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Betazoid posted:This is for the job I started a month ago. I still haven't been "hired." Grats on the new sectrans position, Pete
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Feb 22, 2021 07:03
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I'd love to have an hour with someone at the RRB just to ask them a ton of poo poo about their retirement system. I feel like a jackass asking everyone I take a retirement claim from, in the year 2021, "did you ever work for the railroad". But I have to, because they don't fall under Social Security.
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Feb 22, 2021 08:11
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GD_American posted:I feel like a jackass asking everyone I take a retirement claim from, in the year 2021, "did you ever work for the railroad". I think it would be impossible for me not to always end this question with "all the live-long day?"
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Feb 22, 2021 11:24
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So I'm 26, work for the Census Bureau as a grade 5 (permanent grade 4), and I occasionally see tech openings. I never got minor in comp sci, so would it be worth my time to buy classes for that? A permanent five or higher would be great, but I don't know if It is worth it. My dad keeps suggesting to do it, but I'd rather not without a second opinion. Any advice? I can obviously provide more info if that helps. Figure if nothing else that no one is gonna leap out of the monitor and smack me or something, so it doesn't hurt to ask.
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Feb 22, 2021 20:35
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It depends on what the educational requirements of the specific job are; if you’re looking at jobs that only require an Associate’s they’re viable closer to the present. In general, the answer to “should I go back to school” is almost always a yes at your age and career status. You’ll hit a very hard ceiling in federal employment without a degree of some kind. Full-time computer touchers can give you more specific advice, but when I was still in the networking/phone side it mattered more what certifications you had if you were entry level, like CCNA. Whatever you do, please for the love of god avoid for-profit colleges.
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Feb 22, 2021 20:48
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Oh I have a four year math degree, but was thinking I could just supplement it with a few more programming classes. The idea of getting some certifications might be good. Two or three of those might help. The A plus certification is still the most basic one right? I could start with that, them get two more, and that might be a good start.
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Feb 22, 2021 20:53
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thechosenone posted:Oh I have a four year math degree, but was thinking I could just supplement it with a few more programming classes. The idea of getting some certifications might be good. Two or three of those might help. The A plus certification is still the most basic one right? I could start with that, them get two more, and that might be a good start. If you have a four year degree, you should be trying out for everything under the sun, field-related or not. GS-4 is seriously underpaying you for your educational level. Edit- also yeah A+ is the first step, think Best Buy help desk level intro to computing. GD_American fucked around with this message at 21:07 on Feb 22, 2021 |
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Feb 22, 2021 21:02
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GD_American posted:If you have a four year degree, you should be trying out for everything under the sun, field-related or not. GS-4 is seriously underpaying you for your educational level. It could be worse! You could be GS-5 with a Master's Degree! Like me! 
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Feb 22, 2021 21:11
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Programming classes won't help you with tech support. Those are two different and pretty much non-overlapping career paths.
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Feb 22, 2021 21:14
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Well I figured as much, since with SAA I should be able to apply for grade 7 jobs, but they keep bouncing me off for even grade 5 permanent. I need to probably step up the bullshitting, and just start crafting a custom resume with parts of the job description in it. Probably impossible to get anything otherwise.
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Feb 22, 2021 21:30
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thechosenone posted:Oh I have a four year math degree, but was thinking I could just supplement it with a few more programming classes. The idea of getting some certifications might be good. Two or three of those might help. The A plus certification is still the most basic one right? I could start with that, them get two more, and that might be a good start. You're already qualified for IT Management Specialist jobs: GS-5: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. -OR- At least one year of experience in information technology related experience in the federal service or private or public sector demonstrating the following four competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication and Problem Solving. Specific definitions of each competency for each grade level is listed below. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/581378100 If you're willing to move anywhere (especially DC for higher grades) you shouldn't have any problem getting a job in the 2210 series given that you are already a Fed. You're lucky that a GS-5 position will be a promotion for you. Most people that are in your shoes are a GS-9 or GS-11 and are consider dropping down to a GS-5 to get into the 2210 series. Every agencies has 100s of 2210 positions so if you have good work ethic AND good people skills you'll climb the grades quickly by jumping around from agency to agency as soon as you get a year or two at a certain grade. It's a good plan if you feel like you've hit the ceiling at your current agency. grenada fucked around with this message at 21:45 on Feb 22, 2021 |
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Feb 22, 2021 21:43
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thechosenone posted:Oh I have a four year math degree, but was thinking I could just supplement it with a few more programming classes. The idea of getting some certifications might be good. Two or three of those might help. The A plus certification is still the most basic one right? I could start with that, them get two more, and that might be a good start. If you want to program, you probably took the right classes already to qual for a 1550 series computer scientist job too. “OPM” posted:Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. If that’s what you want, then you are correct that the only missing ingredient is learning how to write code and being able to demonstrate it in some way on a resume. But you meet the OPM qual already unless your math degree was real weird. If you just want “a tech job” that pays the bills and aren’t dead set on specifically writing code, then 2210 is definitely easier and if you manage to get a security plus, it should be a dead simple in and a paved road up to GS-11 to GS-13 depending on location. Personally, I’m 800 series (engineering), which is tech royalty in the federal government in terms of job flexibility. If you’re just really into the idea of going back and taking classes, OPM also has a similar “or take these classes” qual option for 800 series, but they’re physical sciences like thermodynamics or electronics, so I doubt your math degree included enough of those (unless, again, your degree is weird).
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Feb 22, 2021 22:16
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Dammerung posted:It could be worse! You could be GS-5 with a Master's Degree! Like me! Plus, as you point out, it is then not exactly thrilling being stuck at a level below the level you supposedly should have been hired at in the first place. BUT it is worth it ... at least for the first three years before you can hopefully escape.
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Feb 22, 2021 23:34
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I went back to school and got an associates in CS, then dropped from a 9 to a 5 to change career tracks. I auto promoted up to 12 then got my 13 2 years ago. I’m currently applying to every IT 14 listing that comes up. You absolutely qualify for a 2210 position off of your math classes. I would go for any that you can find, then do classes to qualify for 1550 series. Those are pretty sweet gigs, and since they have pretty strict requirements, there is somewhat less competition.
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Feb 23, 2021 02:10
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Dr. Quarex posted:I used to say the most reliable way to get hired in the government was to apply for jobs below the GS your education qualifies you for, and, well, that is probably still sort of true, but I think it increases your odds to like 5% from 1% or something. The big problem with this is that you can get trapped forever at a level too low for you since you can't apply to non-competitive postings that are more than 1 gs above your current level. If you take a 5 aiming for 12 but nobody ever posts anything below 9 you might be in for a bad time.
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Feb 23, 2021 02:32
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TheMadMilkman posted:I went back to school and got an associates in CS, then dropped from a 9 to a 5 to change career tracks. I auto promoted up to 12 then got my 13 2 years ago. I’m currently applying to every IT 14 listing that comes up. I wish I had done this but I waited too long to decide. By the time I really wanted to do it going from a 12 to a 5 wasn't really an option with a kid on the way. I went from a 9 to a 13 in less than 5 years but I really envy those in the "business" job series that easily switch between agencies. I feel like I'll probably be stuck at my agency for the next 25 years.
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Feb 23, 2021 02:35
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El Mero Mero posted:The big problem with this is that you can get trapped forever at a level too low for you since you can't apply to non-competitive postings that are more than 1 gs above your current level. I would only take another permanent federal position if it were the GS-11 that has thus far seemed impossible to obtain, as otherwise I can only assume I would end up as a 9 for another five years or something. Whereas it seems nearly every 11 promotes to 12 automatically, and a 12 is definitely more money than I know what to do with, so being THAT grade for life would be fine by me.
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Feb 23, 2021 03:46
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Dr. Quarex posted:I used to say the most reliable way to get hired in the government was to apply for jobs below the GS your education qualifies you for, and, well, that is probably still sort of true, but I think it increases your odds to like 5% from 1% or something. I mean, if it'll quintuple my chances, I'll be happy with it! It's a bit frustrating at times, but not because I'm super salty about not being a GS-9 or whatever I should theoretically should be. It is, after all, a job! El Mero Mero posted:The big problem with this is that you can get trapped forever at a level too low for you since you can't apply to non-competitive postings that are more than 1 gs above your current level. Are competitive postings still okay to apply for? My big weakness has just been a lack of actual work experience, so I figure any amount I get in the Federal government's gonna be good for me.
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Feb 23, 2021 09:25
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For some reason I’m classed as an 1801 series. I can sit at my desk and do paperwork or I can actually go out and be an LEO.
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Feb 23, 2021 23:19
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just applied for a general project manager job with GSA, sounds easy peasy. never applied for a fed job before. where's my pension?
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Feb 24, 2021 18:17
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jimmychoo posted:just applied for a general project manager job with GSA, sounds easy peasy. never applied for a fed job before. where's my pension?
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Feb 24, 2021 19:38
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Tip for everyone applying: Please name your resumes that you upload to USAJOBS something other than "resume". I spent the last hour of my life going through thirty+ PDF files that were all named "resume" just to retitle them to their applicant names. It was the only way I could even begin to organize applicants.
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Feb 25, 2021 05:02
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Dr. Quarex posted:Congratulations, you are hired! Here is your 50-year pin. Enjoy retirement. all in a day’s work 
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Feb 25, 2021 06:03
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sparkmaster posted:Tip for everyone applying: Please name your resumes that you upload to USAJOBS something other than "resume". Oh my god, of course it wouldn't do something like that automatically. I'm so sorry.
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Feb 25, 2021 06:09
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sparkmaster posted:Tip for everyone applying: Please name your resumes that you upload to USAJOBS something other than "resume". Huh interesting, I've always named mine for the job I am making it for, never occurred to me that they would stay the same. It really shouldn't surprise me though, as I have to rename anything anyone ever scans to me. I even tried emailing them with ex. "insert name" blue waffle.png, and gave up on that after about a week.
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Feb 25, 2021 06:19
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I only figured out the name you gave the file was transferred over after about 100 applications via "It Is A New Day, Oh Yes It Is." Genuinely surprised I did not choose a title with profanities honestly
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Feb 25, 2021 06:23
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Dammerung posted:I mean, if it'll quintuple my chances, I'll be happy with it! It's a bit frustrating at times, but not because I'm super salty about not being a GS-9 or whatever I should theoretically should be. It is, after all, a job! My understanding is that you're technically only limited by time-in-grade restrictions for merit promotion positions...There's a catch though. If you're at a GS-7 and there's a GS-11 position that opens you need to be qualified to do GS-11 work. The work you're doing currently is automatically assumed to be GS-7 (it's classified that way!). So the HR folks can only qualify you for the positions using experience that's outside of your current role - which is kind of a PITA to get. I've heard conflicting stories about whether taking on special projects outside your normal duties can count towards that experience or not. El Mero Mero fucked around with this message at 06:48 on Feb 25, 2021 |
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Feb 25, 2021 06:46
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Contracting job opened up, guess I'm taking the plunge. I'm not even interested so much in the 12 position as getting out of SSA before I become one of these slugs.
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Feb 25, 2021 08:14
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sparkmaster posted:Tip for everyone applying: Please name your resumes that you upload to USAJOBS something other than "resume". No worries, I've been there! I always call mine something like "[First/last name]'s resume." Is that good? El Mero Mero posted:My understanding is that you're technically only limited by time-in-grade restrictions for merit promotion positions...There's a catch though. If you're at a GS-7 and there's a GS-11 position that opens you need to be qualified to do GS-11 work. The work you're doing currently is automatically assumed to be GS-7 (it's classified that way!). So the HR folks can only qualify you for the positions using experience that's outside of your current role - which is kind of a PITA to get. Dangit, if I'm screwing myself over right now... well, I'm probably not gonna change much. I guess it'd be good to know. But I will feel pretty silly! Thank you for letting me know, it's definitely been an interesting experience so far.
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Feb 25, 2021 08:59
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Applied for an Investigative Analyst position. Glad I didn't BS around because it was one of those 50 applicant cutoff and it met that cutoff within a few hours. Also got an interview from the FDA from a position I never even receive a referral notice to.
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Feb 25, 2021 09:23
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GD_American posted:Contracting job opened up, guess I'm taking the plunge. slugification is real
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Feb 25, 2021 19:13
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We were sent a memo at the start of covid giving a 12 month extension to DAWIA certification, now my supervisor is saying they expect everyone to be certified on time. I have two DAU virtual instruction courses to complete in 30 days and nothing has any slots left. Should I start looking for a new job?
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Feb 25, 2021 20:17
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Wow, I just realized minutes before the phone call and the peak of an anxiety attack that it's been 10 years since my last formal interview. If I get selected after an interview like that then they must be really desperate to fill the role, jfc. I wouldn't hire me to sweep floors, much less lead a crew. The universal complacency of government work is both a perk and a curse I guess.
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Feb 25, 2021 23:17
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treat posted:Wow, I just realized minutes before the phone call and the peak of an anxiety attack that it's been 10 years since my last formal interview. If I get selected after an interview like that then they must be really desperate to fill the role, jfc. I wouldn't hire me to sweep floors, much less lead a crew. The universal complacency of government work is both a perk and a curse I guess. I just got a tentative offer for a job I applied to months ago that I completely forgot about, and definitely never interviewed for. Now, of course, I am not assuming the job will actually happen until I get the final offer or entrance date, though to be fair I have always had tentative offers lead to jobs before (I just know they do not always). But if this goes through, that would be 4 no-interview federal jobs out of the 5 I have had, which says a lot about how my impression of my interviewing skill lines up with my actual interviewing skill.
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Feb 25, 2021 23:58
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Dammerung posted:No worries, I've been there! I always call mine something like "[First/last name]'s resume." Is that good? Anyone who names their resume that automatically gets an interview as far as I'm concerned.
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Feb 26, 2021 00:05
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lwoodio posted:We were sent a memo at the start of covid giving a 12 month extension to DAWIA certification, now my supervisor is saying they expect everyone to be certified on time. I have two DAU virtual instruction courses to complete in 30 days and nothing has any slots left. Should I start looking for a new job? Usually being behind on DAWIA only prevents with in grade increases, promotions, and bonuses. It would only be a firable offense after extensive time on a performance improvement plan.
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Feb 26, 2021 00:37
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Dr. Quarex posted:Sounds like you, too, would benefit from applying for so many jobs that you occasionally get one without interviewing! That's been my experience as well and the reason I haven't actually had an interview since 2011, and that was for a private sector job in an entirely different field. I've never actually had an interview for a government job unless we're counting an Americorps stint I did back in 2006. I'd really like to keep the trend going but drat, not for this reason. I interview like a pro in my head a couple days before the actual interview, was on the debate team in high school, used to play live music, etc. but at some point in college I developed crippling performance anxiety and now I just freeze up halfway through a sentence and can't recover. It's not great for someone who is--and likes being--a career seasonal where bouncing between appointments and agencies is almost required. Thankfully it's something my government health insurance can probably help fix and this might be the kick in the rear end I need to actually do something about it. Hook your boy up with a benzo habit, uncle Sam.  Sorry to indulge in my e/n poo poo. Back on track, here are some govt. job seeking tips:
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Feb 26, 2021 01:51
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GD_American posted:Contracting job opened up, guess I'm taking the plunge. Yeah, I encourage newer employees, especially those that are slow as a slug, to consider the other agencies they might be better suited for. I am dead in the eyes but technically still all there and I just became one of the TSP millionaires so I'll be retired before Biden's first term ends.
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Feb 26, 2021 03:00
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Nutella posted:Yeah, I encourage newer employees, especially those that are slow as a slug, to consider the other agencies they might be better suited for. I am dead in the eyes but technically still all there and I just became one of the TSP millionaires so I'll be retired before Biden's first term ends. I think all but the most exceptional people will have their work ethic erode away after a long enough time with no expectations placed on them, and I already feel mine starting to slip. I could quit doing my job for a month and at worst I'd fall to middle of the pack in this office. I don't like it. The first week I have to go back to to an actual job is going to be hell. I need to get back into an office. This home poo poo is killing me.
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Feb 26, 2021 04:52
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I gamify it. The goal is to maximize my hourly rate based on time actually completing work compared to my total compensation. Some weeks I make doctor money.
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Feb 26, 2021 07:06
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