-existent as well. It's probably going to vary based on what agency the programming job is for, but in general it's nothing at all like the private sector.
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Oct 4, 2010 05:13
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They put me in the section with the web programming guys. They didn't have it stressful like the information security people. Most were pretty happy at their jobs.
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Oct 4, 2010 05:40
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Gravel Gravy posted:Want to hear something funny? I'm working as a delivery driver for a pizza place near NASA. Had an order late at night, brought it to them, with my resume. It's pretty hilarious that you're using the same tactics to get yourself hired in DC that aspiring screenwriters use in Hollywood to get themselves noticed. On another note, I'm moving to DC in about a week and a half to try to make it out there and find something. Anyone want to meet up at some point or another and share "it sucks being unemployed" stories? Perhaps a few of you gainfully employed folks can show up and assuage us with "don't worry, you'll get a job....someday" pats on the back.
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Oct 4, 2010 07:13
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Pompous Rhombus posted:That actually seems lightning fast compared to a lot of these jobs My official hire date was August 15th. I started working on the 16th.
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Oct 4, 2010 10:44
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quote:You need to grow a pair and request a telephone interview. That's what I did. I told them I didn't have time to go to Alexandria, and they didnt seem to mind. We set up a phone interview, and after a 30 minute phone call in my boxers I virtually had an offer. I wish I had your luck on that. I just got off the phone with them explaining the presentation, and I got an "absolutely not" as a reply to the phone-interview request. In-person or nothing. I got them to bump it back to Thursday, which is a start. At least I don't have to cancel the interview entirely, though. If they couldn't move it off of Wednesday, it was dead in the water right there. Bolt Bus looks remarkably cheap - thanks!
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Oct 4, 2010 14:23
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suboptimal posted:It's pretty hilarious that you're using the same tactics to get yourself hired in DC that aspiring screenwriters use in Hollywood to get themselves noticed. Gravel Gravy and I have had a few of these, they help...I think. But seriously check the goon meets thread, one goon has a movie night at his house every month that always ends up being a good time.
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Oct 4, 2010 16:35
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CherryCola, don't worry about it - if you miss something, they'll follow up with you and asked why you missed it. You're not expected to remember everything, but as long as you're honest about it they'll let it slide due to a memory disrespecancy. If you even DO have a call-out/follow-up interview, expect it to be at ease, but pretty thorough. For names, yeah. You want something. Even if it's only a last-known. They're proficient at following up, mind you. It doesn't matter how many international people you know, just whether or not you put them down, and how you know them. If you have any contact info, then put it down. If not, put down the reason why you don't have contact info. (I.E. I met them in school, same class, study group, etc, but did not use email). If they want to know more say 'sorry i've been out of touch with that person'. Worst case, they'll make you prove how you've been out of touch with that person. The #1 thing is to be honest. Like "imagine they're hooking you up to a polygraph honest" or "i am swearing this before a federal judge in federal court honest", because either one is always a possibility to happen as you move on (the latter is pretty likely FYI) If you honestly can't recall any of the information, not much they can do about it but take your word.
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Oct 4, 2010 16:59
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Skandiaavity posted:CherryCola, don't worry about it - if you miss something, they'll follow up with you and asked why you missed it. You're not expected to remember everything, but as long as you're honest about it they'll let it slide due to a memory disrespecancy. If you even DO have a call-out/follow-up interview, expect it to be at ease, but pretty thorough. Thanks for the advice. On the form itself there was nowhere to put contact info, but I just put how I knew the person in the additional info box. I should be able to find contact info for most of them pretty easily, though. I just sent all my stuff out today, so here's hoping the process is quick and painless! I'd even be okay with some pain as long as it's quick. hurrr edit: I JUST GOT A TEMP JOB FOR TWO MONTHS! Thank god, I'm not going to starve while I wait for this stuff. CherryCola fucked around with this message at 22:01 on Oct 4, 2010 |
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Oct 4, 2010 19:19
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suboptimal posted:It's pretty hilarious that you're using the same tactics to get yourself hired in DC that aspiring screenwriters use in Hollywood to get themselves noticed. This is no joke, before I started to try getting into the government I wastrying to become a screenwriter, but gave up because I heard about the bs they had to do to get noticed.
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Oct 4, 2010 20:02
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 I sent an e-mail to the HR rep asking whether the agency reimbursed interview travel expenses, and received back both a 'no' and an interview cancellation. I guess they don't much care for applicants asking questions.
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Oct 5, 2010 15:08
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Sundae posted:
Haha, holy poo poo, gently caress this job market.
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Oct 5, 2010 15:35
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Sundae posted:
Wow.
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Oct 5, 2010 16:32
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CherryCola posted:Thanks for the advice. On the form itself there was nowhere to put contact info, but I just put how I knew the person in the additional info box. I should be able to find contact info for most of them pretty easily, though. I just sent all my stuff out today, so here's hoping the process is quick and painless! I'd even be okay with some pain as long as it's quick. hurrr Congrats on the temp job! You're still in DC, right? Anyway, if you already mailed your forms, then it's literally out of your hands. But they operate on their own time. Sundae - I believe they're authorized to reimburse your expenses for it at least under GSA Schedules. USPTO doesn't seem to be having budget issues this year so  why they'd both say no and cancel your interview. Did you rub off in the wrong way or something?edit: Yes Pre-employment Interview Travel posted:The law (5 U.S.C. 5706b), authorizes agencies to reimburse certain pre-employment interview travel expenses of interviewees. Reimbursable expenses include most of the expenses payable to a federal employee traveling on official business. Specific information is contained in Subpart C of Part 301-75 of the FTR. FTR is Federal Travel Regulation, that is published in Chapters 300 through 304 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations if anyone asks. It includes (GSA determines the $; it varies by state. but each will be capped at a per-day. Like meals, you'd have a $70 meal allowance per day, including all 3 meals... anything over that and you'd have to submit a reciept and go through a rather long process, and $120? or so lodging, etc.) * meals and incidental expenses covered by the per diem allowance or actual expenses allowance; * miscellaneous transportation expenses such as local transportation system and taxi fares; parking fees; ferry fees; bridge, road, and tunnel fees; and aircraft parking, landing, and tie-down fees; * gasoline and other variable expenses covered by the mileage allowance for advantageous use of a privately owned automobile for official business; * lodging, hotels, motels, etc. ** - special restrictions apply for foreign travel or frequent travelling, DoD, and Department of State * Milage; - 36.5 cents per mile for privately owned automobile; - 97.5 cents per mile for privately owned airplane; and - 28 cents per mile for privately owned motorcycle. also extensively applies to those under the ADA - quote:Travel Expenses of Federal Employees with Disabilities—The FTR authorizes payment of certain additional travel expenses necessarily incurred by an employee as a result of the employee’s disability. Reimbursable expenses include travel and transportation of an attendant; cost of specialized transportation to, from, and/or at the temporary duty location; cost of specialized services provided by a commercial carrier; cost of baggage handling; and cost of transporting or renting a wheelchair. source: GSA(.gov), http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/content/policies_content.jsp?contentOID=115105&contentType=1006&PMTT=1/ Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 19:42 on Oct 5, 2010 |
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Oct 5, 2010 19:39
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Skandiaavity posted:Sundae - I believe they're authorized to reimburse your expenses for it at least under GSA Schedules. USPTO doesn't seem to be having budget issues this year so It wouldn't be the first time I'd rubbed someone the wrong way, but this would be a new record for the smallest number of words needed in order to do it. I have no idea. The only thing I can think of is that they maybe their thinking was "Eh, we needed to reschedule his interview AND he's asking about reimbursement? Screw that, we've got 900 other applicants for the job who are easier." That's all I've got. Oh well.
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Oct 5, 2010 20:01
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Well you were being pretty ridiculous. Why would someone applying for a job have money concerns? And why would you need time to travel to DC from your home just because they insisted on an in-person interview? God, man, don't be such a dick. But seriously that sucks. It's sad that there are so many applicants for every job that employers can pretty much do whatever the gently caress they want to us.
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Oct 5, 2010 20:05
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Sundae posted:It wouldn't be the first time I'd rubbed someone the wrong way, but this would be a new record for the smallest number of words needed in order to do it. Well, I had no specifics of your case. Try and keep dialogue open, shoot them an e-mail and ask why, since they obviously invested so much time in you in the first place. was there a misunderstanding and they thought you were local? or.. (the sneaky way to do it, is to go to the interview and then submit reimbursement claims after, or ask the secretary it as a last question or something - by GSA, I believe they have to follow that) Reimbursement shouldn't be a big deal at all for them, is what I was trying to say. Re-scheduling an interview is nothing special either. If you're at the interview stage you already bypassed 90% of the other candidates, it hardly makes any sense. Heck I know someone who just postponed their DOJ interview an entire month without a problem, and they called him for a follow up interview. (edit: Milage Varies, I suppose!) Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 21:05 on Oct 5, 2010 |
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Oct 5, 2010 21:01
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I'm pretty sure on my State interview, it mentioned that all this was on the applicant and no expenses would be reimbursed.
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Oct 5, 2010 21:07
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I feel like this is kind of a longshot, but here it goes. Does anybody have any idea what type of seasonal resource management jobs exist with the National Park Service (or even Forest service)? I'm looking at stuff in the area of Teton, Badlands, Glacier, etc. I worked interpretation at Wind Cave National Park last summer, and while it was a lot of fun, I'd rather try and do something pertaining to the degree I'm working on(Geosciences). The only type of resourse summer job at Wind Cave is invasive plant management, but it is also a really small park and I'm holding out hope that something might exist at one of the larger ones. Secondly, does anybody have any idea when summer season jobs for NPS start to get posted? I know for interp it is around December, not so sure for resource management.
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Oct 5, 2010 21:28
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Skandiaavity posted:Congrats on the temp job! You're still in DC, right? Yup! In fact, this job is pretty much the deciding factor on whether or not I get to stay here. So I'm pretty drat happy. I'm working at the same law firm as John Edwards' daughter, so that's pretty neat. AND the attorney I'm working with said that they could potentially keep me there until my clearance goes through. drat, it took a month and a half, but things seem to be really falling into place finally!
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Oct 5, 2010 22:25
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The TSA test was a joke. If anyone actually took 2-2.5 hrs to complete that then they probably couldn't even tie their own shoe. I got there late because of the rain. When I finished some guy went on break and asked how I did on the first part. I told him I finished he laughs and asked how I think I did. My phone beeps, with the contingent offer email, lol. "I think I passed" I say
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Oct 5, 2010 23:02
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Sundae posted:
As an FYI for future jobs, agencies usually only pay if they are doing a one week "megahire" in regional locations. And with an interview request that they reimburse for travel, they will usually send you a package asking for your bank account info, preferred airport and lodging information. I wouldn't necessarily read one as anything having to do with the other. You could also ask for a FOIA or Privacy Act request for your applicant package as to why your interview was canceled. It's a new Fiscal Year, so maybe your FTE was eliminated and the announcement canceled.
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Oct 5, 2010 23:27
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Sundae posted:
Could be something as simple as a mistake on position announcement and having to readvertise the position for legal reasons.
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Oct 6, 2010 00:58
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Does anybody have experience with public trust security clearances? I found this job on craigslist at the National Visa Processing Center in Portsmouth, NH and have been working with the recruiting agency that's doing the hiring. My clearance application was sent to the visa center a month ago, i know that it can take a month or so just to get the preliminary and the OPM works on its own schedule and nobody can speed it up. The recruiter has told me that i can get into the next training class as soon as my preliminary check clears, i'm just beginning to get anxious. I've pasted some info the recruiter sent me, and if anybody's interested i can post a link to the agency i've been working with. She's told me they're always looking for more second shift people so maybe they're still hiring? quote:Visa Processing Specialist Duties:
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Oct 6, 2010 05:32
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11b1p posted:The TSA test was a joke. If anyone actually took 2-2.5 hrs to complete that then they probably couldn't even tie their own shoe. I actually know of some people who couldn't pass the x-ray portion. Some people just can't make anything of the images.
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Oct 6, 2010 08:43
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CherryCola - Congrats! D.C. law firms are always a fun place to hang around. They'll never be out of business, that's for sure. TCD - Note I said "special exceptions for DoS" - that's actually written in the law. State are the lucky guys, seems they get to do whatever...
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Oct 6, 2010 15:53
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How many of you have had success with getting paid internships? I was talking to a recruiting federal jobs recruiting representative and she said that most of them aren't listed on the USA jobs website.
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Oct 7, 2010 00:05
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psydude posted:How many of you have had success with getting paid internships? I was talking to a recruiting federal jobs recruiting representative and she said that most of them aren't listed on the USA jobs website. I've a paid internship as a GS-11. Job hunters should search using the term FCIP (Federal Career Intern Program). It's a controversial program as it gives greater higher flexibility to agencies and bring in quality talent from outside the Fed expeditiously. After the expiration of the internship one has a good chance of converting to permanent. As far as I know these positions aren't typically listed on USAJOBS, but you can find some there. I found out about mine through a university announcement and word of mouth. Having contacts to get you in the door helps.
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Oct 7, 2010 00:35
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Rip Testes posted:I've a paid internship as a GS-11. Job hunters should search using the term FCIP (Federal Career Intern Program). It's a controversial program as it gives greater higher flexibility to agencies and bring in quality talent from outside the Fed expeditiously. After the expiration of the internship one has a good chance of converting to permanent. As far as I know these positions aren't typically listed on USAJOBS, but you can find some there. I found out about mine through a university announcement and word of mouth. Having contacts to get you in the door helps. To be fair not all of FCIP are really internships; You really work the full job while being in FCIP to give it more of a probationary status more than anything.
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Oct 7, 2010 01:34
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Homie S posted:To be fair not all of FCIP are really internships; You really work the full job while being in FCIP to give it more of a probationary status more than anything. True, but that's the beauty of it. A full paying job advertised as an internship. One can quibble about whether it's an internship or not, but if the goal is to end up with a job in the Fed this is an excellent route to pursue.
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Oct 7, 2010 02:41
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Rip Testes posted:True, but that's the beauty of it. A full paying job advertised as an internship. One can quibble about whether it's an internship or not, but if the goal is to end up with a job in the Fed this is an excellent route to pursue. Totally agree. I just consider a funny way of going about giving people jobs.
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Oct 7, 2010 03:00
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